NATS offers a cash award, plus a performance of the winning composition at a NATS Conference, to the composer of the winning song cycle, group of songs, or extended single song. Competition is open to any composer whose submitted work meets the prescribed requirements, and who pays the competition entry fee.

"The purpose of the Art Song Composition Award [formerly the Vocal Composition Award] program... is to stimulate the creation of quality vocal literature through the cooperation of singer and composer."
—Carol Mikkelsen, NATS Art Song Composition Award Coordinator

Download 2012 Art Song Composition Award Information Flyer

REQUIREMENTS
The work must be:

1. a song cycle, group of songs, or extended single song of approximately fifteen minutes in length (13-17 minutes acceptable);
2. for single voice and piano;
3. to a text written in English, for which the composer has secured copyright clearance (only text setting permission necessary);
4. composed within the last two years (after Jan. 1, 2010).

AWARDS

• 1st place - $2,000 plus the composer's expenses ($500 airfare reimbursement plus hotel) to the 52nd NATS National Conference in Orlando, Florida, June 29 - July 3, 2012 where the premiere performance of the winning composition will be given.
• 2nd place - $1,000

ENTRY FEE - $30 for each entry (payable in U.S. funds to NATS).

DEADLINE - ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 1, 2011.

PROCEDURE
Mail the following items to the ASCA Coordinator:

1. Three copies of the vocal-piano score(s). Copies must be neat, legible and clearly edited; manuscript pages must be stapled or bound together and should include: [a] composition title; [b] poet's name; [c] person or agency granting text setting permission; and [d] length and date of composition. THE COMPOSER'S NAME SHOULD NOT APPEAR ANYWHERE ON THE SCORE.
2. Three CD or cassette recordings of composition(s). Recordings may be performance or working quality, but must be with voice and piano. Titles of compositions only must be on recordings.
3. A sheet of paper containing: [a] composer's name; [b] mailing address; [c] e-mail address; [d] telephone number(s); plus permission to the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. to reproduce additional copies to facilitate judging and performance.
4. Mailing Address: NATS Art Song Composition Award, c/o Dr. Carol Mikkelsen, Department of Music, Valdosta State University, 1500 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31698

Questions? contact Dr. Carol Mikkelsen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or FAX: 229-259-5578

2010 Art Song Composition Award Winner:
David Sisco for Missed Connections

Please enjoy the performance of the winning composition of the 2010 Art Song Composition Award, with an introduction of the winning composer, David Sisco, by Carol Mikkelson. Missed Connections is performed by Elizabeth Mondragon and accompanied by Dr. Andrew Adams. You may view this video at http://youtu.be/loyND9gzvG0.