Classical

The 2026–2027 NSA Classical Category Guide is the comprehensive resource for singers, teachers, adjudicators, and Auditions Chairs participating in Classical auditions. It explains the philosophy and educational purpose of NSA, the OneAudition approach, singer eligibility, scoring and advancement, and the rules that apply throughout the audition process. Classical categories span Children and Youth through High School, Post-High School, Advanced, Adult Avocational, and Adult Non-Traditional singers, with category placement based on factors including voice type, age, grade, and/or length of study.

The guide also provides the detailed repertoire requirements for every Classical category, along with important guidance on accompaniment, age-appropriate repertoire, contrasting selections, memorization, allowable cuts, language, transposition, copyright, scoring, rubrics, video submissions, and Ineligible to Advance (ITA) considerations. Teachers should use the guide when determining both the correct category and the repertoire that will support their singer’s artistic and technical development. The guide also includes the biennial American Negro Spirituals categories and repertoire requirements offered during the 2026–2027 cycle.

Classical and Spiritual Category Guide All the details you need to know. Learn More

Classical (CL) Regulations Summary Art Song, Opera, Oratorio, and more! Learn More

Classical (CL) Categories of Entry Abbreviations and Terminology. Learn More

📣Summary of What's New in Classical (CL) in 2026-2027

• No Double Dipping - Singers entering multiple NSA categories (Classical, Commercial Music, Musical Theatre, and/or Spirituals) may NOT use the same selection in any other category including the American Negro Spirituals category. 
• When does my time begin? The time for ALL NSA auditions begins when the singer begins their slate. 
• Sing NEW Repertoire - Repertoire performed in the 2026-2027 National Student Auditions cycle should not be reused from the previous NSA cycle’s chapter, region, or national student cycle. 
• Teachers enter singers in the NSA Qualifying Round - Teachers will now be responsible for entering their singers in the NSA Rounds using AuditionNow. 
• The Art Song in English - For singers in the International Region from countries where English is NOT the primary language, any requirement for an English-language art song may be fulfilled by an art song in any official language of their country.