Taunton Junior Young Singer is open to any singer that is resident, or attending school, within a 50-mile radius of Taunton and aged between nine and 13 on 1st September 2026. Entrants should be Grade 3 standard or above – teacher’s recommendation is sufficient if no exams have been taken. Previous winners may enter as long as they have only won once before.

Entries are limited to 12 places on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Late entries may be considered if there is space available.

Applicants will need to send a brief biography, photo, name of accompanist (see below), and full programme details via email by the entry deadline.

Programme: A contrasting programme of 7-10 minutes duration, which should include any introduction of the pieces a performer wishes to make, if any. This would usually consist of three or four songs/arias, but may include one unaccompanied folk song and/or one item only of musical theatre.

The adjudicator may penalise any programmes which are over or under 7-10 minutes or which do not meet the criteria above, and this will be at their discretion.

Entrants may sing songs that have been performed previously, including as part of the Taunton Festival of Music.

Adjudicator: Sarah Jefferies

Awards: 1st Prize £75 and the Cleves Cup

2nd Prize £40

3rd Prize £25

In addition, the adjudicator may award ‘highly commended’ status to additional singers at their discretion.

Accompanists:

Entrants are able to bring their own accompanist if preferred, however our official accompanist, Tara Copus, is available for an additional cost of £20 which includes a 15-minute rehearsal and the competition performance.

There will be an entrance fee for spectators/supporters and a small charge for programmes. Singing teachers and accompanists have free entry.

For further details please contact: Mrs Alison Powell & Mrs Katie Gange tauntonjunioryoungsinger@gmail.com