Competition Rules and Policies
Please review all Festival rules before registering. Registration confirms that the participant and parent or guardian agree to these policies.
Festival Mission
The Texas Vocal Arts Festival is designed to encourage artistic growth, celebrate achievement, and provide meaningful performance opportunities for singers of all ages and backgrounds.
The Festival emphasizes education, artistic excellence, positive performance experiences, and community engagement through music.
1. Eligibility
The Festival is open to singers of all experience levels. Participants may compete as soloists, ensemble members, or choir members.
There are no residency requirements. All ages are determined as of July 25, 2026.
2. Competition Divisions
| Division | Age |
|---|---|
| Junior A | Ages 6–9 |
| Junior B | Ages 10–13 |
| Teen | Ages 14–17 |
| Adult | Ages 18 and above |
| Ensemble and Choir | Open to duets, trios, vocal ensembles, and choirs of all ages |
3. Competition Categories
Classical Voice
Art songs, opera arias, operetta, classical folk songs, sacred classical repertoire, and other classical vocal literature.
Contemporary Voice
Musical theatre, pop, jazz, contemporary commercial music, film music, television music, and related styles.
Ensemble and Choir
Duets, trios, vocal ensembles, and choirs. All languages are welcome.
4. Performance Requirements
- Each registration permits one performance selection.
- Contestants entering multiple categories must submit a separate registration and fee for each entry.
- The same selection may not be used for multiple entries by the same contestant.
- Solo performances must be performed from memory.
- Ensemble and choir memorization is encouraged but not required.
5. Performance Time Limits
| Division | Maximum Time |
|---|---|
| Junior A | 4 minutes |
| Junior B | 5 minutes |
| Teen | 6 minutes |
| Adult | 8 minutes |
| Ensemble and Choir | 10 minutes |
The Festival Committee reserves the right to stop performances that exceed the published time limits.
6. Accompaniment Policies
Classical Voice
Contestants may perform with a live piano accompanist or a pre-recorded accompaniment track. Contestants may bring their own accompanist.
Contemporary Voice
Pre-recorded accompaniment tracks are required.
Ensemble and Choir
Pre-recorded accompaniment tracks are permitted. All accompaniment tracks must be submitted by the published deadline.
7. Repertoire Policies
- Transposition is permitted.
- Edited or shortened Musical Theatre selections are permitted when musically coherent.
- There are no language restrictions.
- The Festival reserves the right to reject repertoire deemed inappropriate for a family-friendly event.
8. Judging
Performances will be evaluated by qualified voice professionals, educators, and performing artists.
Evaluation may include vocal technique, musical accuracy, interpretation, stage presence, communication, and overall artistic impression.
All contestants will receive written adjudication comments.
9. Awards
The Festival recognizes achievement, growth, artistry, and performance excellence.
- First Prize
- Second Prize
- Third Prize
- Honorable Mention
- Special Awards
- Audience Favorite Singer Award
Total awards and prizes exceed $3,000. The Festival reserves the right to withhold awards when judges determine that award standards have not been met.
10. Award Levels
| Score | Award Level |
|---|---|
| 95–100 | First Prize |
| 90–94 | Second Prize |
| 85–89 | Third Prize |
| 80–84 | Honorable Mention |
| Below 80 | Participation Recognition |
11. Gala Showcase
The Gala Showcase Concert and Awards Ceremony will take place on July 31, 2026, at Courtyard Theater in Downtown Plano, Texas.
Selected participants may be invited to perform based on artistic excellence, stage presence, program balance, repertoire variety, audience engagement, and overall concert effectiveness.
Receiving an award does not automatically guarantee Gala participation.
12. Audience Favorite Singer Award
The Audience Favorite Singer Award is determined through audience voting during the Gala Showcase Concert.
Only performers invited to participate in the Gala Showcase are eligible for this award.
13. Registration Policies
Registration is not considered complete until the registration form is submitted, required materials are received, and payment is completed.
- Registration Deadline: July 15, 2026
- Accompaniment Submission Deadline: July 18, 2026
14. Refund Policy
All registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
No refunds will be issued for schedule conflicts, repertoire changes, illness, travel issues, or withdrawal from the Festival.
15. Media Release
By registering, contestants grant the Festival permission to photograph, record, and use images, audio, and video recordings for educational, promotional, archival, and marketing purposes.
No additional compensation will be provided for such use.
16. Festival Authority
The Texas Vocal Arts Festival reserves the right to interpret Festival rules, adjust scheduling when necessary, modify operational procedures, resolve disputes, and make final decisions regarding eligibility, awards, and Festival administration.
All decisions of the Festival Committee are final.
Ready to Register?
After reviewing the rules and policies, please return to the registration page to complete your entry.
Return to Registration