The National Association of Teachers of Singing offers an annual Art Song Composition Award with the goal of advancing quality vocal literature by promoting new works for singers. Compositions may be a song cycle, group of songs, or an extended song.
NATS offers cash prizes to the 1st & 2nd-place competition winners ($2,000 and $1,000, respectively), plus a performance of the 1st-place winning work at the 59th NATS National Conference in San Antonio, Texas, Dates July 3-6, 2026. Each entry is $30 for professionals; $15 for full-time students (payable in U.S. funds to NATS). 1st place winners receives $500 airfare reimbursement plus hotel. 
Eligibility
  • No restrictions on nationality or age
Submission requirements
  • For single voice and single instrument (neither synthesized)
  • Solo instruments, other than piano, may be used as the collaborative/accompanying instrument with the voice
  • One may not use piano and another instrument along with the voice.
  • The genre and style remains that of the art song
  • A song cycle, group of songs, or extended song should be approximately 20 minutes in length
  • 13 to 25 minutes is acceptable.
  • Genres other than the classical “art song” are discouraged.
  • Submitted works must be composed within the past two years (after January 1, 2024).