The Annual
National Art Song
Competition
Sponsored by
$1,000 in cash prizes!
The Vision
We believe art song is a treasure, often hidden from the community and that should be encouraged, appreciated, and lifted up. We believe competitions, in a positive and uplifting environment, can provide students with the invaluable experience of perspective, measurable goals, and rewards for hard work and dedication. The National Art Song Competition strives to combine these two aspects into a positive and healthy competition to reward students for their hard work and dedication with art songs.
Important Details to Remember:
Deadline for First Round (video submission): Dec 1st
Finalists (Live Round):
Friday, Jan 30, 2026* | 5PM to 9PM
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026* | 10AM to 2PM
Classical/Musical Theater Division:
Division 1: Ages 8-14
Division 2: Ages 15-18
Division 3: Ages 19-95
* If you have a conflict with the Friday evening or Saturday daytime, you are given a chance to do one that works with your schedule. Winners will be announced at the end of the weekend to allow your participation.
Criteria for First Round:
Classical Division
Division 1 (Classical)
Ages 8 to 14
Participants must submit a video recorded within 6 months of a performance of an art song in either German, French, Italian, or English. Video must be no longer than 4 minutes. All selections must be performed with accompaniment, memorized, and no a Capella entrees will be permitted.
Division 2 (Classical)
Ages 15 to 18
Participants must submit a video recorded within 6 months of a performance of an art song in either German, French, Italian, or English. Video must be no longer than 4 minutes. All selections must be performed with accompaniment, memorized, and no a Capella entrees will be permitted.
Division 3 (Classical)
Ages 19 to 95
Participants must submit a video recorded within 6 months of a performance of an art song in either German, French, Italian, or English. Video must be no longer than 4 minutes. All selections must be performed with accompaniment, memorized, and no a Capella entrees will be permitted.
Video recordings: Please state name and piece performing.
Judging criteria: Technique, language, artistry, and presentation
Non-Refundable Entrance Fee: $25 ($40 if you’re joining both classical/musical theater)
Criteria for First Round:
Musical Theater Division
Division 1 (Musical Theater)
Ages 8 to 14
Participants must submit a video recorded within 6 months of a performance of an uptempo or a ballad piece. Each piece must be 60-90 second cut with a total time no more than 4 minutes. All selections must be performed with accompaniment, memorized, and no a Capella entrees will be permitted.
Division 2 (Musical Theater)
Ages 15 to 18
Participants must submit a video recorded within 6 months of a performance of an uptempo or a ballad piece. Each piece must be 60-90 second cut with a total time no more than 4 minutes. All selections must be performed with accompaniment, memorized, and no a Capella entrees will be permitted.
Division 3 (Musical Theater)
Ages 19 to 95
Participants must submit a video recorded within 6 months of a performance of an uptempo or a ballad piece. Each piece must be 60-90 second cut with a total time no more than 4 minutes. All selections must be performed with accompaniment, memorized, and no a Capella entrees will be permitted.
Video recordings: Please state name and piece performing.
Judging criteria: Technique, language, artistry, and presentation
Non-Refundable Entrance Fee: $25 ($40 if you’re joining both classical/musical theater)
Criteria for Final Round:
Division 1
(Final Round)
Participants will introduce themselves and one piece. Red School of Music is providing an accompanist. Participants are welcome to provide their own live accompanist at their own expense. Participants may sing the same piece or choose a different piece to compete with.
For classical divisions: the piece must be an art song in either German, English, Italian, or French, no longer than 4 minutes total.
Division 2
(Final Round)
Participants will introduce themselves and one piece. Red School of Music is providing an accompanist. Participants are welcome to provide their own live accompanist at their own expense. Participants may sing the same piece or choose a different piece to compete with.
For classical divisions: the piece must be an art song in either German, English, Italian, or French, no longer than 4 minutes total.
Division 3
(Final Round)
Participants will introduce themselves and one piece. Red School of Music is providing an accompanist. Participants are welcome to provide their own live accompanist at their own expense. Participants may sing the same piece or choose a different piece to compete with.
For classical divisions: the piece must be an art song in either German, English, Italian, or French, no longer than 4 minutes total.
Prizes:
$100 Cash Prize
For First Places of Division 1
(Classical and Musical Theater)
$150 Cash Prize
For First Places of Division 2
(Classical and Musical Theater)
$250 Cash Prize
For First Places of Division 3
(Classical and Musical Theater)
Other Awards:
Runner Up
Honorable Mention
Audience Choice
Sponsorship Tiers
To become a sponsor, please email support@redschoolofmusic.com with your desired sponsorship level.
Platinum – $500
Your logo on all applications, advertisements, and flyers that would be sent out to local schools, high schools, and other universities, plus all lower-level benefits.
Gold – $350
2 social media shoutouts with a graphic design of your choice, plus all lower-level benefits.
Silver – $200
Full page ad in our digitized program, plus all lower-level benefits.
Bronze – $100
2 complimentary tickets to the Final Round of the competition and one e-mail advertising an event of your choice on your behalf.
Please note: All entrance fees are non-refundable and non transferable.
Live Round Tickets: $10/ticket general admission
Limited seating available, first reserved, first serve. Each competition finalist will receive one comp ticket to the live round. When tickets are available for reservation, all finalists and applicants will receive an email with the link to reserve tickets.
What is an art song? An art song is poetry set to music utilizing classical instruments and voices.
*If you have a conflict with the Friday evening or Saturday daytime finals date, you are given a chance to do one that works with your schedule. Winners will be announced at the end of the weekend to allow your participation.