African American Spirituals

Spirituals are an important part of the NSA Classical Division and are offered through two distinct opportunities that alternate on a biennial national cycle: the American Negro Spirituals (AS) categories and the Hall Johnson Spirituals Competition (HJ). Both are designed to support the thoughtful study and performance of the North American Negro Spiritual in a classical style. The guidelines distinguish this performance approach from gospel, blues, jazz, musical theatre, pop, and other contemporary styles, while allowing for the idiomatic diction and expressive traditions of the Spiritual. These categories are open to singers of all races who approach the repertoire sincerely and in the appropriate classical style.

Spirituals Category Guide Includes American Negro Spirituals and Hall Johnson Learn More

American Negro Spirituals Offered in seasons that conclude in June of an odd-numbered year. Learn More

Hall Johnson Competition Offered in seasons that conclude in June of an even-numbered year. Learn More

American Negro Spirituals

The American Negro Spirituals categories are offered nationally in audition seasons ending in an odd-numbered year, making them part of the 2026–2027 national cycle. Singers participate through their Region’s NSA, with eligible singers placing 1st–5th and meeting the required qualifying score able to advance to the National rounds. Three all-voice categories are offered: High School (AS 3), Post-High School 1–3 years (AS 7), and Post-High School 4+ years (AS 9). Singers prepare three or four selections, depending on category, from the approved repertoire and composer lists, with repertoire contrasting in composer, tempo, and text.

The guide also provides important historical context for this repertoire. It describes the American Negro Spiritual as music created by enslaved Africans in North America and passed through generations, carrying stories of faith, hope, suffering, freedom, and survival. NATS uses the term American Negro Spirituals intentionally to connect the music to the people who created it and to preserve the historical and cultural significance of the repertoire.

Hall Johnson Spirituals Competition

The Hall Johnson Spirituals Competition is offered nationally in seasons ending in an even-numbered year and is supported through the generosity of the Hall Johnson Estate. The competition is for post-high-school undergraduate singers, ages 17–23, in one all-voice category. Singers prepare three contrasting Hall Johnson Spirituals, and only works included on the competition’s approved Hall Johnson repertoire list may be entered. Like other advancing NSA categories, singers enter through their Region and must place 1st–5th with an eligible score to advance to the National rounds.

Both Spirituals programs require repertoire to be performed from memory, allow certain judicious cuts consistent with performance practice, and permit copyright-compliant purchased transpositions. The detailed guide includes authorized repertoire, performance expectations, diction guidance, and additional resources for teachers, singers, and adjudicators.