Utah Tech Vocal Students take 1st and 2nd place at National Vocal Competition

Over the summer graduating senior Tessa Washburn and sophomore Ireland Redd competed at the National Association of Teachers of Singing competition in Philadelphia, PA for the first time in school history. Tessa took home 2nd place in the musical theater category for junior and senior treble voices, and Ireland came home with 1st place in the category of commercial music for freshman and sophomore treble voices. Both a major accomplishment for the two students who started this journey back in November of 2024.

The National Association of Teachers of Singing is the largest professional association of voice teachers with over 7,000 members across the world. Every Year NATS holds a competition where students will compete across different categories based on age, experience, and genre. In order to advance to the national competition competitors must place top five in their category at the regional level, and then advance through preliminary and quarterfinal rounds. The top 15 singers from each category are then invited to the big stage in Philadelphia.

Utah Tech vocal students began preparing for the competition back in the fall of 2024, and go through many stages of preparation. First, they must select their songs, which are carefully chosen between students and teachers. Their songs must meet all NATS category requirements, demonstrate a range of skills, and showcase their talents. Students are then coached in weekly private lessons to perfect their songs and technique, along with many hours of practicing on their own. Students also work alongside an accompanist, to lock in speed and pace of the song. After students have mastered their songs, they head down the road to Las Vegas, where they compete at the local chapter auditions.

Tessa and Ireland advanced on to regional auditions in Phoenix in January, and then advanced to the big stage in Philadelphia in June where they took home 1st and 2nd place. “Obviously, music is subjective” Tessa explained “so again being selected and progressing to a national level within which an organization such as NATS is extremely flattering! And a big confidence boost, to be honest.”

Tessa plans on continuing her music studies this fall at New York University.

Dr. Melissa Glenn, Director of Vocal Studies, shared, "I’m incredibly proud of our voice students. Not only did they perform exceptionally well—placing at a rate of 71.5% at the chapter level (compared to 40% overall) and 62.5% at the regional level (compared to 27% overall)—but they also represented themselves and Utah Tech with excellence. These competitions have boosted their confidence, provided valuable feedback from industry professionals, and given them crucial experience to refine their craft and strengthen their résumés."

The voice program is shifting from a strictly classical, traditional model, to a more inclusive, multi-genre approach. The performance of these two exceptional students demonstrated the amazing support and mentorship of the music program and they want to continue and grow that excellence.