Winston Classical Voice Scholarship
In honor of Shirley Rabb Winston, NSAL established an annual scholarship for young classical singers age 16-22.
Applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent and promise of future success. The scholarship funds are only for private study, special training or personal advancement in the applicant’s vocal career. They can be used for workshops, voice teachers, summer programs, college tuition, housing or travel. In most years, as many as eight to ten scholarships are awarded in varying amounts.
The 2025 Winston Classical Voice Scholarship Application
The National Society of Arts and Letters invites performers to apply for the 2025 Shirley Rabb Winston Scholarship in Classical Voice. Application deadline extended to February 15 and applicants should note, please submit a link to one video (max 12 minutes) of your three repertoire selections (not 3 separate video links). The DC Chapter will award $2000, $1500 and $1000 to its 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. An additional $16,000 in scholarships will be awarded at the National level. Please see below for more information.
Shirley Rabb Winston (1920 – 2000) was the daughter of Naomi Rabb Winston. She was a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C. and studied voice at the Washington College of Music. She received a voice scholarship from the Washington Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters. During her career as a professional opera singer, she performed at Washington D.C.’s Constitution Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall and had major roles with the Metropolitan Opera Touring Company. For most of her career, the mezzo soprano sang with the New York City Opera. After retiring from her professional career, she taught opera at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. She later moved to Virginia Beach, wrote “Music as the Bridge” and taught voice to select students.
Pictured: From left, Naomi Rabb Winston and Shirley Rabb Winston.
2024 Winston Classical Voice Chapter Winners
1st Place: $1500
Mr. Noah Mond
2nd Place: $1000
Ms. Olivia Gonzales
Third Place: $500
Mr. Ryan Zhou
Honorable Mention: Ms. Sadie Holloway
Competition Chair: Dr. Kate Vetter Cain; Judges: Mr. Patrick Kilbride, Mr. Mark Duer
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