Shirley Rabb Winston Scholarship in Classical Voice

Scholarship Overview: Singers ages 16 to 22 who demonstrate exceptional talent and promise of success
Application Available: October 1, 2024
Deadline Date: February 1, 2025

Scholarship Details:

SHIRLEY RABB WINSTON SCHOLARSHIP IN CLASSICAL VOICE

An annual scholarship in honor of the late Shirley Rabb Winston, a mezzo soprano who had a long and successful career in opera, is available through the National Society of Arts and Letters to singers ages 16 to 22. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent and promise of future success. The scholarship funds are for private study, special training, or personal advancement in the applicant’s future careers.  Scholarship funds are sent to the institution, teacher or program selected by the scholarship recipient.

ELIGIBILITY:  The applicant must

  1. Send proof of United States Citizenship or Naturalization.
  2. Be at least 16 years old, but not older than 22 by March 1, 2025.
  3. Prior first place recipients for each age division (16-18 years, 19-22 years) are not eligible to reapply. Younger division winners may reapply once they reach age 19.

REPERTOIRE and APPLICATION

  1. Prepare a current, high-quality video of three (3) vocal selections from opera, art song or oratorio. Repertoire must be sung in three languages, one of which must be English.  Each of the songs must be contrasting in style, key, mood, and must be sung from memory.  Total video time must not exceed 12 minutes.
  2. Selections may not be edited, and the audio may not be enhanced. The singer should be clearly visible. Do not submit a recording of a prior performance.
  3. Upload the video to YouTube. Identify yourself by name only and introduce your song titles and composers.
  4. Complete (print or type) the application form. Be clear about your commitment to a vocal career. Specify your plans for further study, e.g., private study or other special training.
  5. Please include a current headshot and/or performance photograph.
  6. Send the materials by mail or email to the NSAL Chapter nearest your home or school by February 1, 2025. Include the completed application form, proof of citizenship and URL link to your YouTube video. See additional information below for Chapter contacts for NSAL New Jersey: NJ, Delaware & New England.

CHAPTER ADJUDICATION

  1. Qualified judges from each NSAL chapter will select a maximum of 2 performers from the YouTube auditions. Ideally one from each age group or your 2 finest singers.
  1. The auditions will be judged in two age groups: 16-18 and 19-22.

DEADLINES

  1. Contestant applications are due to chapters by February 1, 2025.
  2. Chapters must send only 2 finalists’ applications and YouTube audition information by mail or email to the National Committee Chair before the deadline of March 1, 2025.
  3. Winston Voice Scholarship recipients will be announced in April 2025.

Application Requirements: Video

Essay Details:

Prepare a current, high-quality video of three (3) vocal selections from opera, art song or oratorio. Repertoire must be sung in three languages, one of which must be English.  Each of the songs must be contrasting in style, key, mood, and must be sung from memory.  Total video time must not exceed 12 minutes.

Award Amount: Multiple awards

Award Details:

$16,000 in scholarships are awarded. The funds may be used for college tuition, but not for housing, travel, or personal expenses. Recipients have 15 months to use their scholarships.

Website/URL: https://www.nsalwashington.org/winston-classical-voice-scholarship

Scholarship Manager Information:

Contact Name: JUDY MARTORELLI
Contact Email: smartorielly@verizon.net
Contact Phone Number: 973-267-0952
Additional Contact & Submission Information:

Visit the URL for the application.
Send the materials by mail or email to the NSAL Chapter nearest your home or school by February 1, 2024. Include the completed application form, proof of citizenship and URL link to your YouTube video. See Chapter Contacts for addresses, phone numbers, and emails.

Additional Scholarship Information:

JUDY MARTORELLI, NATIONAL CHAIR
SHIRLEY RABB WINSTON SCHOLARSHIP IN CLASSICAL VOICE
52 Kahdena Road, Morristown NJ 07960
973-267-0952  smartorielly@verizon.net
NSAL New Jersey: NJ, Delaware & New England

Filters:

Eligibility: U.S Citizen/Permanent Resident
Areas of Study: Open to All, Arts (Visual & Performing)
Applicant’s Current Education Level: High School Student (9-11), High School Senior, College Student, Technical/Trade Student