To be eligible, you must be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior recommended by your choral director or vocal teacher. You may enter only one competition per school year or competition season, whether live or virtual. Please also read our eligibility requirements HERE.

FAQs Archive - Schmidt Vocal Arts

Q: What do I do when I enter the stage for competition?

Enter the stage with authority and move to the crook or the bend of the piano. Smile and then announce your name and your first selection. Please do not announce where you are from, your age, or your year in school. There will be no applause in the first round of the competition, so you will not need to bow. For the final round of competition, the audience will applaud. You should bow and acknowledge the collaborative pianist.

Q: Should I send my music in advance?

No, it is not necessary. Bring your music in a binder, clearly marked for cuts, on the day of the competition. Our pianists include some of the finest vocal coaches in the country and will most likely have played your repertoire before. It is important, however, that you provide, along with your application materials, the keys in which you will sing each of your pieces.

Q: Can I bring my own pianist?

Schmidt Vocal Arts provides a pianist for the day, and all participants must use this pianist. Individual pianists are not permitted.

Q: What is the dress code?

There is no hard and fast rule regarding dress. We recommend you wear your "Sunday Best." Formal wear is not necessary. Dresses should be an appropriate length for stage, as the audience is often below you. If you are wearing high heels, make sure that you can walk in them with poise. Bear in mind that your appearance will make an impression on the judges.

Q: What is the entry fee?

The fee to enter the competition is $45 and must accompany your application. If you need special financial consideration, please contact us.

Q: What time should I arrive to the live competition?

You will be assigned a time slot to sing which will be sent via email about two weeks before the competition. You should arrive no later than 30-45 minutes ahead of your time slot to sign in and warm up. However, we encourage you to be present at the beginning of the competition to meet and hear other competitors. This is not a requirement, but it is strongly encouraged. Time slots are determined by travel distance from the venue and the date your application was received.