The Student Auditions are divided into the following classifications based on a combination of age and years of vocal study for each student:
Minimum age for participation in the I-A and II-A divisions is 14 years old. To be eligible to participate in this category a student cannot have received a high school diploma and cannot have reached age 16 on or before October 10. Previous First Place Winners are not eligible to enter the category in which they won; but may advance to the next category.
Minimum age for participation in the I-B and II-B divisions is 14 years old. To be eligible to participate in this category a student cannot have received a high school diploma and cannot have reached age 19 on or before October 10. Previous First Place Winners are not eligible to enter the category in which they won; but may advance to the next category.
A college student's classification shall be determined by the number of semesters of vocal study (class and/or private) and not the present academic standing. Two semesters will be accepted as equal to one year's study, with 12-15 lessons considered the equivalent of one semester. This is for the benefit of those who are not attending school but are studying voice privately. The semester in which the student is currently enrolled will be counted in the total when determining classification.
All past college/university study must be included when determining classification, regardless of where or when the work was done. Remember, the number of credit hours offered does not in any way change the classification of the student.(For instance, if a student takes only 1 credit hour of voice for the semester, this still counts as a full semester in the total.)
Summer semesters of study will not be counted in addition to the regular long semesters in school. HOWEVER, should the student be affected by the age factor (see age limits below), then that student's age will determine the classification.
Any adult who is currently studying voice and is older than 22 as of October 10, may participate in the adult division. There is no maximum age limit for this division. There will be no competition in this division but critiques will be given. The purpose of this division is to offer critique to the serious older student who may not be eligible for participation in the competitive College or Graduate Divisions.