"There is so much to admire about the work Joy In Singing does each year that it is difficult to know where to begin in singing its praises. I am grateful for its efforts in perpetuating against increasingly hard odds, the traditions of non-operatic vocal music, and in reawakening managers, presenters and audiences to the glories of this incomparable aspect of musical life. I applaud its commitment to making a place at the table for American song composers, young and old. I admire its wisdom in nurturing and creating opportunities, not only for the winners of its annual competition, but also for young singers who may not be so advanced in their development. I am thankful for the simple, yet essential reminder that whatever side of the curtain we may be on, there should always be joy in singing. By virtue of the importance and comprehensiveness of its mission, Joy In Singing offers a model of what musical organizations must aspire to in order to ensure the health of this music-making that we so cherish." –Dawn Upshaw

"Classical music today seems like a besieged fortress, and song recitals lie perhaps at its most vulnerable flanks. "Joy In Singing" has long been in the forefront of a valiant struggle against closed minds, ignorance, and apathy. It deserves the support of all who believe in the song literature and in the effort of gifted singers who are dedicated to keep it alive." –George Jellinek

"A song is brief but not fragile; the form has persisted since the dawn of time. Song, however, is eclipsable, especially in the current shadow of vulgarly overblown statements. Living American composers feel little urge to write a single song, for voice and piano, on introspective verse of high quality. Who would sing it? Who would listen? But a few lights are coming on again, most especially from Joy In Singing. This organization inspires young American vocalists not only to plan programs of style and elegance, but also to learn repertory in their native tongue. By extension, our composers again see an outlet for this specialized expression, and at the eleventh hour, are reviving this magical art." –Ned Rorem

"Joy In Singing is more than a course in the interpretation of recital songs and more than presenting new recital singers to the public. It is a last bastion of non-opera oriented music-making for the voice. In recital songs we find the world's great composers at their most refined and distilled artistry. Joy In Singing helped my career a great deal in 1976, and people consider that I got my start in New York from Joy In Singing." –William Parker, Baritone