Schmidt Vocal Arts Announces Fourth Annual National Competition!

The Schmidt Vocal Competition: High School Regionals are held annually in select locations throughout the U.S. for aspiring high school singers who will perform, learn, and compete for cash awards and scholarships. Singers receive written feedback from adjudicators who are part of the Schmidt Vocal Artist Network. Each competition features master classes with world-renowned artists. Competitors also become part of the Schmidt program alumni where they can network with others and participate in future alumni programming. 

In 2024-25, we are offering 15 live and 1 online regional competitions.  All first, second, and third place regionals winners are invited to compete at the third annual Schmidt Vocal Competition High School Nationals from May 30-June 1, 2025 in Sarasota, FL in partnership with Sarasota Opera. 

High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors recommended by their choral directors or vocal teachers are eligible to apply. Singers are only allowed to enter one Schmidt Vocal Competition per competition season, whether virtual or live. To compete and be eligible for cash awards, contestants must have a United States Social Security Number and must be United States citizens, Green Card holders, or have DACA approved status. 

Each competition is limited to 30 singers at each regional location. Please apply early via www.schmidtvocalarts.org!

CASH AWARDS - at each regional high school competition location (including virtual cohort)

FIRST PLACE - $2,500
SECOND PLACE - $2,000
THIRD PLACE - $1,500
FINALIST - $250
ENCOURAGEMENT - $100
MOST PROMISING SOPHOMORE - $100    

SCHOLARSHIPS
-Need-based scholarships to study voice at the university level (offered to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place singers)
-Merit-based matching scholarships are offered all regional finalists to attend the host institution (if accepted by school)
-Merit and Need-based scholarships are awarded to the Schmidt Vocal Institute

Singers may also use the competition as a live audition for the Schmidt Vocal Institute, a two-week long intensive summer program at Miami University of Ohio.