2025 Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Audition

The Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association (SKSCA) is pleased to welcome female jazz vocalists to apply for the 2025 17th Annual Female Jazz Vocalist Audition.

Application deadline: October 12, 2025
Please read audition rules prior to applying
Rules:
Finalist Selection

1. Eligibility: On or before October 12, 2025, applicants must (1) be a female high school student (grades 9-12) or adult 18 years or older, (2) reside in the great Seattle area, and (3) be able to represent Seattle in Kobe in May 2026 (full dates to be determined).

2. Application songs must be contrasting jazz styles and be a TOTAL of no more than 8 minutes in length. Accepted audio file types: mp3, WAV. Videos are NOT accepted.

3. An application fee of $10 is required payable via PayPal. Applications submitted without an application fee will not be considered. Application fees are due October 12, 2025. SKSCA is grateful for the financial support of 4Culture, allowing application fees to be reduced from $20 to $10 in 2025!

4. Applications will be reviewed and finalists will be notified by email by November 2, 2025.

5. Selected finalists must provide a headshot and a paragraph describing their music experience and reason for applying. Finalists will need a valid passport. Costs associated with these items are the responsibility of the finalist.

6. Incomplete applications, including applications without music files or application fee, or applications received after October 12, 2025, will not be considered.

Live Audition

1. Finalists must perform two tunes of contrasting jazz styles.

2. Finalists may bring ONE accompanist (piano, guitar, etc.).

3. Accompanist must provide their own instrument.

4. Each vocalist will have a total of 10 minutes to set up, perform, and leave the stage.

5. Performances will be judged on technical and artistic merit.

Awards

1. One grand prize winner (henceforth “winner”)from each division (high school and adult) will be chosen to represent SKSCA in Kobe, Japan in May 2026 (full dates to be determined).

2. One additional runner up will be chosen from each division.

3. In the event that the winner of either division is unable to represent SKSCA and attend the trip to Kobe, SKSCA reserves the right to send the contest runner-up of the pertinent division as the representative of the organization to Kobe.

4. Winners are required to attend a minimum of two pre-trip meetings with SKSCA Jazz Committee and board members. These meetings will cover Kobe trip logistics; Japanese norms, culture and customs; international travel arrangements; etc.

5. Winners will receive round trip airfare to Kobe, lodging, some meals, and ground transportation to/from the airport/lodging in Kobe.

6. High school winner must be accompanied by a chaperone. Chaperone will receive roundtrip airfare to Kobe, lodging, some meals, and ground transportation to/from the airport/lodging in Kobe.

7. Any travel or engagements in Japan unrelated to the pre-arranged engagements between SKSCA and its partners in Kobe is the sole responsibility of the winners.

8. Post trip, winners are required to provide a written report to the SKSCA Jazz Committee summarizing their experience in Japan, including media such as photos, videos, etc. Winners will also be required to give a debrief following the trip to Kobe at the SKSCA Annual Meeting. Further details of the report and the Annual Meeting will be provided by the organization.

9. Post trip, winners are required to dedicate up to 4 hours per month in volunteering to support the next iteration of the SKSCA Female Vocal Jazz Audition (only the immediate following audition). Tasks and activities will be determined by the SKSCA Jazz Committee and relayed in regular communication to winners. Participation could include attending planning meetings; assisting with promotion of the audition; assisting with the application/screening process; etc.

SKSCA is grateful to Shinkaichi Music Street, Kobe Trade Information Office, 4Culture, and The Triple Door for their support!

For more information, please email jazz@seattlekobe.org.