Applicants' Frequently Asked Questions

For anyone applying in the next three weeks (remember, the deadline for submitting your application is November 2nd), here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions and concerns I get.  I will keep adding more questions as they come along.

For more detailed info on how to apply, check out our other blog posting.

Do I need to send in a head shot?

Yes, a headshot is necessary to complete the application. If you do not have a headshot, any other picture of yourself will suffice. You can snail mail in your headshot, or you can email us a digital version of it.

Do I need to sing in more than one language?

It is advisable that you do as the judges like diversity and like to hear the full range of your capabilities. However, your application will not be rejected if you add only arias in one language.

When will I know if I have been accepted to compete?

The moment you mail in your application you are sure of a spot to compete. We do not reject any candidates, as long as you comply with the Governing Rules. This mainly refers to your age of course.

What if I applied and I can't make it to the auditions?

If you can not make it to our auditions, we can help you find another District that has space available. We will forward your information to that District. It is important to let us know as soon as possible if anything changes in your availability.

How do I pay the application fee?

There are two ways to pay the application fee:

1. Write us a check made out to the MONC/Eastern Region

2. Transfer the fee from your Paypal account into ours at nycmoncgala@gmail.com

Can I apply online?

Yes, you can. There is no electronic version of the application at the moment, but you can scan your finished application and email it back to us.

Can I bring my friends and family to the auditions?

Yes, and the more the merrier. It makes for a wonderful atmosphere when Casa Italiana is filled with people, and it is a great opportunity to perform in front of family and friends.

When will I find out my audition time?

As soon as all the applications have been received (November 2nd hopefully), the schedule is made. We usually send out the actual date and time around the week of November 5th.

I noted I would be using the official accompanist, but I decided I would like to bring my own. Is that possible?

Yes, you may decide at a later date to bring your own accompanist. Please let us know as soon as possible if you plan to do so because we like to calculate that into our scheduling. Also provide us with their name.

Who are the judges?

Peter Kazaras, Steven White and Ken Benson for the District Auditions.

Gayletha Nichols, Marilyn Horne and Matthew Epstein for the Region Finals.

Can I be informed of upcoming events and next year's auditions?

Yes, just sign up for our mailing list and keep checking our website.

Can I change my aria selection after submitting my application?

Yes, you can change your selection up to the day of the audition. Let us know as soon as possible and we will change the info on your application. If you wish to make any changes the day of your audition, you must make the announcement of the change on stage to the judges.

The deadline is approaching to apply. Can I drop off the application in person?

If you wish to drop of the application because time is running out, you may bring it to the same address as you would mail it to. You may just leave it at the front desk.

I have participated in the National Council Auditions before, can I apply again?

As long as you comply with the rules in the Governing Regulations, you are fine. This means you have not sung at the Grand-Finals concert or reached the Semi-Finals twice.

I feel like I do not have much experience or I have been out of school for a while, can I still apply?

Yes, you can. Even if you are just starting in your career you are welcome to audition with us. All we need is the info asked for on the application page; we do not need any references, letters...everyone is welcome to try out.

Please check back in a few weeks to find out all about the actual audition process, including what to wear the day of.