Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5 and 6, 2021, Texas Wesleyan Music Department is proud to host the TEXOMA National Association Teachers of Singing Artist Awards “Singer of the Year” Vocal Competition. Preliminary competitions are held regionally, and national semifinals/finals take place in New York City, January 7, 2022, with a wide audience of artist managers and industry professionals. Each competitor prepares 15 Art Songs and Arias for their audition.

"Throughout its history, the purpose of this [NATSAA] competition has been to select, through a series of elimination rounds on the district, regional, and national levels, singers whose artistry indicates that they are ready for a professional career and to encourage them toward that goal with a cash prize and the opportunity for performance engagements." - Edward Baird, Former President of NATS

Wesleyan Music Department Chair, Dr. Ilka Araújo, and Coordinator of Vocal Studies, Mr. Keith Critcher, are working closely with the NATS organization in providing a welcoming home for several competitors, collaborative pianists, nationally recognized Vocal Adjudicators, and the Regional Auditions Committee. Texas Wesleyan was selected as host based on Mr. Critcher’s involvement with TEXOMA NATS, our beautiful and acoustic Martin Recital Hall, and our prestigious Cliburn Steinway Concert Grand Piano. Mr. Critcher will also be accompanying three of the competitors. Finals will be live streamed from Martin Hall, Saturday afternoon 2 – 3:30 p.m. across the nation! GO RAMS!