SDSU Junior Wins First Place at National Singing Competition

South Dakota State University junior Steiger Manson earned national recognition for his vocal talent, winning first place last summer in the freshman/sophomore tenor, baritone, bass category at the National Association of Teachers of Singing National Student Auditions.

Manson, a music education major from Center Point, Iowa, began the audition process in February 2025 as part of the North Central Regional Competition.

He prepared and recorded three pieces in different languages, styles, tempi and time periods. The recordings were evaluated against other singers from South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Canadian provinces Manitoba and Saskatchewan. 

After earning first place in the regional competition, Manson advanced through several rounds of judging — including the top 15 nationally — before performing live at the National Association of Teachers of Singing National Conference last summer at Temple University in Philadelphia. 

Manson said he was shocked to receive first place among so many other singers across the nation. 

He credits his support system — friends, roommates, parents and faculty in the School of Performing Arts — for helping him achieve this milestone. He also expressed gratitude for teachers who guided him before college. 

Reflecting on his experience, Manson emphasized how much this accomplishment meant to him personally and professionally.

Written by University Marketing and Communications