The National Association of Teachers of Singing celebrates the art of singing through a series of competitions and programs that are designed to showcase the talented singers and performers who are soon to be rising stars in the profession.
The National Student Auditions (NSA) are held annually between September and March. The top 5 in each regional category can progress to the national online round and beyond. In order to qualify for the regional competition, singers must study with a NATS teacher and compete at the chapter level with 3 - 5 songs depending on their category, in music theater and classical categories. Adult Avocational singers may also compete with the regional level being the final round.
The NATS Artist Awards (NATSAA) is held biannually in the autumn, with a live regional rounds where one regional winner progresses to the national live rounds. Singers compete with 14 art songs and arias. Ages range from 21 - 35 years old, and only in classical repertoire. The national competition takes place the following January in NYC.
The National Music Theater Competition (NMTC) was launched in 2011 as the first national competition for the emerging professional musical theatre soloist. NMTC has provided industry connections to past competitors and winners that have led to their success on Broadway and other venues. The biennial competition takes place in conjunction with the NATS Winter Workshop in New York City, expressly hosted in proximity to the music industry's top professionals.
The purpose of the Art Song Composition Award [formerly the Vocal Composition Award] program is to stimulate the creation of quality vocal literature through the cooperation of singer and composer.
NATS is finding ways to assist singers in locating and auditioning for Summer Programs and young artist programs. National NATS Summer Program Auditions (SPA) is a unified summer program audition opportunity
that allows singers to submit their application and video auditions in one place to be considered for multiple programs!
that allows singers to submit their application and video auditions in one place to be considered for multiple programs!