Special Awards
More Ways to Be Recognized Through NSA
In addition to the cash awards presented to singers who place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in their National Student Auditions category, NSA offers special repertoire-based awards that recognize outstanding performances of particular composers and bodies of vocal literature. These awards give teachers and singers another reason to explore new repertoire and can be earned in addition to a singer’s regular NSA recognition or placement.
For the Classical Division, singers should be aware of two special opportunities when planning repertoire: the Gerald Ginsburg Repertoire Prize and the Roberta M. Stephen Memorial Scholarship.
Gerald Ginsburg Repertoire Prize
The Gerald Ginsburg Repertoire Prize awards $1,000 to a singer in the Post-High School Classical categories who performs at least one composition by Gerald Ginsburg during the National Qualifying, Semifinal, or Final rounds. Established through a $25,000 gift from the Herman, Rebecca, and Gerald Ginsburg Foundation, the prize introduces a new generation of singers and teachers to Ginsburg’s extensive body of vocal music.
NATS members also have access to a growing collection of Ginsburg songs in PDF and Sibelius formats, making it easy for teachers and singers to explore his repertoire and transpose selections when appropriate. A Ginsburg art song may also satisfy certain Classical category repertoire requirements, so teachers should consult the current Classical Category Guide when planning a singer’s program.
Explore the Ginsburg Music Library
Roberta M. Stephen Memorial Scholarship
The Roberta M. Stephen Memorial Scholarship recognizes an outstanding performance of a Canadian art song in the Post-High School Classical categories. This is one scholarship selected from across the six college-age Classical categories, making it a special recognition beyond the individual category placements awarded at Nationals.
Named in honor of Roberta M. Stephen, founder of the first Canadian NATS chapter and an accomplished teacher, composer, and publisher, the scholarship also encourages singers and teachers to discover the rich repertoire of Canadian composers. A Canadian Art Song Syllabus and resource center provides repertoire suggestions, recordings, publisher information, and guidance for selecting works appropriate to the singer’s age and development.
