We believe that the classical singing community should be one big, happy family. That’s why we play so well with others.
Each partner organization brings its own unique blend of industry best practices, expertise, and experience to the table. This secret sauce of excellence mixed with Schmidt’s own recipe for success serves up programs guaranteed to satisfy your appetite for achievement.
HOST INSTITUTIONS
Host institutions offer more than just a temporary home base. They’re the hallowed halls where dreams are realized, and careers are launched.
Schmidt Vocal Arts thanks these Host Institutions for partnering with us in so many ways. Our Hosts provide advance intel about where to recruit participants. They help us iron out the logistics that surround guiding dozens of high school students and their families around a college campus. And most importantly, they allow aspiring singers to have access to grand concert halls that inspire and elevate their vision of what’s possible.
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
The University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a top-ranked creative and performing arts conservatory founded in 1963 as America’s first public arts conservatory. UNCSA celebrates more than 50 years of training wildly creative, gifted and hardworking young artists to do what they love, and do it brilliantly.
Matching Scholarships to UNC School of Music
Should you place among the top three winners at the North Carolina Schmidt Vocal Competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Pacific Lutheran University Department of Music
The Pacific Lutheran University Department of Music is a nationally-recognized center for musical education and performance. A talented, cohesive faculty of performers, composers and authors, drawn from the nation’s finest conservatories and universities, work to develop the whole person in the context of a caring academic community of outstanding students and enthusiastic audiences. The Department of Music offers more than 250 music artistic achievement awards each year to incoming students seeking to develop their skills alongside some of the most talented student-musicians and faculty members in the Pacific Northwest. You do not need to be a music major to receive a music artistic achievement award; awards are offered regardless of major. Music Artistic Achievement Awards and limited endowed scholarships are offered in renewable amounts ranging up to $7,500 per year and are in addition to academic merit awards.
Matching Scholarships to The Pacific Lutheran University Department of Music
Should you place among the finalists at the PLU competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to the Pacific Lutheran University Department of Music.
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Grow as an artist and professional in a tight-knit environment surrounded by the world’s best instructors and industry titans. Work closely with our all-star faculty to hone your technique and expand your artistry through private voice lessons, weekly one-on-one coachings, studio classes, and professional development courses to help you grow into a business savvy, well-rounded artist. Get to know San Francisco Opera from artists who work there on and off stage. Many faculty coach, direct and perform with the company as well as teach in the Adler Fellowship and Merola programs—some of the best young artist programs in the country. Students also gain access to rehearsals and numerous opera performances throughout the year.
Matching Scholarships to San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Should you place among the finalists at the Northern California Schmidt Vocal Competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to SFCM.
Baylor University
The Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Our students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service, and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, our students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture, and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce.
Baylor University’s School of Music is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Students who major in music enjoy small class sizes and personal attention both in and out of the classroom from faculty who are active musicians with a variety of specialties in research, composition, and performance.
Matching Scholarships to Baylor University School of Music
Should you place among the finalists at the Texas Schmidt Vocal competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to the Baylor School of Music.
Boston Conservatory
Matching Scholarships to Boston Conservatory
Should you place among the top finalists at the Boston Schmidt Vocal Competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to the Boston Conservatory School of Music.
Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University
Matching Scholarships to CCPA
Should you place among the top three winners at the Illinois Schmidt Vocal competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to Roosevelt University.
Georgia State University
The Schmidt Vocal Competition is pleased and honored to partner with the Georgia State University. Our ability to provide an exception vocal competition experience is reliant on our host institution partners. Georgia State University School of Music preserves, promotes, and advances the tradition of music past and future through performance, composition, education, and research in one of the most diverse universities in the country. Ranked number two in teaching and innovation in the country by US News and World Report, Georgia State University sits in the thriving downtown setting of Atlanta. Its global student body is a reflection of Atlanta’s international reputation.
Matching Scholarships to Georgia State University School of Music
Should you place among the finalists at the Georgia Schmidt Vocal Competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to the GSU School of Music.
Montclair State University School of Music
Those interested in pursuing a professional performance career often continue directly into graduate study after completing the undergraduate degree. The same is true of students interested in securing a position as an applied music teacher at a college or university. Some graduates create their own teaching studios and become vital and active teachers and performers in their communities.
Our faculty are seasoned veterans of the concert stage, whose careers have included performances throughout the world. They have performed with the New York Philharmonic, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony and at Carnegie Hall, the New York Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, New York City Opera and in recitals throughout the world. Their close ties with New York and international performing and teaching organizations offer students exciting connections to the most vibrant music scenes in the United States and abroad.
Matching Scholarships to Montclair State University School of Music
Should you place among the finalists at the New Jersey Schmidt Vocal Competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to the Montclair State University School of Music.
Miami University
The voice program at Miami University is grounded in applied study, our unparalleled liberal arts education, mentorship, and exceptional performance opportunities. Students train in the creative and academic environment necessary for growth as a singer, performer, and teacher. A flexible curriculum also allows students to explore other passions, or even double-major in a second area of interest, expanding their global outlook and strengthening their profile.
Our music education program boasts a 100% job placement for its graduates. Our vocal performance graduates are admitted to the finest graduate programs in the United States and abroad. Some graduates choose to become leaders in other fields of the arts industry. Whatever a student’s interest, Miami University guides students to develop the personal and professional skills needed for success in the 21st century.
Learn more about our Miami Opera Theater
Learn More about Miami University
Matching Scholarships to Miami University Department of Music
Should you place among the finalists at the Ohio Schmidt Vocal Competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to the Miami University Department of Music.
Palm Beach Atlantic University
As a comprehensive national university with almost forty percent of the student body coming from out-of-state, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is an interdenominational Christian liberal arts university that places a strong emphasis on academic rigor and community service through its distinctive servant leadership program, Workship. The School of Music and Fine Arts is dedicated to helping performing and visual artists cultivate their distinctive contributions to society through excellence in artistic expression, arts advocacy, redemptive storytelling, and transformational experiences. In addition to vibrant off-campus performances, a spectrum of wonderful concerts and events will take place on campus featuring the PBA Symphony, Symphonic Band, choral ensembles, opera workshop, Jazz, Chamber Music, Pop/Rock genres, Hispanic Heritage Festival, International Piano Festival, New Music Festival, faculty and student recitals, art exhibitions, and dance concerts to round out the university’s diverse and compelling season.
Matching Scholarships to Palm Beach Atlantic University
Should you place among the finalists at the Florida Schmidt Vocal competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Temple University
The Boyer College of Music and Dance seeks to provide an inclusive educational community that honors the uniqueness of the individual, values diversity of perspective, and affirms music and dance as central to society and culture. Our voice program provides a 21st century conservatory-level training for the modern opera singer. Students are trained to be competent and competitive in the diverse and evolving international opera industry.
Matching Scholarships to Temple University
Should you place among the finalists at the Pennsylvania Schmidt Vocal Competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to Temple University.
University of Utah
Voice students at the University of Utah graduate solidly prepared for professional performing and teaching careers. Our faculty of active world-class performers and scholars provide outstanding vocal training, a variety of performance opportunities, world-class choral ensemble experience, and a sense of community to students of all backgrounds. Along with our students, the faculty of the Voice Area share a strong commitment to the performance of works by underrepresented composers.
While at the U, students engage in a variety of academic and performance experiences that encompass opera, oratorio, art song, and choral literature, providing hands-on opportunities to learn vocal technique and stagecraft. To better prepare students for a rich life in addition to performing, recent additions to our offerings include a certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship and a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy.
Students receive outstanding vocal training and coaching from a distinguished faculty of active performers who balance careers with teaching. Our comprehensive curriculum guides singers to be versatile, creative and technically proficient on- and off-stage.
Butler University
MORE. This simple word describes the opportunities you’ll have at the Butler University School of Music.
In addition to studying music, our flexible curriculum allows you to easily pursue a double major, study abroad, collaborate with internationally acclaimed artists, complete a major research project, or teach in the Butler Community Arts School–all with the support and inspiration of Butler’s world-renowned faculty.
Couple all that with Butler’s excellent reputation, personalized instruction, and location in the vibrant musical and cultural community of Indianapolis, and you have a program that’s about reaching your career goals by pursuing your passions.
Matching Scholarships to Butler University
Should you place among the finalists at the Indiana Schmidt Vocal Competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to Butler University.
Chapman University
Chapman University’s Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music provides outstanding musical curriculum in a liberal arts environment. This educational experience prepares our students for vibrant and diverse careers in the music industry.
We offer state-of-the-art facilities and personalized education, and includes working closely with world-class faculty. Your teachers will be full-time faculty or adjunct instructors who have excelled in academics and performance.
Our faculty and alumni are also leaders in Los Angeles and Orange Counties music industries. They are an invaluable resource for performance and career opportunities for our students.
Matching Scholarships to Chapman University
Should you place among the finalists at the Southern California Schmidt Vocal Competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to Chapman University.
Northwestern University
May 28, 2025 Northwestern University Opera Theater dress rehearsal for Monteverdi’s “L’incoronazione di Poppea” in Cahn Auditorium.
One of the oldest degree-granting music institutions in the United States, the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University offers a unique education combining conservatory-level musical training with the academic benefits of a top-tier research institution. The school exemplifies Northwestern’s distinctive combination of outstanding achievement in scholarship and the arts. A Bienen School education provides students with skills and values—superb musicianship, a mastery of communication, a sense of discipline, a commitment to excellence—that will prepare them for success wherever their interests may lead. Students pursue degrees in performance and music studies as well as dual bachelor’s degrees.
The Bienen School’s voice and opera program has a long and illustrious history. The program offers a variety of courses that promote a strong technical and pedagogical foundation. Students receive weekly vocal instruction and have access to myriad performing opportunities, including opera workshops, vocal solo classes, master classes, studio classes, and recitals. Voice students are invited to audition for the school’s three fully-staged operas each year. Additionally, the world-class music-making and other cultural resources of nearby Chicago provide exceptional opportunities for learning outside the classroom. Bienen alumni fill the ranks of national and international opera houses and university faculties worldwide.
Matching Scholarships to the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music
Should you place among the finalists at the Illinois Schmidt Vocal Competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music.
Vanderbilt University
The Blair School is a professional, undergraduate-only music school where voice students can take advantage of outstanding liberal arts offerings and rewarding curriculum as part of the intellectual spirit and culture of Vanderbilt University. Our faculty is dedicated to teaching and to serving as role models for students through on-going involvement in performances in venues around the world. The countless opportunities at The Blair School, in combination with those at Vanderbilt, allow for a pursuit of a wide variety of interests in addition to a musical focus — often sparking the discovery of new academic and artistic passions along the way. At the end of their tenure at The Blair School, voice students demonstrate excellence in musical fluency and artistry, exhibit leadership as citizen artists, possess a foundation in communication, marketing and practical career skills, and have confidence in their preparation for what comes next.
Matching Scholarships to the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University
Should you place among the finalists at the Tennessee Schmidt Vocal competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University.
University of Missouri, Kansas City
Vocal Studies at UMKC is devoted to training your voice and enriching your relationship with music as a performer. You’ll have the opportunity to study the art of vocal performance with elite faculty, while taking advantage of studying in the heart of Kansas City and its creative communities.
The program offers degrees from undergraduate to doctoral, giving you the freedom to choose the focus of your musical education. In addition to the solo recitals you’ll present during your studies, you can take advantage of additional performance experiences through two main-stage opera productions each year, opera workshop scenes and one-act operas; choral ensemble concerts; workshops with guest conductors; and master classes with world-renowned singers including Sherrill Milnes, Carol Vaness, Amy Burton, Joyce DiDonato, Stanford Olsen, Diana Soviero and others.
Matching Scholarships to the University of Missouri, Kansas City
Should you place among the finalists at the Missouri Schmidt Vocal competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to UMKC.
Loyola University New Orleans
For over 65 years, Loyola’s School of Music has trained vocalists to perform in major opera houses and concert halls all over the world. Join the Loyola vocal tradition. Every singer works one-on-one with our renowned voice faculty in weekly private lessons leading up to a junior and senior recital.
Our faculty support student participation (and wins!) in the prestigious National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competitions and the Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions. Loyola is also a regional host of the Met Auditions.
Every year, voice students at Loyola have the opportunity to audition for and perform in a full-length opera as well as an opera scenes program. Students are not only immersed in the experience of learning and performing operatic repertoire, but they are also given chances to learn from visiting directors, choreographers, and even stage-fighting experts.
Matching Scholarships to Loyola University New Orleans
Should you place among the finalists at the Louisiana Schmidt Vocal competition, you may also qualify for a $4,000 matching scholarship to Loyola University.
Industry Partners
We get by with a little help from our friends. We’re proud to admit that we have a symbiotic relationship with these active and dynamic associations.
Our industry partners help us get the word out to their members about our news and events and also connect us with exceptional artists, educators and opportunities that bolster SVA’s programs.
