Adjudicators & Pianists
Serve as an Adjudicator or Collaborative Pianist
Entering students in a NATS Student Audition? Please be prepared to serve as an adjudicator when requested. NATS member-teachers who enter singers are expected to be available to adjudicate as part of their participation in the audition process.
NATS Student Auditions are made possible by the many members and collaborative pianists who share their time and expertise in support of student singers. Whether serving as an adjudicator or pianist, you play an important role in creating an audition experience that is educational, encouraging, consistent, and professionally supportive.
- Adjudicators are an essential part of the educational mission of NATS Student Auditions. Singers are evaluated using official NATS rubrics and established standards, with an emphasis on artistic development and growth. During preliminary rounds, adjudicators provide constructive written feedback that reflects the score given and helps singers and their teachers identify accomplishments and opportunities for continued development.
- Collaborative pianists are equally important partners in the audition experience, supporting singers as they present their prepared repertoire. Pianists participating in NSA auditions are expected to follow applicable audition and copyright requirements, including the use of authorized music.
Review the Documents Below to Learn More
Classical and Spiritual NSA DocumentReview the latest NSA guidelines by category. |
Commercial Music NSA DocumentReview the latest NSA guidelines by category. |
Musical Theatre NSA DocumentReview the latest NSA guidelines by category. |
Who Selects Adjudicators and Collaborative Pianists?
For chapter and region auditions, the Auditions Chair is responsible for assembling and confirming the adjudicator team and, when applicable, coordinating the collaborative pianist team for that particular event. Collaborative pianist arrangements may vary by audition, with singers or their teachers sometimes responsible for providing their own collaborative pianist. The Audition Chair will provide those serving with the procedures, expectations, schedules, and other information needed for the audition. Adjudicator training materials are available, including resources for specific NSA divisions and categories. If you are selected to serve, check with your Audition Chair for the appropriate training materials and any preparation required for your assignment. For the National Student Auditions Semifinals and Finals held each June/July, adjudicators and collaborative pianists are selected and coordinated by the NSA National Team.
Interested in Serving?
If you are a NATS member interested in serving as an adjudicator or collaborative pianist, complete the Interest Form below. Your information will help Audition Chairs and the NSA National Team identify individuals interested in supporting student auditions. Please Note: Completing this form indicates your interest in serving as an adjudicator or collaborative pianist; it does not constitute an assignment or guarantee that you will be selected. For chapter and region auditions, the local or regional Audition Chair determines and confirms adjudicators and collaborative pianists for that particular event. For the National Student Auditions Semifinals and Finals, the NSA National Team selects and confirms adjudicators and collaborative pianists. If you have questions, please contact nsa@nats.org.
Two Essential Roles. One Meaningful Audition Experience for the Student.
