Alabama Music Teachers Association (AMTA) Auditions (piano and voice)
These auditions are for voice or piano students through high school age and are usually held in April of each year. They are composed of a Performance component and a Theory component (scales, arpeggios, intervals, cadences, etc.). Divisions are determined by the student’s age. Singers will perform 2-3 classical pieces from memory of contrasting styles. The entry deadline is generally two to three weeks before the audition date. Entry fee will be about $20, plus accompanist fee. A Ratings scale of: (O) Outstanding, (E) Excellent, (G) Good, and (N) Needs Improvement is used. State winners in each age division are invited to perform one selection on the winners’ recital at the state AMTA conference in June, and receive a t-shirt and nice plaque.
National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions (voice)
Voice students of high-school age or older may also participate in district and regional NATS competitions in art song (classical) and/or musical theatre categories. Students perform two to four selections from memory, depending on age and experience level. Registration fees are $10 per category entered, plus accompanist’s fee for each ($30-50). Students perform in a closed audition room for two judges, and the top singers in each category advance to the final round, which is public. The auditions are held in mid-February and location varies. This is also a wonderful opportunity to hear many other fine singers from all over the state, so I *strongly* encourage all entrants to stay for the finals concert. It has been announced that AlaNATS auditions will be virtual for 2021.
Other Competitions
There are several other competitions for more advanced singers, especially in the classical music category. These competitions offer the student a chance to win awards and recognition, and often scholarship or prize money as well. Please inquire if you are interested.
Due to COVID-19, many festival /audition/ competition events may be virtual for 2020-21.
Scheduling
The lesson schedule for the school year is usually finalized by mid-late August. I will prepare a master schedule which is posted online. Students who have studied at the studio the longest, have abided by the studio policies, and paid tuition in a timely manner will receive scheduling preference; however, it is not always possible to grant everyone’s time requests due to the complexity of scheduling demands. Upon registering, students reserve a spot in the teaching schedule for the entire school year. Students will be considered to be enrolling for both semesters unless notice is given in writing by December 1st that a student will not be continuing for the spring term. Please see “Termination” below. Emergency exceptions to this policy (i.e. job loss, major illness) will be dealt with on a case- by-case basis. Short-term lessons are also available at a higher per-lesson rate.
Calendar
The official studio calendar will be on the website, and can be accessed upon login. I update this calendar often with studio events, performance opportunities, and other items. Please check it frequently! I will also send a list of events that you can add to your family or smartphone calendar.