So, you want to apply? Great! Read on to learn how.

*Finalists will have approximately five weeks to arrange their own travel and accommodations for their live performance on February 12. If finances are an issue, please contact the SVA office.

Undergraduate Eligibility

• Singers must be currently enrolled in an accredited university, pursuing an undergraduate degree and majoring in voice performance.

• Unlike previous years, there is one division instead of two (lower/upper).
• Singers must be in their 1st-7th semester of study at the undergraduate level and not older than 24 years old on October 1, 2026. (Note: Singers must not exceed their 8th semester of voice if chosen for the live final round. )
• If you are a transfer student, you must count all semesters of vocal study, even if not at your current institution.
• Singers must have a United States Social Security Number and must be United States citizens or Green Card holders. F1 Student Visa holders are ineligible to compete.
• Past Winners: Singers who were named Upper Division Winners are not eligible to compete. Lower Division Winners are eligible to compete, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
• All final round singers must be present at the live final in New York City from February 12-13, 2027. If you are unavailable on those dates, please do not sign up!
• If you have any questions about eligibility, please contact competition@schmidtvocalarts.org before the application open date.

Undergraduate Application Requirements:

• Singers must complete the online application and upload a performance resume via our online portal.
• Singers must provide contact information of a current voice teacher or coach.
• Singers must pay the $25 non-refundable application fee. For special financial consideration, please email competition@schmidtvocalarts.org.
• Singers may apply on October 1, 2026 (starting at noon ET) and submit a video afterwards, but no later than November 2, 2026. All applications close on November 2, 2026 at 10:00pm ET.
• Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis.
• Written feedback from the adjudicators will be available to Semi-finalist and Finalist singers only.
• Finalist singers are required to attend the live Final Round in New York City at Manhattan School of Music from February 12-13, 2027. Only participating Finalists will be eligible for cash awards and scholarships.

Video Submission Requirements:

• Singers must submit YouTube links of two (2) video selections. The videos should be no more than 8 minutes in length total and should include a spoken introduction of the singer name and selection only (no ages, current schools, or teachers). Cuts are allowed.
• The two (2) video selections are required in all rounds of competition. However, only one (1) selection will be adjudicated in the Prescreen.
• If the total performance time of the combined videos is over 8 minutes, the singer will be disqualified. Spoken introductions do not count towards the 8 minute time limit.
• The vocal selection must be from the classical vocal repertoire (opera, art song, oratorio, etc.).
• Singers must perform with piano accompaniment, but it may be either a live piano or a recorded track, unless the chosen piece is meant to be performed without accompaniment (i.e. “The Singer” by Michael Head). Orchestral or instrumental accompaniment tracks other than piano will NOT be accepted.
• No audio or video enhancement is allowed. Recordings should be one full take without video editing. Note: External microphones are allowed.
• All selections must be performed by memory.
• Singers may use pieces that have been videotaped previously, as long as the recording was made within the past six months.
• Video submissions will be via YouTube link. You may submit as a public or unlisted link. An unlisted link is not visible to the public without the specific link. Please do not send a private, password protected link as the adjudicators will not be able to access the videos.
• SVA is not responsible for late or unsuccessful attempts to upload videos.
• Incomplete, corrupted, untimely, or unintelligible videos will be disqualified.
• If for any reason a singer’s entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost or otherwise corrupted, the singer’s sole remedy is to apply for next year’s competition, if eligible.
• SVA reserves the right to determine, at its sole discretion, which entries have satisfied the entry requirements.
• By entering, each singer represents and warrants that his/her/their entry is his/her/their own performance.
• Please make sure audio and video quality show you at your best!

Final Round Requirements

• Singers will be required to submit travel information by January 25, 2027.
• All Finalists are required to book and pay for their own travel to NYC. If finances are an issue, please contact the SVA office.
• Singers must arrive at Manhattan School of Music in New York by noon on Friday, February 12, 2027. Departures may be scheduled on Saturday, February 13 after 9:00pm or Sunday, February 14. LGA is the closest airport to MSM.
• Singers are required to submit their Final Round Competition Repertoire by January 25, 2027.
• Repertoire requirements:
• Singers should offer 4 contrasting selections from the classical vocal repertoire (opera, art song, oratorio, etc.).
• Requirements include:
• At least one selection in English
• At least one selection in either Italian, German, or French
• Other languages are also acceptable
• Singers will have 10 minutes to perform two selections in the live final round.
• After January 25, 2027, no repertoire changes are permitted.

Adjudication Criteria:

Singers will be adjudicated on the following categories:

• Beauty of Voice
• Technical Skill
• Career Potential
• Musicality
• Presentation
• Accuracy (Notes, Diction, Rhythms)

Need Based Funding

• Undergraduate Competition Winners may be eligible for Schmidt Vocal Scholarships, which provide need-based financial support throughout their remaining undergraduate studies.
• Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and are intended for students pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at an accredited U.S. college, university, or conservatory.
• Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.8 GPA and demonstrate continued progress toward their degree.
• Because these are “last-dollar” scholarships, funding is designed to help bridge remaining financial need after other aid has been applied.
• Students in their final year of undergraduate study (seniors) are not eligible for scholarship funding.