Annual Competition for High School Pupils Showcasing Classical Vocal Talents: Richard Miller Edition
In the heart of Ohio, the picturesque town of Oberlin will once again play host to a prestigious classical music event. The Richard Miller Classical Voice Competition for High School Students, named after the renowned voice teacher, author, and performing artist, is set to take place on the campus of Oberlin Conservatory in Kulas Recital Hall on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
This competition, now in its latest edition, aims to encourage and support high school students pursuing a career in classical vocal music. The event invites sophomore, junior, and senior high school students, recommended by their choral or voice teachers, to participate.
Participants are tasked with preparing three contrasting pieces from the classical repertoire, including spirituals and folksongs. One of these pieces must be in the singer's native language. The competition's diversity in musical selection reflects the richness and universality of classical music.
The competition offers a range of prizes to recognise and reward the talented contestants. The 1st prize stands at $2500, the 2nd prize is $1500, and the 3rd prize is $1000. In addition, the 4th and 5th prizes are the "Howard Lubin Encouragement Awards" of $500 each. All prizes are awarded at the discretion of the judges.
Contestants are required to submit unedited video recordings of their performances, either as one video with all performances included or as three separate videos for each selection. Videos should show the contestants in full view, with performances memorized, including live piano accompaniment, and accurately representing the contestant's voice.
A letter of recommendation from the participant's current voice teacher or choral instructor is also required as part of the application procedure.
The jury for the competition will be led by Salvatore Champagne, director, and tenor Alek Shrader '07 (BM). Oberlin Voice Faculty will also be part of the jury, ensuring a panel of esteemed professionals who will evaluate the contestants' performances. Spoken introductions should include only the contestant's name and the title of the selection.
The Richard Miller Classical Voice Competition for High School Students is a testament to the enduring legacy of Richard Miller, an American tenor, voice teacher, and author who made significant contributions to vocal pedagogy and classical singing technique. Miller, who passed away in 2009, was a distinguished professor at Oberlin Conservatory of Music and later at the Eastman School of Music.
For those seeking more detailed information about Richard Miller, it is recommended to consult the organisation that hosts the competition directly or their official website. The search results do not include specific information about Miller, but his contributions to voice pedagogy have made a lasting impact, and competitions or scholarships bearing his name honour his legacy in classical vocal training.
As the competition approaches, Oberlin is set to welcome a new generation of talented young vocalists, continuing the tradition of nurturing and celebrating classical music in the heart of Ohio.
Education and self-development meet entertainment in the much-anticipated Richard Miller Classical Voice Competition for High School Students, where contestants showcase their talent in classical vocal music. This event, held on the campus of Oberlin Conservatory, also encourages learning about different musical genres, as participants prepare pieces from the classical repertoire, including spirituals and folksongs, one of which should be in the singer's native language.
