Applications for 2025 will
open in February 2025.
The 12th Annual Competition will take place in the Bay Area on July 19 & 20, 2025.
For inquires, email: info@jtva.org
“This is one of my fondest competition memories - wonderful people and a great experience. So glad to be a part of this family.”
How to apply
All applications must be submitted through YAP Tracker. Applicants do not have to be members of YAP Tracker to apply.
The application form will ask for:
two video clips, no older than eighteen months, via YouTube
a brief resume and current 100 word biography, including: educational and vocal study experience, performance history, current management (if any), and singing goals*
a current high resolution photo (300X500 pixels or greater)*
* Bio and photo will appear in the competition program for the fourteen selected finalists.
Applicants must indicate in which tier they would like to compete, and are strongly encouraged to select the tier that best represents their current status as a vocalist. However, if both tiers seem applicable, the applicant may choose both.
All applicants must upload two individual video clips via YouTube to their YAP Tracker application. Each selection must be sung from memory and accompanied by a pianist. The two videos must be uploaded separately, and the two in total must not be longer than 15 minutes. Do NOT send videos of entire operas or concerts. Videos should be recent and no older than 18 months. Each video clip must be unedited and without recording enhancements. Each selection should be recorded in one "take."
Vocal selections may be clips chosen from lyric theater (opera, operetta, musical theater), oratorio, symphonic vocal material, art songs, or traditional jazz and cabaret standards.
All applications must be submitted through YAP Tracker. Applicants do not have to be members of YAP Tracker to apply.
Those hoping to pursue a career in a classical music genre should ideally include samples in more than one language.
Competition Structure & Requirements
The competition will offer prizes to two groups of singers. Rather than specific age or educational requirements, these groups are distinguished primarily by level of ability, vocal experience, and readiness to begin a professional career. In some cases, singers may qualify and apply for both groups.
Tier I is for singers ready to embark on a professional career. This includes those who have recently completed undergraduate or graduate study in voice; however, this is not a requirement. Tier I is open to anyone who has studied voice extensively and developed substantial skill in vocal performance. Prospective competitors who are looking to make a "later in life" career change to the performing arts are also welcome to apply.
Tier II is for those studying singing at or near the college level. Singers who are engaged in serious study (private or collegiate) of the fundamentals of vocal performance should apply at this level. Competitors might be undergraduates or graduates studying music, vocal performance, or musical theater. Non-collegiate singers who have achieved comparable vocal development through private study are eligible.
Open to all
There is no upper or lower age limit for this competition, provided the singer meets the general requirements of either tier.
Participation does not require a degree.
Singers are not required to be U.S. citizens to apply.
This competition is open to applicants irrespective of residency.
All applicants must be in compliance with the laws of their home country as well as the U. S. in regard to residency, visitation, and study.
“As soon as I was greeted, I could tell the JTVA Competition had a nurturing and welcoming atmosphere. The organizers did a fantastic job at ensuring the singers were familiar with their surroundings. The sound checks and warm-up spaces put us all at ease and made it very easy to get to know the other finalists. At every turn our needs were met and anticipated. I will look forward to returning!”
JUDGING
Preliminary judging of the videos by a panel of judges will narrow the entries to APPROXIMATELY 40-50 singers. Applicants will be judged on beauty of tone, musicality, language facility, and vocal-technical PROWESS, as well as musical skills, diction, dramatic interpretation, and general stage presence.
A second panel of judges will then select five finalists in each tier for the in-person competition. These singers will be invited to the competition finals in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additionally, finalists will participate in a master class. Contestants will be responsible for their own travel. Out of area singers will be provided lodging and transportation assistance for the competition weekend.
At the finals, each contestant will perform two pieces for an audience and a panel of final judges, which may include conductors and artistic directors from Bay Area performing arts organizations. Vocal selections may be from lyric theater (opera, operetta, musical theater), oratorio, symphonic vocal material, art songs, or traditional jazz and cabaret standards. An accompanist will be provided and rehearsal time scheduled in advance. The top three winners in each tier will be announced and prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of each tier's competitions. All finalists will receive a cash prize of at least $2,000.
“My experience at the 5th JTVA Tier I Competition was absolutely fantastic from start to finish! What a treat to spend a weekend in such an encouraging environment, and with such skilled and professional colleagues! Receiving the Bell Encouragement Award is so helpful in funding my life as a young artist, and I’m so grateful to everyone at JTVA for their kindness and generosity.”
Prizes
Prize monies are as follows. Those not in top three will receive a Bonnie Bell Encouragement Award of $2,000
Tier II Awards
1st place $4,000
2nd place $3,000
3rd place $2,500
Tier II Audience Favorite Award - $1,000
Tier I Awards
1st place $10,000
2nd place $6,000
3rd place $5,000 (Karen Reiter Award)
Tier I Audience Favorite Award - $2,000
“It was an unforgettable experience of my singing life and a total honor to be in this competition.
Living as a singer is not easy. We have to compete with others every time and be prepared to be perfect, so I was a little bit tired about the singer’s life. However, through this competition, the love from the audiences and people involved gave me a turning point in my thinking.
This competition is unlike others in that it is focused on enjoying singing and not competing with each other. Your words before performance, ‘It is all about you,’ really touched me. ”