Miami University Voice students earn 17 placements at Ohio NATS Competition
College of Creative Arts students earn four first-place finishes among top honors at statewide vocal competition
Miami University Voice students earn 17 placements at Ohio NATS Competition
Miami University voice students produced 17 finalists, including four first-place finishes, at the 2026 Ohio National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition at the University of Dayton.
A total of 21 Miami students participated in the statewide competition, competing in 27 category entries across classical voice, musical theater, and American spirituals. The event brought together student vocalists, faculty, and accompanists from colleges and universities throughout Ohio.
The annual competition challenges students to prepare three to five selections representing contrasting musical styles and languages. In addition to demonstrating vocal technique, competitors are evaluated on their musical interpretation, expression, and ability to communicate the meaning of each piece.
Miami students were finalists across multiple divisions, with four students taking first place in their respective categories.
Miami's 2026 Ohio NATS Competition results
First Place
- Jae Mack, American Spirituals
- Ava Chismar, First-Year Classical Treble
- Katie Hartley, Second-Year Classical Treble
- Elena Jaeger, Lower Musical Theater
Second Place
- Elena Jaeger, Second-Year Classical Treble
- Ali Lewis, Lower Musical Theater
- Bella Mytinger, Upper Musical Theater
- Bella Mytinger, Third-Year Classical Treble
- Will Loudon, Fourth-Year Classical TBB
Third Place
- Lydia Smith, Second-Year Classical Treble
- Natalie Klug, Upper Musical Theater
- Michaela Sweis, Third-Year Classical Treble
- Patton Case, Third-Year Classical Treble
- Molly Stein, Fifth-Year Classical Treble
Fourth Place
- Mitchell Gruber, First-Year Classical TBB
- Ali Lewis, Second-Year Classical Treble
- Lucas Spencer, Advanced Classical
Beyond the students who placed, Miami's voice faculty recognized the dedication and progress of all 21 participants, including those who competed in multiple categories.
Alison Acord, DMA, teaching professor of voice and coordinator of Miami's Voice Area, emphasized the preparation required for the competition and the growth students demonstrated throughout the process.
According to Acord, students received positive feedback from judges and made significant improvements in their performances leading up to the event.
The competition also highlighted the collaborative efforts of Miami's Department of Music faculty and staff. Collaborative pianists Christina Haan, DMA, Carol Walker, and Janice Murray provided accompaniment and coaching, collectively performing more than 100 musical selections throughout the competition.
Acord also recognized the contributions of faculty across music history, theory, conducting, choir, and aural skills, noting that students' success reflects the breadth of their musical education.
“Having this experience provides an inspiring goal and brings incredible growth for all of the singers involved. It also brings growth for the students who choose not to participate,” Acord said.
“When singers return from the competition, they raise the level of performance for all of our voice majors. Another benefit of the competition is that our Miami students impress the other students and teachers throughout Ohio, helping us to maintain our reputation as an excellent voice program.”
The Ohio NATS Competition provides students with opportunities to perform before professional adjudicators, receive feedback, and gain experience in a competitive performance setting.