The following rules apply to both Classical and Non-Classical applicants:

• Be prepared to sing two songs. See category for specific information.
• Each song must not exceed 3 minutes. This may require eliminating repeats. The fact that you do not sing a piece in its entirety will not be held against you in judging.
• Select pieces which are appropriate for your age and vocal ability. Please be sure your lyrics are appropriate for the family audience that will attend the gala performance should you advance to the finals.
• You will be judged on Artistry, Technique and Musicality.
• Please show your personality and character.
• Should you be selected as a finalist, the choice of song presented at the Spotlight Awards Concert will be at the sole discretion of the semifinal judges.

Non-Classical Voice

• All students will begin with a Preliminary One audition. Those scoring highest will advance to Preliminary Two auditions in December. Those scoring highest after Preliminary Two will advance to the Semifinals.
• Your songs may be in the style of pop, jazz, country, gospel, musical theater or foreign language songs.
• Operettas are not allowed.
• When choosing material, please look for songs that are known to "bring down the house' - crowd pleasers, show stoppers, or ballads with strong emotional content that build to a crescendo.
• You will be asked to sing one song in its entirety and a portion of your second. However, please be prepared to sing both songs all the way through, if asked.
• You may sing with a tape, CD or your own accompanist.

Classical Voice - Required Repertoire

Please prepare two songs: One from Category 1 and one song from Category 2 as numbered below. At least one of your selections must be sung in a foreign language.

Category 1. One art song/Baroque aria from the 24 Italian Songs & Arias Book (or subsequent editions) or any song written by one of the following composers:

Bellini, Cavalli, Carissimi, Chausson, Donaudy, Donizetti, Dowland, Handel (arias OK), Monteverdi (arias Ok), Pergolesi (arias OK), Rossini, Scarlatti, Tosti, Vivaldi (arias OK), JS Bach (arias OK), Beethoven, Brahms, Mendelssohn (both), Mozart, Schubert, Schumann (both), Strauss, Wolf, Bizet, Debussy, Faure, Franck, Hahn, Massenet, Poulenc, Ravel, Saint-Saens, Barber, Britten, Bernstein, Bolcom, Copland, Duke, Dougherty, Finzi, Foster, Haydn, Hoiby, Ives, Quilter, Purcell, Rorem, Vaughan-Williams, Da Falla, Granados, or Rodrigo.

Category 2. One art song, spiritual (suggested arrangements: Burleigh or Hogan), or aria from the standard classical vocal & operatic repertoire.

Arias must be in the original keys; Arie antiche and songs should be in keys suitable to voice type. You must know the literal translation of the pieces you will be performing. You may sing with a tape, CD or provide your own accompanist. Those scoring highest will advance to the semifinals.

If you have any questions, please visit Frequently Asked Questions or call the Spotlight hotline at (213) 972-3300.