Tanglewood Music Center

2026 Application Requirements

• Online application must be completed by October 7, 2025 at 11:59PM Eastern.
• Applicants to the Tanglewood Music Center Vocal Arts Program must be between 18 and 35 years old as of June 26, 2026.
• Applicants must be available for the entire duration of the 2026 residency from June 26 to August 17.
• Applicants to the Tanglewood Music Center must submit an application, including a $75 application fee, via getacceptd.com/tanglewood.
• Applicants experiencing any hardship that they feel renders them unable to pay the application fee are asked to use this form request an application fee waiver.

Preliminary Round

As part of completing the application, singers will be required to submit:

AUDIO RECORDINGS

These must be live and unedited, consisting ONLY of audio recordings of the following two selections, which must be in contrasting styles:

• An art song (performed with piano)
• An aria (performed with piano or orchestra)

SUPPORTING MATERIALS

• A current resume
• A letter of recommendation from a professional musician other than one's current teacher. (Applicants should submit their recommender’s email address in their GetAcceptd application; the platform will provide a link for the recommender to submit the letter directly.)
• A complete repertoire list (not generalized or representative) that includes all works studied, indicating with an asterisk works that have been performed in public. Selections within each section must be alphabetized by the surname of the composer.
• Audio recording details, indicating titles and composers of the works performed, and date and circumstances of performance (studio recording, live performance recording, name of collaborator or collaborating ensemble if appropriate, etc.)

Second Round

Results of the preliminary round will be emailed to applicants by October 17, 2025. Applicants who advance to the second round of auditions will be sent instructions to schedule a live audition or submit a video audition. Live auditions are encouraged when possible.

REPERTOIRE

For the second round, candidates should present a total of FIVE selections:

• Three art songs in three different languages
• Two arias in two different languages

Note that:

• At least one selection must be in English.
• At least one selection must be written after 1980 and demonstrate ability in newer, more complex music.

LIVE AUDITIONS

Live auditions will take place in the following cities:

November 8, 9, 10: New York City
November 11: Boston
November 13: Chicago

Required Supporting Materials (Printed, 3 Copies):

• An updated resume
• A typed list of the five selections presented

Vocalists must have all the required repertoire and supporting materials prepared for the audition. The audition panel reserves the right to refuse to hear an audition if all conditions are not met; no refunds will be given. A pianist is provided at the audition, although you may bring your own if you wish.

VIDEO AUDITIONS

Applicants that decide to submit a video for the second round must upload their audition by the date of the first live audition.

• Recordings must contain all audition repertoire.
• Recordings must be played in one continuous, unedited segment.
• Video must be from a single video camera, with the same shot for the entire video.
• Your full body must be in frame for the video.
• Any indication that there has been editing or that recording equipment was paused/stopped between excerpts will result in the disqualification of the applicant.
• All pieces should be sung with accompanist where applicable.

VIDEO AUDITION TIPS

• We strongly recommend you view your recording all the way through before submitting it.
• Record in a quiet space with no background noise present. If you're at home, make sure you're away from noisy appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners.
• Ensure your microphone is not too close to you.
• Note that the sole purpose of the video is to ensure that you are legitimately performing in your audition, and that it is in one continuous segment. If you must choose between recording with amazing audio and amazing video, choose amazing audio.