Repertoire Guidelines
Repertoire selection is an important part of the educational experience of NATS Student Auditions. The 2026–2027 NSA Repertoire Guide provides the requirements for Classical, Commercial Music, Musical Theatre, and Spirituals, with specific expectations based on the singer’s category. Teachers should use these guidelines as a framework for selecting repertoire that not only meets the requirements, but is appropriate for the singer’s age, technical development, musical understanding, and ability to communicate the material authentically. Across the divisions, NSA emphasizes thoughtful, contrasting repertoire that gives singers opportunities to demonstrate a range of vocal, musical, and artistic skills.
Teachers and singers should review the complete guide before repertoire is selected and again before registration. Important requirements include choosing repertoire that fits the specific category and genre, providing the required contrast among selections, and avoiding “double dipping” — the same selection may not be used in more than one NSA category. The 2026–2027 guidelines also encourage singers to perform new repertoire rather than selections used in the previous NSA cycle. For singers advancing beyond the Region audition, the approved repertoire becomes especially important: once the qualifying event has concluded, the repertoire submitted and approved at the Region level may not be changed for the National rounds.
Below is a comprehensive 53-page guide, so don’t feel like you need to read it cover to cover—use the table of contents and go directly to the division and category that apply to your singer.
