Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone enter?
To be eligible, you must be a high school sophomore, junior or senior recommended by your music teacher. You may only enter one competition each 12 months.
Should I send my music when I send my application?
No, it is not necessary. Bring your music in a binder, clearly marked for cuts on the day of the competition.
Can I bring my own accompanist?
The Schmidt Foundation hires an accompanist for the day, and all participants use this accompanist. Individual accompanists are not permitted.
What is the dress code?
There is no hard and fast rule regarding dress. We recommend your "Sunday Best", but you are welcome to choose whatever you are comfortable wearing. Keep in mind that your appearance will make an impression on the judges.
What is the entry fee?
The fee to enter the competition is $25 made payable to the William E. Schmidt Foundation.
Is there an audience watching the competition?
All events are free and open to the public. We encourage parents, siblings, teachers, and other family members to come and watch the entire day.
What is the schedule for the day?
The competition begins in the morning, typically around 8:30 am, but depends on the number of entrants. The morning round continues until approximately 1:00 pm. followed by a lunch break, and the MasterClass. Final round usually commences about 3:30 pm, and awards are at 5:00 pm. Close to the date of the competition, you will receive a specific time to sing. It is recommended that you arrive 30-45 minutes ahead of this time to sign in and warm up, but not required.
What time should I be there?
You will be assigned a timeslot to sing which will be sent via email about two weeks before the competition. You should arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of your timeslot to sign in and warm up. We encourage you to come at the beginning of the competition and watch the other competitors, but this is not a requirement.
Can I bring my family or my teacher?
Absolutely! The entire day is free and open to the public. We encourage you to bring supporters, friends, teachers, anyone you would like to invite!
What if I want to change my selections to sing? Is this allowed?
You may make changes to your rep at any time, right up until you walk onto the stage. After the program has been printed (about a week before the competition) you will simply need to announce your change from the stage. Before the program has been printed, we encourage you to email us at schmidtcompinfo@gmail.com with the change so that we can correct the program and send the change to the accompanist.
Why do you need my social security number?
We write checks to the winners on the day of the competition. In order to reconcile the checking account attached to the competition, the University of Kentucky requires that we collect social security information. These numbers are not released or used for any other reason.
Why do you need me to sign a release?
The release form you are asked to sign is simply a photo release. We have a photographer at each event to take pictures which we post on our website and use in advertising. We may also post on the Facebook account.
Can I get copies of the photos taken the day of the competition?
If you see a photo you like on the website or Facebook, please contact us at schmidtcompinfo@gmail.com and we will endeavor to get the photo sent to you electronically.