Applications for this summer to open january 2026
ALL EVENTS on August 8 & 9, 2026 WILL BE HELD AT VALLEY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS In OAKLAND, CA
3500 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA 94602
(FORMERLY HOLY NAMES UNIVERSITY)
FREE Parking
For inquirIes, email: info@jtva.org
“This is one of my fondest competition memories - wonderful people and a great experience. So glad to be a part of this family.”
How to apply
All applications must be submitted through YAP Tracker. Applicants do not have to be members of YAP Tracker to apply.
The application form will ask for:
two video clips, no older than eighteen months, via YouTube.
a brief resume and current 100 word biography, including: educational and vocal study experience, performance history, current management (if any), and singing goals*
a current high resolution photo (300X500 pixels or greater)*
* Bio and photo will appear in the competition program for the selected finalists.
VIDEO REQUIREMENTS
All applicants must upload two individual videos via YouTube to their YAP Tracker application.
Vocal selections may be chosen from lyric theater (opera, operetta, musical theater), oratorio, symphonic vocal material, art songs, or traditional jazz and cabaret standards. Those hoping to pursue a career in a classical music genre should ideally include samples in more than one language.
Accompaniment may be live piano, self-played piano, pre-recorded piano track, or app-based piano. If applicable, please include the pianist’s name in the description.
Performances with orchestra/ensemble are acceptable but should feature solo singing. Do NOT send videos of entire operas or concerts.
The two videos must be uploaded separately, and the two in total must not be longer than 12 minutes.
Videos must be recent and no older than 18 months.
Those hoping to pursue a career in a classical music genre should include a sample in more than one language.
Each video must be recorded in one take, unedited and without recording enhancements, and sung from memory.
Video selections that do not meet these criteria must first be approved for submission by JTVA. Any questions about these video submission requirements may be sent to jamestolandvocalarts@gmail.com.
(Note: In the event you are selected as a finalist, you may be required to submit the same videos directly to JTVA for use in promotions and fundraising. You will be provided with detailed information and assistance on how to do this upon notification of finalist status.)
ADDITIONAL VIDEO RECOMMENDATIONS
To maximize the effectiveness of your videos with our judging panels, we suggest the following additional guidelines:
Resolution should be 720p or better.
Aspect ratio should be horizontal.
You should be facing the camera with your full body visible and filling about 2/3 of the frame for most of the time (occasional tighter shots are acceptable).
The video should be lit well enough to see your face clearly.
Audio should be clear and undistorted, with your voice predominate and little background noise.
who should apply?
The competition will offer prizes to seven singers. Rather than specific age or educational requirements, these singers are distinguished primarily by level of ability, vocal experience, and potential for a professional career.
The 2026 JTVA Vocal Competition is designed to support singers hoping to pursue a career in the vocal arts who are in the earliest stages of their professional development. Eligible applicants are promising singers seeking support for further study and career advancement. These singers are currently engaged in serious study (private or collegiate) of the fundamentals of vocal performance. Applicants may be working toward or have completed a degree in an undergraduate or graduate music program within the last two years or are currently completing their training in a Young Artist Program. Previous first place award winners in the JTVA summer competition are ineligible to apply.
OPEN TO ALL
There is no upper or lower age limit for this competition, provided the singer meets the general requirements.
Participation does not require a degree.
Singers are not required to be U.S. citizens to apply.
This competition is open to applicants irrespective of residency.
All applicants must be in compliance with the laws of their home country as well as the U. S. in regard to residency, visitation, and study.
“As soon as I was greeted, I could tell the JTVA Competition had a nurturing and welcoming atmosphere. The organizers did a fantastic job at ensuring the singers were familiar with their surroundings. The sound checks and warm-up spaces put us all at ease and made it very easy to get to know the other finalists. At every turn our needs were met and anticipated. I will look forward to returning!”
JUDGING
Preliminary judging of the videos by a panel of judges will narrow the entries to APPROXIMATELY 40-50 singers. Applicants will be judged on beauty of tone, musicality, language facility, and vocal-technical PROWESS, as well as musical skills, diction, dramatic interpretation, and general stage presence.
A second panel of judges will then select seven finalists for the in-person competition. These singers will be invited to the competition finals in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additionally, finalists will participate in a master class. Contestants will be responsible for their own travel. Out of area singers will be provided lodging and transportation assistance for the competition weekend.
At the finals, each contestant will perform two pieces for an audience and a panel of final judges, which may include conductors and artistic directors from Bay Area performing arts organizations. Vocal selections may be from lyric theater (opera, operetta, musical theater), oratorio, symphonic vocal material, art songs, or traditional jazz and cabaret standards. An accompanist will be provided and rehearsal time scheduled in advance. The top three winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the competition. All finalists will receive a cash prize of at least $2,500.
“My experience at the 5th JTVA Competition was absolutely fantastic from start to finish! What a treat to spend a weekend in such an encouraging environment, and with such skilled and professional colleagues! Receiving the Bell Encouragement Award is so helpful in funding my life as a young artist, and I’m so grateful to everyone at JTVA for their kindness and generosity.”
Prizes
Prize monies are as follows. Those not in top three will receive a Bonnie Bell Encouragement Award of $2,500
1st place $10,000
2nd place $7,500
3rd place $5,000 (Karen Reiter Award)
Audience Favorite Award - $2,000
“The inclusion of high-quality videos that we do not have to pay for right before audition season is an absolute game changer for young singers and I was so grateful to be able to use them for the following year. ”
“It was an unforgettable experience of my singing life and a total honor to be in this competition.
Living as a singer is not easy. We have to compete with others every time and be prepared to be perfect, so I was a little bit tired about the singer’s life. However, through this competition, the love from the audiences and people involved gave me a turning point in my thinking.
This competition is unlike others in that it is focused on enjoying singing and not competing with each other. Your words before performance, ‘It is all about you,’ really touched me. ”