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THE
NATION'S PREMIER VOCAL COMPETITION FOR YOUNG SINGERS
Daily Program Schedule
Thursday, June 27, 2024 (registration opens)
Saturday, June 29, 2024
June 30, 2024
July 1, 2024
JUST THE FACTS
Conference Sessions and National Student Auditions are in one of these locations: Knoxville Convention Center (KCC) • Marriott Knoxville Downtown (MKD) • Hilton • University of Tennessee (UT)
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Location: KCC - Cumberland Concourse
Thursday, June 27 • 3 – 7 p .m .
Friday, June 28 • 7:30 a .m . – 5:30 p .m .
Saturday, June 29 • 7:30 a .m . – 5:30 p .m .
Sunday, June 30 • 7:30 a m – 5:30 p m
Monday, July 1 • 8 a .m . – 12:30 p .m .
EXHIBIT HALL GRAND OPENING
Location: KCC - Ballroom EFG
Friday, June 28 • 5:30 - 7:30 p .m .
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS
Location: KCC - Ballroom EFG
Friday, June 28 • 5:30 - 7:30 p .m .
Saturday, June 29 • 10 a .m . - 6 p .m .
Sunday, June 30 • 10 a .m . - 6 p .m .
Monday, July 1 • 10 a m - 2 p m
PLENARY SESSIONS & CONCERTS
KCC, MKD, Tennessee Theatre
BREAKOUT SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS
Locations: KCC, MKD, and Hilton
See detailed daily schedule .
NATSAA & NMTC WINNERS CONCERT
Location: KCC - Ballroom ABC
Monday, July 1 • 2 - 3:30 p .m .
NATIONAL STUDENT AUDITIONS
FINALS COMPETITION
Location: KCC – Lecture Hall for CL/HJ; KCC – Ballroom ABC for MT Finals
Friday, June 28 • 6:30 p .m .
Location: MKD – Assembly Ballroom for CM Finals
Saturday, June 29 • 3:30 p .m .
LAWRENCE BROWNLEE in CONCERT
Tennessee Theatre, 604 South Gay Street
Saturday, June 29 • 8 p .m .
POSTER PAPER SESSIONS
Location: KCC - Cumberland Concourse
Saturday, June 29 • 12 - 2 p .m .
Sunday, June 30 • 12 - 2 p .m .
Monday, July 1 • 12 - 2 p .m .
PUBLISHER
SHOWCASE SESSIONS
Location: KCC - Ballroom ABC
See detailed daily schedule Saturday, June 29
12:10 - 12:55 p .m . & 1:10 – 1:55 p .m .
Sunday, June 30
12:10 - 12:55 p .m . & 1:10 – 1:55 p .m . Monday, July 1
12:10 - 12:55 p .m . & 1:10 – 1:55 p .m .
DINING
Tavern at Maker Exchange
Coffee Shop at Maker Exchange
Local Perks Plus (lunch concessions at KCC)
Saturday, June 29 – Monday, July 1 • 12 – 4 p .m .
Many other nearby options for breakfast, lunch and dinner
PARKING INFORMATION at CONFERENCE HOTELS for OVERNIGHT GUESTS*
Welcome to the Knoxville, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains for our 58th NATS national conference!
Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, we are gathering as a community with NATS colleagues from throughout the United States, Canada and from around the world, in the shadow of a oneof-a-kind structure — the Knoxville Sunsphere! This year, the Sunsphere is celebrating its 42nd birthday, but what about NATS? NATS, having been established in 1944, is celebrating our 80th birthday Happy Birthday to us!
At the opening ceremony on Friday, we kick off our national conference and begin our four days of sharing, developing, and exploring our mutual interests in the teaching of singing . We will not only celebrate our birthday, but also our diverse world of song and our understanding that singing makes a positive difference in our lives and in our world. During our opening ceremony we will recognize our 2024 Impact Award recipient, Past President Karen Brunssen — what an impact she has made and continues to make within NATS and our profession . As part of our birthday festivities, we will be announcing the 80th Anniversary Fund that has been established to celebrate NATS as well as honor Karen and two other long-serving and dedicated NATS members — Immediate Past President Carole Blankenship and NSA Coordinator Dan Johnson-Wilmot . The funds raised as a result of our 80th Anniversary Fund drive will be the establishment of NSA awards in the names of all three of these inspiring NATS leaders .
We are in for a treat with our exciting lineup of internationally known speakers and guest performers including tenor virtuoso Lawrence Brownlee, Cabaret-Kahn Artist, Eden Casteel, nationally acclaimed educator, scholar, and speaker Dr Nicole Robinson, David Sabella as Amanda Reckonwith, SLP and singing voice specialist, Kerrie Obert, collaborative pianist Kathleen Kelly, as well as a screening of the groundbreaking documentary, The Sound of Identity .
On Friday, four premium workshops focus on special topics: “Behind the Scenes: Business Basics and Beyond for Independent Studio Owners,” “Better Together: Pedagogical Strategies for Group-Voice Instructors in Academic, Community, and Independent Settings,” “A Balance in the Force: Perceiving and Assessing Vibrato,” and “AI on the Rise: Making it Work 4 You . ”
This conference, the largest professional development event NATS produces, features more NATS members than ever before sharing their expertise in breakout sessions, mini-recitals, and the presentation of poster papers, highlighting the diversity of expertise within NATS . We are also pleased to offer a special pre-conference tour and on Saturday morning, multiple choices for “Coffee and Conversation” featuring composers and special topics. Hal Leonard will host a special publisher showcase to honor the passing of longtime NATS supporter and Hal Leonard executive, Rick Walters . We will miss you, Rick .
Along with the National Student Auditions Final Rounds, we celebrate the future of singing with recitals by the winners of the NATS Artist Award, National Musical Theatre Competition, and the Art Song Composition Award .
We invite you to explore all that Knoxville has to offer as we are just a couple of blocks from the vibrant downtown area, where you will find Market Square — Knoxville’s most popular place since the 1860s, to shop, play, eat, and drink The historic Old City boasts some of Knoxville’s newest galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and music venues like the 96-year-old (older than NATS!) Tennessee Theatre where we will hear Larry Brownlee in concert on Friday night . We hope you will join us for our gala banquet on Monday night with new and old friends, as we honor NATS Lifetime Achievement Award winners .
Thank you for being a part of this exciting 58th conference!
Thank You to all of our 58th National Conference Volunteers!
To everyone who has generously volunteered their time prior to and during the NATS 2024 Knoxville Conference — we extend our heartfelt and sincere appreciation for your service and dedication to our organization . Our success would not be possible without your continued support and contribution of service . Our volunteers are an important part of what makes our organization great, and we appreciate your service . We salute you!
Diana Allan President Alexis DavisHazell President-Elect
Carole Blankenship Past President
Jeffrey Williams Conference Program Chair
Karen Smith Program Chair Assistant
Wendy Mullen Coordinating Committee Chair
Alisa Belflower Vice President for Auditions
Dan JohnsonWilmot NSA Coordinator
Perry Ward NSA Local Assistant
Amy Jarman Guest Artist Coordinator
Blayne Ziegenfuss Singer/Pianist Coordinator
Eileen Downey Singer/Pianist Coordinator
Nicholas Perna Poster Paper Coordinator
Stephanie Fox Stage Mang Plenary Session
Michael Preacely Volunteer Coordinator
Ryan Bede Volunteer at Large
Diane Thueson Reich Volunteer at Large
Sue Chapo Volunteer at Large
Maribeth Crawford Volunteer at Large
58TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE SPONSORS
We’re proud to announce the following companies and organizations as official Sponsors of the 58th NATS National Conference . Their support makes it possible for us to provide the excellent programs, guest artists and exciting events that you’ll find at this year’s Conference!
~ GRAND ~ Appcompanist
Appcompanist gives voice teachers, choral directors, and singers total musical control over thousands of beautiful piano accompaniments and vocal exercises Transpose instantly to any key, actively control tempo during play, blend melody in and out as needed, hold fermatas of any length, and much more . You can even save your tempo and fermata changes to create your own custom versions of any piece . Learn more at appcompanist .com .
Sponsoring Opening Reception and Guidebook App
~ GOLD ~
The Royal Conservatory
The Royal Conservatory is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world For more than 130 years, The Royal Conservatory has translated the latest thinking about creativity into inspiring programs benefiting millions of individuals around the world. Our mission – to develop human potential – is based on the conviction that the arts are humanity’s greatest means to achieve personal growth and social cohesion .
Sponsoring NSA Student Reception
Steinway Piano Gallery
Our stores, Steinway Piano Gallery of Nashville, Steinway Piano Gallery of Birmingham, and Allen Organs of Tennessee, have long been the leader in our communities for unsurpassed quality and service. We offer you the highest quality pianos and organs from around the world and a team that will serve you with your best interests in mind . Our commitment to you is to provide the very best customer service and sales expertise you will ever find, allowing you to make your music sound its best . For almost 100 years, our family owned business’ goal is to develop long term relationships with our customers . We do this by providing the best service and products possible with our customers needs in mind. It has been our goal from the beginning to offer the very best pianos in every price range where you never pay too much .
Piano Rental Partner
CONFERENCE SPONSORS
~ ADDITIONAL SPONSORS ~
Modern Litho
For eight decades, both local and national companies seeking excellence in commercial and digital print have trusted Modern Litho for their communication and marketing needs .
Printed Concert Program Partner
Knoxville Opera
Our Mission… is to create vocal and theatrical experiences that Entertain, Provoke, and Console .
Lawrence Brownlee Concert Partner
University of Tennessee College of Music
One of the few standalone music colleges among state universities in the United States, the University of Tennessee College of Music offers a broad and comprehensive music curriculum Through its many specialized professional music concentrations, the College affords music students a wide variety of professional experiences . Here, you can explore music through the lenses of analysis, business, composition, conducting, education, musicology, performance, and technology . Whatever you want to be, we will help you achieve it!
NSA Sponsor
Mid-South Region
Sponsoring Saturday and Monday's Coffee Breaks
Tennessee Chapter
Sponsoring Sunday's Coffee Break
EMPOWERING MUSIC EDUCATORS
art songs, monodramas, and vocal chamber music by
JULIANA
HALL
Art song composer Juliana Hall was mentored by Dominick Argento, following her masters degree in 1987 from the Yale School of Music (where she studied with Frederic Rzewski, Leon Kirchner, and Martin Bresnick). Since receiving her first commission (from the Schubert Club of Saint Paul, MN) for a song cycle for Dawn Upshaw, more than 700 singers and pianists have performed Hall’s music in 37 countries on six continents, at the 92nd Street Y, Ambassador Auditorium, Bargemusic, Calliope’s Call, the Center for Contemporary Opera, CHAI Collaborative Ensemble, Cincinnati Song Initiative, Concertgebouw Recital Hall, Herbst Theatre, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Library of Congress, Lyric Fest, Northern Ireland Opera, On Site Opera, Ordway Theater, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, and the London Song Festival, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, Ojai Music Festival, Oxford International Song Festival, Rhonefestival für Liedkunst, Schumannfest Düsseldorf, Source Song Festival, Sparks & Wiry Cries songSLAM Festival, and on the BBC and NPR.
“strikingly imaginative … gracious to sing and hear, interesting piano accompaniments, always worthy texts”
— Dominick Argento
“revealing each morsel of poetry through her brilliant tonal, textural, and rhythmic language, her work is immediately recognizable and wonderfully familiar … singers and audiences alike take delight in her songs … it is positively magical”
— Stephanie Blythe
“one of the finest text setters writing English song anywhere … leading with her distinctive and feminine voice combined with a big pianist’s brilliance and her uncanny way of writing music that gives singers the ability to be better than their best”
— Margo Garrett
and she is a proud and supportive affiliate member of NATS.
Brian Asawa, Stephanie Blythe, Molly Fillmore, Anthony Dean Griffey, Zachary James, Richard Lalli, David Malis, Randall Scarlata, and Kitty Whately are among dozens of artists for whom Hall has written music, in addition to so many wonderful singers who have also performed it, among them Nadine Benjamin, Helen Charlston, Jess Dandy, Julien Van Maellerts, Susan Narucki, and Darryl Taylor. Faculty and students at more than 200 colleges, universities, and music schools around the world have studied, performed, and researched Hall’s songs (Bard, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Eastman, Hartt, Indiana, Juilliard, Longy, Manhattan, Mannes, New England, and Peabody, and abroad the Guildhall School, both the Royal Academy and the Royal College of Music, Royal Welsh School, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and Royal Scottish Conservatoire, as well as schools in Canada, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Taiwan). Hall’s songs have been studied at the Tanglewood Music Center, and her music was chosen by Paul Sperry to be presented on several Joy in Singing programs. She was a Guest Composer at the CollabFest and the Fall Island Vocal Arts Seminars, and she received the Sorel Commission from SongFest. Hall has served as an adjudicator for the first two Dominick Argento Opera Composition Fellowship competitions (2022 and 2024), as well as the NATS Art Song Composition Award competition (2019 and 2021), and she also served as a composer mentor for the initial NATS Mentoring Program for composers (2020-2021).
published scores are available at: julianahall.net/music
In this beautiful setting of Emily Dickinson’s “I never saw a moor”, Jackson Berkey’s technique seems to move in tandem with the poetry to clearly facilitate her dissection of the meaning of faith — swirling it around in one’s mind, imagining its power, its reach, its connection to all else.
SDGS 942 Lyric soprano, violin, viola, cello, piano $20.00
Vocal solo for soprano, piano and string trio commissioned by the Nebraska Music Teachers Association. Highly suitable for weddings, it is a dramatic setting of text adapted from the Song of Solomon: “I will sing the song of all songs to my Love, and he will smother me with kisses ... Take me with you and we will run together ... Let us rejoice together and be glad! ... If you find my beloved, tell him that I am faint with Love.”
SDGS 962 Vocal solo. piano $6.50
The text source for View Me, Lord, A Work Of Thine is from English poet and composer Thomas Campion (1567-1610). A prolific writer, Campion supplied texts and music for masques of the court of James I. Berkey’s romantic setting interweaves the vocal element with contrasting ranges and colors in the piano accompaniment.
SDGS 2000-1 Vocal solo, piano $20.00
A song cycle about baseball! Poetry from the composer, Elisavietta Ritchie, May Swenson, and Isabel Joshlin Glaser includes Sittin’ on the Bench, Baseball Wrap-up, Substitute Blues, and Someday, Someday. The score includes suggested costume and stage directions, and is guaranteed to fill that “American Composer” spot on a serious song recital.
SDGS 941 Lyric soprano, clarinet, cello, piano $30.00
Song cycle includes Evening, Blindengarten, Autumn Comes to Woman, and In a French Mountain Village. Originally just for voice and piano, the cycle was later expanded for lyric soprano Almeda Berkey to include clarinet and violoncello parts. The last two songs in the cycle have also been set for soprano and chamber orchestra.
School of Music
EXHIBITORS
EXHIBITION HALL at KNOXVILLE CONVENTION CENTER
Come to the Exhibition Hall to learn, gather ideas and, of course, shop. Discover the latest products and services from Conference exhibitors!
EXHIBIT HALL GRAND OPENING
Location: KCC - Ballroom EFG
Friday, June 28 • 5:30 - 7:30 p m
EXHIBIT HALL HOURS
Location: KCC - Ballroom EFG
Friday, June 28 • 5:30 - 7:30 p .m .
Saturday, June 29 • 10 a .m . - 6 p .m .
Sunday, June 30 • 10 a .m . - 6 p .m .
Monday, July 1 • 10 a .m . - 2 p .m .
Knoxville Convention Center (KCC)
NATIONAL STUDENT AUDITIONS SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2024
8:30 a.m. NSA Semifinalist Check-In Opens .
• Classical, Musical Theatre, & Hall Johnson .
UT – Natalie L . Haslam Music Center 1741 Volunteer Blvd, Knoxville
9 a.m. *Mandatory* Meeting and Check-In for all NSA Competitors
• Classical, Musical Theatre, & Hall Johnson . . . . .
6 p.m. Dinner Cruise aboard the Star of Knoxville (Boarding at 5:15 p.m.) (Additional ticket must be pre-purchased for tours) 300 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902
Premium Workshop Presenters | Friday
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Are you seeking to enhance your group voice instruction? Or learn more about effective and practical techniques for implementing group instruction in your studio? Join leading pedagogues as they present recent research and developments in group-voice pedagogy to foster a deeper understanding of best practices Learn ways to initiate and structure groupvoice classes in academic, community, and independent settings. Become a better equipped voice educator with practical, effective, and efficient techniques for teaching paired, small group, and large group lessons (e .g ., structuring syllabi, lesson planning, selecting repertoire, grouping students, adapting to individual needs in group settings, etc .)
Amelia Rollings Bigler Craig Philip Price Dana Lentini Cynthia Vaughn John Nix
Joshua Glasner Theodora Ivanova Nestorova
Yvonne Gonzales Redman Christopher Burns
Molly Mahoney Rebecca Pieper
Tom Burke Elaine Grogan Luttrull
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. *A Balance in the Force: Perceiving and Assessing Vibrato . . . . KCC – Lecture Hall
This interactive workshop will engage attendees in understanding, perceiving, and assessing vocal vibrato . Using facilitated group activities, the presentation team will introduce concepts that enhance attendees’ ability to discern and differentiate key aspects of vibrato in the students they teach The team will also demonstrate how to translate what participants hear and observe regarding vibrato in multiple genres into potential action steps with their students . The session will be focused on topics that have relevance and practical application for solo and group voice teaching in classical, music theater, and CCM styles . Attendees will actively participate and will develop their ability to train their voice students/clients in a mentored setting The presenters, all active as singers, teachers, and researchers, bring many years of experience in exploring vibrato to this discussion .
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
*AI on the Rise: Making it Work 4 You
Presenters: Christopher Burns and Molly Mahoney
Introduced by: Carole Blankenship, NATS Past President
Join Christopher Burns and Molly Mahoney for a dynamic session on real world uses for artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom, studio, and beyond. Dive into the world of AI and discover how it can revolutionize your approach to music education and business growth. This workshop is designed to equip you with practical AI tools and strategies that enhance teaching methods, composition, analysis, and appreciation in music, all while maintaining that essential human touch . Get ready to harness the power of AI and elevate your professional toolkit in this cutting-edge workshop!
9
a.m.
– 1 p.m. *Behind the Scenes: Business Basics and Beyond for Independent Studio Owners
Presenters: Rebecca Pieper, Tom Burke, Elaine Grogan Luttrull
Introduced by: Allen Henderson, NATS Executive Director
Calling all Independent Voice Teachers! Our training has given us all the tools we need to teach the voice, but has it prepared us for what it means to be a business owner? This intensive will focus on building your independent voice teacher business from the ground up with all the nitty gritty such as budgeting, financial planning, marketing, creating a studio culture, standard operating procedures and so much more . The workshop will be hands-on with small group work as well as presentations and round table discussions and real-life scenarios with successful independent studio owners sharing what worked and what did not work AND what they wish they knew . It’s never too late to be the boss of your own voice studio business and with the help of Elite-Level teacher and coach Tom Burke; Elaine Grogan Luttrull, founder of Minerva Arts and author of Arts and Numbers; and Rebecca Pieper, a successful independent studio owner who wishes she knew then what she knew now. They will be joined by a few guests for a roundtable Q and A/discussion panel to conclude the workshop . There will also be an opportunity for attendees to have a private coaching session with Elaine after the workshop to be further set up for success .
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024
Plenary
Sessions
and Featured Performers | Friday
Official Event
2 – 3:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony 58th National Conference, Keynote Address by Nicole Robinson
Sponsored by Appcompanist
Presiding: Diana Allan, NATS President
In an ever-changing world where cultural shifts abound, the quest for harmony amidst this flux becomes essential. Discover strategies to cultivate a unifying “voice” within the National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS) during times of cultural transformation From embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity to honoring tradition and embracing innovation, this keynote speech provides tangible insights and inspiration for individuals aiming to harmonize their voices amid the dynamic currents of cultural change .
Plenary Session
3:30 – 5 p.m. Performance Class with Conference Artist Lawrence Brownlee
Introduced by: Diana Allan, NATS President
Conference artist Lawrence Brownlee will work with singers on diverse repertoire, sharing his expertise and offering guidance to young artists who will perform. Lawrence Brownlee is a leading figure in opera, both as a singer on the world’s top stages, and as a voice for activism and diversity in the industry . Captivating audiences and critics around the globe, he has been hailed as “an international star in the bel canto operatic repertory” (The New York Times), “one of the world’s leading bel canto stars” (The Guardian), and “one of the most in-demand opera singers in the world today” (NPR)
5:15 – 6:15 p.m. Collegiate Student Reception
Sponsored by The Royal Conservatory of Music
Presiding: Nicholas Perna, NATS Vice President for Outreach
Hilton – Sequoyah III
All collegiate students present at the conference (NSA singers included) are invited to gather for an informal networking opportunity. Enjoy refreshments while learning about student opportunities within NATS (SNATS, competitions, mentoring, and more .)
Official Event
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Grand Opening of Exhibit Hall & Welcome Reception . . . . . . . . KCC – Ballroom EFG
Sponsored by Appcompanist
Presiding: Diana Allan, NATS President Cash bar will be available
Lawrence Brownlee
Eden Casteel Nicole Robinson
2024 NATS 58TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE
OPENING CEREMONY
2 p.m. Conference Opening Ceremony
Welcome
Call to Order
Happy 80th Birthday to NATS: all sing
Eileen Downey, pianist
An die Musik – see lyrics below
KCC - Ballroom ABC
Diana Allan, President
Diana Allan, President
Adriana Carey and Lily Lexer, students of Lisa Willson
Natalia Mikhaylova and Maria Venikov, students of Yekatarina Anoshkin
Rocky Top
Felice Bryant; Boudleuaux Bryant
Edrie Means Weekly & Blue Ridge Gathering
Imagine
John Lennon
Roar
Katy Perry
Wade Turner & Bella Carroll | Noel Smith, piano and backing vocals
Introductions
. Diana Allan, President
Past Presidents, Board of Directors, Leaders, Staff, and International Attendees, Members by length of membership, and NATS for a Lifetime recipients
NATS Member Value
Alexis Davis-Hazell, President-Elect
Conference Highlights ............................... Allen Henderson, Executive Director
2024 NATS Impact Award Recipient ................................. Diana Allan, President
NATS 80th Anniversary Fund ........................... Jen Jimenez, Development Director
Conference Orientation ........................
Jeffrey Williams, Conference Program Chair
Keynote Address: Harmonizing Voices Amid Cultural Change ............ Dr. Nicole Robinson
AN DIE MUSIK
Franz Schubert (1797–1828); Lyrics by Franz von Schober (1796–1882)
Du holde Kunst, in wieviel grauen Stunden, Wo mich des Lebens wilder Kreis umstrickt, Hast du mein Herz zu warmer Lieb entzunden, Hast mich in eine bessrer Welt entrückt! in eine bessrer Welt entrückt
Oft hat ein Seufzer, deiner Harf' entflossen, Ein süsser, heiliger Akkord von dir Den Himmel bessrer Zeiten mir erschlossen, Du holde Kunst, ich danke dir dafür, Du holde Kunst, ich danke dir!
6:30 p.m. NSA Musical Theatre Finals
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
KCC – Ballroom ABC
*$10 tickets available to purchase for non-registered conference attendees at conference registration desk
The top three singers in the National Student Auditions Musical Theatre Categories will each perform one solo musical theatre selection in the Finals. The NSA finalists feature children through undergraduate college-aged students who have advanced through as many as seven rounds of auditions to become a finalist in their category. NATS will award over $20,000 in cash prizes to these finalists at the conclusion of this final round of auditions.
6:30 p.m. NSA Classical Voices Finals KCC – Lecture Hall
*$10 tickets available to purchase for non-registered conference attendees at conference registration desk
The top three singers in the National Student Auditions Classical Voice Categories and in the Hall Johnson Spirituals Competition will each perform one aria or art song in the Finals . The finalists feature children through adult student-singers who have advanced through as many as seven rounds of auditions to become a finalist in their category. NATS will award over $32,000 in cash prizes to these finalists at the conclusion of this final round of auditions .
7 – 8 p.m. Memorial Concert in Tribute to Dr. Angela Holder .
.First Baptist Church in Knoxville 510 W Main Street, Fellowship Hall
Presented by: Jeffrey Williams, NATS Mid-South Region Governor
Join members of the Tennessee State NATS Chapter and former friends, colleagues and students of the late Angela Holder as we celebrate her lifelong dedication to the art of singing, and the impact she had through music to those of us fortunate enough to have experienced her generous spirit . Angela served with distinction as the NATS Mid-South Regional Governor from 2015-2019 .
Late Night NATS
9:30 p.m. CABARET: Eden Casteel presents Kahn Artist: Madeline and Me
Introduced by: Allen Henderson, NATS Executive Director
Marriott – Assembly Ballroom
Eden Casteel was a frustrated teenage soprano in Ohio whose life was forever changed by a Madeline Kahn beer commercial (it was Michelob) . In 30 seconds of high-note humor, Kahn inspired Casteel to want to be just like her: “wealthy, glamorous, with an unbelievable singing voice ” (Two out of three ain’t bad ) Beloved for Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, Kahn started as a classical soprano headed for opera — just like Casteel. With iconic songs, compelling stories, and hilarious anecdotes, Kahn Artist: Madeline And Me is an intimate look at the trials and triumphs of both Kahn and Casteel . You’ll laugh and identify with Kahn’s (and Casteel’s) desire to sing and be funny at the same time . You’ll gasp when you learn the battles Kahn fought onstage and off. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for cabaret and for Kahn, who still inspires performers today . *Cash bar available
FEATURED PERFORMANCE: LATE NIGHT NATS
KAHN ARTIST
EDEN CASTEEL MADELINE & ME
JUNE 28, 2024 • 9:30 P.M. • MARRIOTT – ASSEMBLY
BALLROOM
Eden Casteel was a frustrated teenage soprano in Ohio whose life was forever changed by a Madeline Kahn beer commercial (it was Michelob) . In 30 seconds of high-note humor, Kahn inspired Casteel to want to be just like her: “wealthy, glamorous, with an unbelievable singing voice.” (Two out of three ain’t bad ) Beloved for Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, Kahn started as a classical soprano headed for opera — just like Casteel. With iconic songs, compelling stories, and hilarious anecdotes, Kahn Artist: Madeline And Me is an intimate look at the trials and triumphs of both Kahn and Casteel You’ll laugh and identify with Kahn’s (and Casteel’s) desire to sing and be funny at the same time. You’ll gasp when you learn the battles Kahn fought onstage and off. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for cabaret and for Kahn, who still inspires performers today .
“A stunning coloratura soprano” with “a great sense of comic timing,” Casteel is a singer/songwriter, piano player, livestreamer, and voice coach based in Wakefield, Rhode Island. A former president of the Rhode Island Chapter and a master teacher for the 2022 NATS Intern Program, you’ve also seen her presentations at NATS National Conference in Chicago (2022) and NATS Virtual National Conference (2020) . Casteel’s full-length cabaret show, “Kahn Artist,” tells the hilarious, heartfelt story of how her music career was kickstarted by a Madeline Kahn beer commercial . Favorite roles include The Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute, Francesca Johnson on The Bridges of Madison County, Victoria Grant in Victor/Victoria, and Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd Her album with the Providencebased band Evening Sky was released in 2023 . “The Eden Show,” an interactive livestream variety hour, airs weekly on YouTube . Learn more at edencasteel .com .
Arizona State University
Join us now to start your creative journey, embrace your musical passions and find your unique voice.
O ering undergraduate degrees in:
• Voice Performance
• Music Theatre Performance
• Popular Music
• Music Learning and Teaching
• Music Therapy and graduate degrees in:
• M.M. Voice, Music Theatre and Opera Performance
• M.M. Performance Pedagogy
• D.M.A. Music Performance
as well as Minors, Certificates and concentrations in Voice, Music Theatre, Education, Vocal Pedagogy and Music Entrepreneurship.
Voice Faculty
Amanda DeMaris
Carlos Feliciano
Carole FitzPatrick
Gordon Hawkins
Nathan De’Shon Myers
Stephanie Sadownik
Stephanie Weiss
Andrea Will
Music Theatre and Opera Faculty
Brian DeMaris, artistic director
Chelsea Anderson
Michelle Chin
Nicholas Flores
Robert Mills
Molly Lajoie Plutnicki
David Radamés Toro
Toby Yatso
Choral Faculty
Josh Palkki, associate director of choral activities
Nathan De’Shon Myers, director of Gospel Choir
asu .edu
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Conference Registration Open .
Coffee & Conversations (7:45 – 8:45 a.m.)
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. Coffee with Nicole Robinson
. KCC – Cumberland Concourse
KCC – Ballroom ABC
Join us for captivating and enlightening discussions around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This open invitation encourages you to bring your questions and curiosity as we deeply explore topics that resonate with you . These conversations transcend mere dialogue; they are avenues for learning, sharing, and evolving .
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. Teaching Lucas: The Rest of the Story – 10 Years After Testosterone
Presenters: Lorraine Sims and Lucas Avery Jameson
Introduced by: Gayla Blaisdell, NATS Intermountain Region Governor
KCC – 300AB
This presentation will serve as an update to the March/April 2017 NATS Journal of Singing article “Teaching Lucas: A Transgender Student’s Vocal Journey from Soprano to Tenor” written about the testosterone therapy voice transition of Lucas Avery, an AFAB singer, in 2014 . It will be a shared presentation with Lucas Avery, who is now a NATS member and voice teacher with a private studio of their own The presentation will include brief historical recordings of the initial transition as well as live performances of vocalises and songs to demonstrate Lucas Avery’s voice as it is today Discussion will include the importance of inclusive pedagogy for voices that are not gender typical as well as pedagogical strategies that have been used to cultivate different vocal timbres in this voice. There will be Q&A time with both teacher and student .
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. Coffee with Composers
Presiding: Lori Laitman
A conversation with 2024 NATS Art Song Composition Award winner Jodi Goble to discuss her works and career as well as other topics of interest .
Nicole Robinson Lorraine Sims Lucas Avery Jameson Lori Laitman Karen Brunssen Dana Lentini Dan Johnson Wilmot
Alisa Belflower Amy Jarman Jennifer Erickson Drake Dantzler Carissa Scroggins
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. NATS New Children & Youth NSA Categories .
. . Marriott – Assembly Ballroom
Presenters: Karen Brunssen, Dana Lentini, Dan Johnson Wilmot, and Alisa Belflower
Introduced by: Brian Leeper, NATS North Central Region Governor
In fall 2023 NATS National Student Auditions added Musical Theatre, Classical, and Commercial categories for Children ages 11 and younger/below 6th grade, and for Youth ages 11-14 and/or 6-8th grades In this presentation the NATS Children & Youth NSA Advisory Panel will discuss the journey toward inclusion of younger voices and how this new opportunity supports and honors teaching and mentoring for our youngest singers . The presenters will share resources available for NATS members, their students, and parents about repertoire, children’s pedagogy, adjudication of children and youth, and teaching and adjudication of these students within a nurturing, wholesome and safe environment We welcome Children & Youth voices to NATS Student Auditions at the chapter, region, and national levels!
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. The Practical Application of the Science-Informed Voice
Pedagogy Institute on Applied Voice Teaching
Marriott – The Gallery
Presenters: Amy Jarman, Jennifer Erickson, Drake Dantzler, and Carissa Scroggins
Introduced by: Serena Hill LaRoche, NATS Mid-Atlantic Region Governor
An open forum with voice teachers who attended the inaugural Science-Informed Voice Pedagogy Institute in June 2023 to learn about this approach to singing and its benefits in the voice studio The information disseminated at this Institute pertaining to music and cognition, resonance, and acoustics, promotes its application in the classical voice studio as well as in training MT and CM singers, and is designed to create a balanced approach to voice pedagogy . The presenters at the Institute, Lynn Helding, John Nix, and Amelia Rollings Bigler, have learned in their research that far fewer of us have had solid or even reliable pedagogy training than is optimal considering the vast influence that each of us has on our students . This is not a method, but the information we received as students at this professional development intensive encourages exploration about how we move forward individually and as a profession towards a stronger sense of self-knowledge in our teaching, and a more structured approach in our studios .
Breakout Sessions (9 – 10 a.m.)
9 – 10 a.m. Meaningful Mentoring in the Voice Professions
. KCC – Ballroom ABC
Presenters: Belinda Andrews-Smith, Carole Choate Blankenship, and Stephen Ng
Introduced by: Jeffrey Carter, Central Region Governor
Professional development and the exchange of ideas through mentoring strengthens the practices of all voice professionals through open communication and perpetual learning Whether you are looking for career, or tenure mentorship, this panel discussions will offer practical application and advice on the development of mentor/mentee relationships between academic and professional organization colleagues, as well as resources, and suggestions of how and where to find potential mentors. The panel will provide guidance and necessary tools that can help artists/scholars to flourish.
9 – 10 a.m. Mini-Recital Series
Introduced by: Melinda Brou, NATS Texoma Region Governor
• Songs of East Asia: Art Songs from Japan, China, and Korea
Presenters: Mutsumi Moteki and JungWoo Kim
KCC – Lecture Hall
Ever since Western music was introduced near the end of the 19th century, composers in East Asian countries, particularly in Japan, China, and Korea, have been creating art
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Breakout Presenters | Saturday 9 – 10 a.m.
songs by combining poems from their own cultures with Western music-composition techniques. In the past, many Western musicians and music scholars have dismissed these songs merely as second-class imitations of Western art songs Thanks to the recent publications of many of these songs in the U .S ., American singers can now explore songs from these East Asian countries much more easily . This lecture-recital will introduce you to some examples of these songs with brief historical backgrounds . Resources for these songs will also be provided . Songs have a special power to touch human souls directly By singing, listening to, and learning about these songs, one can gain intimate cultural insights into these East Asian countries as well as fresh perspectives of Western music .
• Accessing Early 20th-century Art Songs from Japan: Introducing SeldomPerformed Works by Japanese Composers into Voice Studios
Presenters: Sahoko Sato Timpone, Natalie Sherer, Mutsumi Moteki, and Marc Callahan This mini-recital consists of performances of early 20th-century Western-style art songs by Japanese composers for voice and piano, with distinctive Japanese elements written in English, French, German, and Japanese This presentation aims to introduce 1 . rare yet accessible works by Japanese composers to voice studios outside Japan and 2 . neglected Japanese composers into our repertoire . Handouts will be provided on the historical context, translations, brief musical and poetic analysis, and performance suggestions . Our performers/presenters are native Japanese speakers and non-natives to demonstrate the accessibility of this repertoire Furthermore, the works in the Japanese language are settings of tanka, with just 31 syllables as the text, in a language that uses only five vowels. Therefore, they are an ideal gateway for introducing Japanese songs to non-Japanese-speaking vocalists . Lastly, we hope these songs will serve as welcome additions to the collective efforts on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the voice studios
Belinda AndrewsSmith Carole Choate Blankenship
Stephen Ng Mutsumi Moteki JungWoo Kim Sahoko Sato Timpone
Natalie Sherer
Marc Callahan Deanna McBroom Lucinda Halstead Jill Terhaar Lewis Dana Zenobi David Juncos Laura Storm
Susan Ashbaker Kathy Price Elizabeth Benson Kate Rosen
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024
9 – 10 a.m. Multi-Disciplinary Management of Complex Vocal Fold Lesions and Resonance Disorders — Vocal Zebras
Presenters: Deanna McBroom, Lucinda Halstead, and Jill Terhaar Lewis
Introduced by: Amelia Rollings Bigler
KCC – 300 AB
This presentation will focus on the roles of the voice team — physician, singing voice specialist, and voice teacher — in the diagnosis, medical, and surgical treatment, and vocal rehabilitation of complex voice disorders (vocal zebras). The differential diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of pain with singing, vocal fold scarring, vocal fold paresis, vocal tremor, and singer’s dystonia will be detailed with emphasis on vocal maneuvers that can assist the singing teacher in identifying the possibility of these disorders, as well as their medical, surgical, and singing rehabilitation. Challenging resonance disorders due to reflux and weight loss (medical and surgical) will also be discussed . Participants will learn practical diagnostic and treatment strategies, empowering them to advocate for and participate in a wide range of medical and targeted rehabilitative treatments, including vocal exercises to elucidate vocal pathology, alternative non-surgical treatments for reflux beyond antacids, and rehabilitative exercises used to treat vocal disorders .
9 – 10 a.m. Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT): Finding Artistic Flow While Experiencing Performance Anxiety .
Presenters: Dana Zenobi, David Juncos, and Laura Storm
Introduced by: Serena Hill LaRoche, NATS Mid-Atlantic Region Governor
. KCC – 301 AB
This interactive workshop will give presenters hands-on experience with Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), a mindfulness-based approach to managing music performance anxiety. ACT can help singers find greater flexibility, feel a sense of flow, and cultivate artistic presence . Presenters will guide participants through activities structured by the six-fold ACT method, which includes cultivating mindfulness, increasing willingness to perform with anxiety present, de-fusing from our anxious thoughts, rethinking our selfstories, clarifying our values as performers, and committing ourselves to measurable goals . Those attending will leave with initial experiences with the ACT method, knowledge of the research on its effectiveness when administered by voice teachers, and tools to measure Music Performance Anxiety Information on how to pursue further training in ACT will also be provided .
9 – 10 a.m. Pedagogue and Pianist, a Perfect Partnership . . . . . . Marriott – Assembly Ballroom
Presenters: Susan Ashbaker & Kathy Price
Introduced by: Rebecca Pieper, NATS Eastern Region Governor
A perfect partnership between pedagogue and pianist will demonstrate how to facilitate the learning experience of a singer In this session we will hear several singers and approach a section of their selection from the two different perspectives, clarifying and enlightening how this tandem approach, focusing on the same end result, but through different means is a valuable resource for singers
9 – 10 a.m. Every Body Belongs Here: Size Inclusion in the Singing
Voice Studio Marriott – The Gallery
Presenters: Elizabeth Benson and Kate Rosen
Introduced by: Torin W. Chiles, NATS Vice President for Membership Fatness is a social justice issue and in the 1:1 training setting of the singing voice studio, teachers can either affirm or further marginalize fat students. The term “fat” is used as a neutral and objective descriptor. After collecting qualitative data from over 50 fat singers,
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Plenary Sessions and Featured Performers | Saturday
the presenters will share the experiences of these singers in training and professional settings We will uphold a fat liberationist framework, or the idea that people living in fat bodies are entitled to respect, dignity, and equitable treatment. Pulling from contextual data in sociology, medicine, and psychology, in combination with data from the study on singers, pedagogical and industry recommendations will be offered. Attendees will examine implicit bias, exercise empathy, affirm lived experiences, and hear recommendations from fat singers on how to make a more inclusive voice studio Together, we will celebrate the power of community and positivity to foster a sense of belonging for all .
9 – 10:30 a.m. NATS National Mentoring Collaborative Reunion
Presiding: Jeanne Goffi-Fynn
Join participants and mentors in this program for a face-to-face reunion .
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
Sponsored by: NATS Mid-South Region
A great time to visit the exhibit hall
Plenary Session
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. The Unsung Heroes of the Voice: Shaping Timbre with the Tongue and Pharyngeal Constrictors
The tongue and pharyngeal constrictor muscles are often blamed for causing tension But do their actions really cause tension? Or are these structures the unsung heroes in the creation of robust sounds? Research indicates that these structures help narrow the vocal tract to create ring and twang qualities and challenges the notion that ‘open is better.’ Join us for this important lecture on vocal tract shaping and gain a fresh understanding of how the vocal tract uses narrowing to enhance resonance Obert’s perspective, based on her MRI and endoscopy research, questions long-held beliefs about how people produce singer’s formant, among other things This lecture is not to be missed!
12 – 4 p.m. Local Perks Plus Lunch & Snack Concessions (available for purchase)
- Henley Concourse
Sandwiches, salads, snacks, and more . Don’t miss a thing — grab a bite to eat and head to the Publishers Showcases and Poster Paper Sessions .
12 – 2 p.m. Poster Paper Session 1
Coordinated by Nicholas Perna, NATS Vice President for Outreach
Kerrie Obert
Nicole Robinson
Lawrence Brownlee
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Publishers Showcase
12:10 – 12:55 p.m. RCM Certificate Program: The Structure to Innovate .
Presented by Royal Conservatory of Music
. . KCC – Ballroom ABC
.
Discover how The RCM Certificate Program can be your secret weapon for fostering innovation in your music studio . Join Victoria Holland, RCM Examiner and Academic Ambassador in an exploration of how the program and its resources can provide you with the perfect framework to transform your studio Delve into how to leverage the Voice Syllabus, 2019 Edition, Voice Publications, digital learning tools and exams to support your student’s musical growth like never before Don’t miss the opportunity to revolutionize your teaching approach and inspire your students to reach new heights!
1:10 – 1:55 p.m. ECS Publishing
KCC – Ballroom ABC
The ECS Publisher showcase will offer an array of the newest releases in vocal music, curated for students and developing voices of various skill levels Attendees will discover fresh repertoire and pedagogical insights through engaging student performances . Composer Michael Ching will perform and discuss his newest vocal collection .
Presiding: Carole Blankenship, NATS Past President, Intern Program Coordinator 2023–2024
Our association will honor all past NATS Interns All members who are alumni from the past 33 years (1991-2024) of the premiere NATS Intern Program are invited to join to reminisce and engage with one another . All past master teachers are also welcomed and encouraged to attend NATS will provide drinks and desserts Lunch concessions are available for purchase at the convention center (snacks, sandwiches, and salads) .
PLENARY
SESSION
2 – 3:30 p.m. The Matrix of Intersectionality Interactive Game KCC – Ballroom ABC
*$10 tickets available to purchase for non-registered conference attendees at conference registration desk
The top three singers in the National Student Auditions Commercial Music Categories will each perform one solo in any commercial music style of their choosing in the Finals . The NSA finalists feature children through adult student-singers who have advanced through as many as seven rounds of auditions to become a finalist in their category. NATS will award nearly $30,000 in cash prizes to these finalists at the conclusion of this final round of auditions.
NYU Langone Voice Center
Comprehensive Care for the Performing Voice
Our highly trained specialists evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions that can impact the sound and quality of the professional voice. In our state-of-the-art facility, we specialize in the care and management of singers and actors across genres, including elite performers, singers-in-training, amateurs, and other performers.
We offer a complete range of treatment options, including surgical and behavioral approaches tailored to each patient’s unique condition, as well as singing voice therapy and rehabilitation of the speaking voice.
Introduced by: Carole Blankenship, NATS Past President
Sharing our respective African American and AAPI journeys as artists, educators, and now administrators working in the IDEA space through song IDEA goes beyond policy, and we will explore how it can pervade every aspect of recital planning from inception to performance
4 – 5 p.m. The Composer and Singer Relationship: A Town Hall to
Demystify Creating New Art Song
Presenters: André Chiang, Lori Laitman, and Laura Schwendinger
Introduced by: Jeffrey Williams, NATS Mid-South Region Governor
The NATS Art Song Coalition wants the future to be full of new art songs being sung by NATS members and their students We understand that the commissioning process is unfamiliar for many stakeholders, so this session is meant to demystify the process by having two of the preeminent composers in our field share their wisdom in a town hall setting. Bring your questions and prepare to hear about what Lori Laitman, Laura Schwendinger, and others have to say about creating and collaborating on new art song!
KCC – Lecture Hall
Nicole Robinson Daniel Fung Albert Lee
André Chiang Lori Laitman Laura Schwendinger Natalee Louise McReynolds
Wesley Diener Allen Henderson Matthew Hoch
Michael Tan Lynn Eustis Zach Schwartz
Daniel Parsley
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024
4 – 5 p.m. Empowering Young Singers: Strategies for Teaching Musical Theatre Foundations (Ages 12-18) .
Presenters: Natalee Louise McReynolds and Wesley Diener
Introduced by: Sarah Holman, NATS International Region Governor
Musical theatre song repertoire is the gateway to a lifetime of singing for an ever-increasing number of young singers in middle and high school. Well-equipped voice teachers can prepare their students for excellent and sustainable singing in multiple styles of musical theatre, such as new and old Golden Age, Pop/Rock, and Disney . In this workshop, we will guide our own young students through demonstrations and vocal exercises that facilitate age-appropriate belt, efficient mix, and legit vocal production. Equally important, we will outline stylistic considerations and applications across musical theatre genres and present strategies for resolving common vocal misdirections . This workshop draws from our combined experience working with young singers as professional performers, directors, music directors, and voice instructors . Our middle and high school students have been accepted to top collegiate musical theatre programs, and they have performed in Broadway national tours, regional theater productions, films, and television series.
4 – 5 p.m. NATS Books: A New Co-publishing Agreement Between NATS and Rowman & Littlefield
Presenters: Allen Henderson, Matthew Hoch, and Michael Tan
Introduced by: Rebecca Salter, NATS Southeastern Region Governor
In 2022, NATS embarked on a new partnership with Rowman & Littlefield to release a series of books for singers, students of singing, and singing teachers . This copublishing program combines the leading expertise and authority of NATS in the professional field with a commercial publisher already established in singing voice studies and with a global marketing and distribution network mission of the program is to provide highquality resources for singers, teachers, and other voice professionals. In this session, Matthew Hoch, Allen Henderson, and Michael Tan will each describe their role in bringing the copublishing agreement into existence . Panelists will then have the opportunity to share their personal story and journey through the book-writing process. The session will conclude with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and engage in discussion with the presenters, who can also answer questions about the proposal development and submission process .
4 – 5 p.m. Un-Dramatic Aria: Music School Admissions, Auditions, and Finding Your Best Next Chapter as a Singer
Presenters: Lynn Eustis, Zach Schwartz, and Daniel Parsley
The niche world of music school admissions sits at the cross section of higher education and the arts: two industries steeped in tradition, superstition, long-term personal goals, and significant financial considerations. Although as performing artists we specialize in conveying the full spectrum of intense human emotion, finding a voice program need not be fraught with the same level of drama .
This one-hour workshop will serve as a first step to demystify the realms of music school admissions, applications, auditions, financial aid, and how to find a voice program that suits your long-term best interests as a singer, well-rounded musician, and artistic citizen .
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Affinity Group Gatherings
(5 – 6 p.m.)
Those interested are welcome to attend .
5 – 6 p.m. Independent and Multi-Teacher Studio Owner
Affinity Group .
Presiding: Rebecca Pieper, NATS Eastern Region Governor
Do you own your own studio? Whether you are an independent or a multi-teacher studio owner or you are curious about it, we invite you to join us! The Independent and MultiTeacher Studio Owner Affinity Group welcomes all members of our NATS community who own or are interested in owning their own studio . This is a great space for teachers to connect with others in a similar business structure and network, brainstorm, collaborate, ask questions, learn from, educate, hold accountable and cheer each other on!
5 – 6 p.m. Mothers in Academia – A presentation and initial interest gathering for a new affinity group.
Playing Childlessness; Motherhood in Performing Arts Academia
Presenters: Grace Edgar and Molly Claassen
Introduced by: Serena Hill LaRoche, NATS Mid-Atlantic Region Governor
Based on our lived experiences, talking with other female academics, and researching previously published literature, Dr . Grace Edgar and Professor Claassen hypothesize that women teaching in academia, especially in the performing arts, are discouraged from becoming mothers We are interviewing female academics in the performing arts who have chosen to become mothers and those who have chosen not to become mothers regarding their experiences . Additionally, we have created a survey to provide statistical information on motherhood in academia in various disciplines . We believe that women are marginalized in academia, even more so when they become mothers, and to an even greater extent in the field of performing arts. We want to bring awareness to the issues of discrimination against mothers in performing arts academia to create more diverse and inclusive educational institutions As mothers ourselves working in performing arts academia including theatre, music, and dance, we want to dispel the myth that academics cannot be mothers and provide encouragement to women who feel pressured to choose between their career or their children
5 – 6 p.m. Black Perspectives @ NATS
Presiding: Marcía Porter and Darryl Taylor
Black Perspectives @ NATS is an affinity group for those who identify as members of the African diaspora. Recognizing the need for a space to share our unique experiences and encourage mentorship, the group welcomes Black singers and those in fields related to the vocal arts (voice teachers, coaches, collaborative musicians, and academicians) to engage in meaningful discussion and fellowship Our goal is to foster collaboration, create a sense of community, as well as offer networking opportunities.
5 – 6 p.m. NATS Group-Voice Pedagogy Affinity Group
Presiding: Amelia Rollings Bigler
The NATS Group-Voice Pedagogy Affinity Group will be dedicated to studying, researching, teaching, and promoting all modes of group-voice instruction, with particular attention given to exploring a wide range of information and skills intended for class-voice instruction for educational institutions, private voice studios, and community education . Basic class-
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
voice information — methods, techniques, and subject matter applicable to developing mind-body-voice integration and efficient, expressive, and effective voice performance — will be explored and applied in other modes of group-voice instruction, including voice ensembles, shared lessons (2-4 students), studio classes, and group singing . Open to all NATS members
5 – 6 p.m. Latinx/Hispanic Teachers Affinity Group
Presiding: Lily Guerrero
KCC- 301 DE
The Latinx/Hispanic Teachers Affinity Group is for those who identify as Latinx or Hispanic and are looking for a place to create community, network, and find potential performance or research partners. This space will be an area for those who want to discuss unique facets in the lived experiences of Latinx/Hispanic teachers as well as brainstorm new ideas to share with the NATS community that celebrate and uplift our culture .
5 – 6 p.m. Voice Teachers for Children and Youth Affinity Group Marriott – The Gallery
Presiding: Dana Lentini
Do you teach children and youth, or do you train teachers that will one day work with this age demographic? This affinity group is designed to create a safe discussion space and most importantly to provide NATS Leaders with valuable feedback on challenges and advances in pedagogy and opportunities for pubescent and pre-pubescent singers Our youngest singers are not only the future of our global singing community but also a way to boost clientele for voice teachers Additionally, our young singers have the potential to be future members and leaders within our national organization . Creating a voice teaching model that welcomes and includes children is a win-win-win for teachers, students, and NATS .
5 – 6 p.m. Adjunct Voice Teachers Affinity Group .
Presiding: Sam Handley
Hilton – Sequoyah I
The Adjunct Voice Teachers Affinity Group is for those teaching voice at the college level on a part-time basis. It is a supportive community to discuss the issues unique to adjunct voice teaching, including mutual respect at the workplace, commitment to students beyond compensation, and broadening our network . We look to celebrate the success of our students, our teaching, and our institutions by strengthening our common bonds
5 – 6 p.m. Asian and Asian Pacific Affinity (AAPA) Group
Presiding: Ayumi Nakamae and Katie Tupper
Hilton – Sequoyah II
The Asian and Asian Pacific Affinity (AAPA) Group is for those who are from or affiliated with those regions of the globe . We represent a rich and diverse diasporic community where we can network, create fellowship, share research and pedagogical interests, and help provide a resource to those teachers who teach AAPA students .
5 – 6 p.m. Queer Affinity Group
Presiding: Anna Diemer
Hilton – Sequoyah III
The NATS Queer Affinity Group welcomes members who identify as queer or may be questioning their identity. Our aim is to foster dialogue, understanding, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation within NATS and the singing community as well as provide a space for networking and support .
6 – 7:30 p.m. President’s Reception – by invitation only
– Rotunda
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Featured Guest Artist Concert
(Additional ticket purchase required to attend — included in FULL conference registration)
8 – 10:30 p.m. Lawrence Brownlee in Concert .
Introduced by: Allen Henderson
Doors open at 7 p.m.
Tennessee Theater
604 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Special prelude at 7:45 p.m. featuring the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ!
Elevate your musical senses and indulge in an unforgettable evening of virtuoso musicianship and captivating storytelling with world-renowned Lawrence Brownlee in concert. Embark on a journey through melodies that stir the soul and tales that touch the heart, as this extraordinary performance brings together the brilliance of Brownlee’s voice and the power of his narrative . Presented in collaboration with Knoxville Opera, this concert is a rare opportunity to witness a true master of his craft in an enchanting setting that resonates with the magic of music and the art of storytelling .
Theresa Brancaccio, mezzo-soprano
Karen Brunssen, mezzo-soprano
Nancy Gustafson, soprano
Pamela Hinchman, soprano
Patrice Michaels, soprano
W. Stephen Smith, baritone
Joachim Schamberger, director of opera
Alan Darling, coach
Laurann Gilley, coach
Jonathan Gmeinder, coach
LAWRENCE BROWNLEE IN CONCERT
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024
LAWRENCE BROWNLEE IN CONCERT
JUNE 29, 2024 • 8 P.M. • TENNESSEE THEATRE
ROBERT OWENS Desire
Dream Juliet Man
From Desire, op . 13
JEREMIAH EVANS April Song Lost Illusions
Southern Mansion
ROBERT OWENS In time of silver rain
Fulfillment
Night Song
Silence
Carolina Cabin
Songs
Sleep
From Silver Rain, op . 11
MARGARET BONDS Poeme d’Automne
Winter Moon
Young Love in Spring
Summer Storm
From Songs of the Seasons ~ PAUSE ~
JASMINE BARNES Peace Invocation
BRANDON SPENCER I Know My Soul
CARLOS SIMON Vocalise III
DAMIEN SNEED Beauty That Is Never Old The Gift to Sing
SHAWN E. OKPEBHOLO Romance
JOEL THOMPSON Supplication My People
Lawrence Brownlee bio
LAWRENCE BROWNLEE, tenor KEVIN J. MILLER, piano
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Breakout Presenters | Sunday 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Conference Registration Open
Breakout Sessions (7:45 – 8:45 a.m.)
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. The Kindest Judge of All – Exploring the Intent vs. Impact in the Adjudication Experience
Presenters: Rebecca Pieper, Megan Durham
Introduced by: Jeffrey Carter, NATS Central Region Governor
Kind, constructive feedback is an essential skill-building tool for developing singers However, it is not uncommon to encounter audition or jury comments that go beyond critical toward unproductive and perhaps hurtful This workshop will unpack how our adjudication language choices, including the difference between intention and impact, can affect students’ abilities to receive and process feedback. Can we lead with humility, rather than assumption, to create a process of collaborative adjudication? How can we educate ourselves to understand not just what we are evaluating, but WHO we are evaluating with regards to demographic, opportunity, age and genre Through existing research, group polling, dialog, and a live demonstration, we will generate practical ideas for reframing potentially “charged” language into meaningful prompts that lead with curiosity, experimentation, and play . We can foster a singing community that values both the teachers’ knowledge and the students’ experience, and invite student-centered pedagogy into the audition room
7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Assessment as a Teaching Tool
Presenters: Ho Eui Bewlay
Introduced by: Diana Allan, NATS President
– Lecture Hall
The importance of individualized instructions for all types of learners will be addressed using inclusive pedagogy. If used effectively, assessment rubrics can be used as instructional and reflection tools. The rubric gives clear guidance to lead the students to understand what is expected of them . According to Selfert, “Teachers need to communicate to students the objectives of the lesson — what it is the students should learn. Doing so may enhance the students’ self-efficacy for the task at hand by helping students feel confident in their
Rebecca Pieper Megan Durham Ho Eui Bewlay Rebecca Renfro David Meyer
John Nix
Norman Spivey Jennifer Trost Jeanne Goffi-Fynn
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
work.” This pedagogy can result, may promote self-efficacy, and increased self-confidence. Improved self-efficacy and increased self-confidence can be evidence for changes in student motivation . One of the results of this kind of increased motivation may be improved student performance. Once students gain self-efficacy, the students may grow as independent artists who create and produce music according to their own authentic voices .
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. Singing on the Spectrum: Understanding Neurodiversity in the Collegiate Music Setting
Presenter: Rebecca Renfro
Introduced by: Claire Vangelisti, NATS Southern Region Governor
KCC – 300 AB
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a unique aspect of neurodiversity, and currently has a diagnosis rate of 1 in 36 for children in the United States, according to the CDC . With the recent advent of dynamic research, education and societal support systems, students who present with ASD are able to successfully enroll and complete college degrees, and more specifically, music programs. By presenting up-to-date research along with behavioral analysis techniques and philosophies, this session will discuss the symptoms and challenges of ASD and provide classroom management and teaching tools to help support those students in a collegiate music setting Additionally, aspects of American disability law and university policies and expectations will be explained, to help educators better understand and support those music students who present on the Autism Spectrum .
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. What is Voice Science, and Why We Should Care
Presenters: David Meyer and John Nix
Introduced by: Nicholas Perna, NATS Vice President for Outreach
KCC – 301 AB
Many have the view that voice science and the art of singing are incompatible . Or that singing teachers need PhDs in physics to understand even the basics . This is not the case! In this presentation, Journal of Singing associate editors John Nix and David Meyer make the case that voice science is FOR ALL OF US, not just for an educated few. Science-informed tools and techniques will be discussed that are directly applicable to the studio voice teachers, and their new Journal of Singing column will be introduced
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. Celebrating IDEAS: Uniting a Voice Area around Diverse Repertoire
Presenters: Norman Spivey and Jennifer Trost
Introduced by: Brian Leeper, NATS North Central Region Governor
Marriott – Assembly Ballroom
We are fortunate to have an IDEA committee in our School of Music and a strong commitment to advancing inclusion, equity, and diversity in our strategic plans. Nonetheless, taking active steps to put actions into practice is critical . Initiatives we wish to highlight include our IDEA-Fest, opera programming, repertoire statements and actions involving auditions and recruitment, and the African American Music Festival (AAMF) . We would also like to share elements of how we collaborate, repertoire specifics from programs, and student testimonials
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Breakout Presenters | Sunday 9 – 10 a.m.
7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Teaching Toward Artistry: A Learner-Centered Approach Marriott – The Gallery
Presenter: Jeanne Goffi-Fynn
Introduced by: Carole Blankenship, NATS Past President
Studio lessons are a unique learning experience between music teacher and student and are, in many ways, a personal journey toward artistry. Most studio instructors agree upon the goals and expectations of a musical course of study; namely the development of appropriate technical skills, musical accuracy, and becoming a musically effective performer (Wexler, 2009) . In this presentation, however, my goal is to share an expanded perspective of the pedagogy of this practice Rather than asking how teachers are teaching, I will focus on how students are learning, and more specifically, how teachers are affecting positive change. Teachers might do this by encouraging inquiry (motivation), providing the guidance appropriate to facilitate learning, and sensitively mediating teacher-student interaction (rapport) . After reviewing the theoretical underpinnings of a learner-centered approach, we’ll continue with practical applications via case studies in small break out groups, returning to collaborate on final thoughts from our discussions.
Introduced by: Alexis Davis-Hazell, NATS President Elect
Experience an enlightening IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) panel discussion led by Dr . Nicole R . Robinson . Featuring esteemed panelists who have excelled in integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into their professional practices. This session invites active audience participation, fostering engaging dialogue and the sharing of insights . Come prepared with your questions to contribute to this dynamic exchange of ideas.
Nicole Robinson Bronwen Forbay Christian Bester Vivian Hamilton James Eakin III Ida Nicolosi Jeremy Mims
Cynthia Vaughn Amelia Rollings Bigler Craig Price Dana Lentini Ayumi Nakamae Kari Ragan Lynn Maxfield
Lynn Helding Matt Edwards Jacqlyn Edwards Kelly Hoppenjans
• Illuminating IDEA in Afrikaans Art Song Literature Presenters: Bronwen Forbay, Christian Bester, and Vivian Hamilton
While Afrikaans has a complex and contentious history due to the legacy of apartheid, it continues to be recognized as one of South Africa’s eleven official languages in the 21st century where it often serves as a bridge for collaboration among diverse communities . This Afrikaans Art Song Literature lecture recital serves to illuminate IDEA perspectives present in the genre by highlighting the lived experiences of various marginalized, stigmatized, and diverse communities Songs addressing topics about the struggle for liberation by protest composers living in exile, the LGBTQ+ experience, awareness for sexual abuse victims, the legacy of colonial slavery, as well as myths of the indigenous Khoikhoin, will be performed . Repertoire is scored for intermediate to advanced soprano and baritone voices and includes compositions by S . le Roux Marais (1896-1979), Arnold van Wyk (1916-1983), Hubert du Plessis (1922-2011), Stefans Grové (1922-2014), Hendrik Hofmeyr (1957-), and Niel van der Watt (1962-) .
• The Preservation of Cajun and Creole French Through Musical Settings of Recently Discovered Poetry and Songs
Presenters: James Eakin III, Ida Nicolosi, and Jeremy Mims
As with many obscure cultures and their languages, the Cajun and Creole language is beginning to die out and within a generation or two could be lost completely Dr James Eakin III, Louisiana native and Composer-In-Residence at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana has composed a collection of songs in collaboration with soprano and NATS member, Ida Nicolosi, Professor of Voice at Pepperdine University accompanied by Dr . Jeremy Mims from Winthrop University . These songs are set to the Cajun and Creole poetry from Centenary College’s internationally acclaimed FrenchLanguage university press “Les Éditions Tintamarre,” whose mission is to preserve the Cajun and Creole language. Most of the poetry and songs that Centenary College has preserved have been through field-recordings of Cajuns in Southwestern Louisiana, which Dr . Eakin so beautifully weaves together for voice and piano . This session will include an examination of the historical background of the fais do-do musical style, a poetic interpretation, and an introduction to the Cajun dialect using the International Phonetic Alphabet
9 – 10 a.m. Better Together: Exploring Group-Voice for All Ages and Stages . . . KCC – 300 AB
Presenters: Cynthia Vaughn, Amelia Rollings Bigler, Craig Price, Dana Lentini, and Ayumi Nakamae
Introduced by: Carole Blankenship, NATS Past President
Cynthia Vaughn hosts a group panel discussion on the social and educational benefits of group-voice classes in a variety of settings
• Group-voice for university voice majors (Amelia Rollings Bigler)
• Group-voice for community adults (Cynthia Vaughn)
• Group-voice for college non-voice majors (Ayumi Nakamae)
• Group-voice for children (Dana Lentini)
• Group-voice for senior adults (Craig Price)
Each panelist will have 8-10 minutes to present an overview of their area of group-teaching, followed by a moderated Q&A session and recognition of group-voice pioneers Clifton Ware and Clayne Robison . Total presentation time: 60 minutes
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
9 – 10 a.m. Grasping at Straws: A Systematic Approach for Choosing the Winning SOVTE
Presenters: Kari Ragan and Lynn Maxfield
Introduced by: Diana Allan, NATS President
There is a natural segue to selecting a particular Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercise (SOVTE) through an organizational template of the five voice systems: respiration, phonation, registration, articulation, and resonance . Various diameter straws, tubes immersed in water, Acapella PEP Therapy Device, lip trills, puffy cheeks, pigeon, tongue trills, raspberries, anesthesia mask, fricatives (e.g., /v/, /z/), and nasal continuants (/ŋ/, /n/, /m/) are all examples of SOVTEs . The principal focus of this interactive workshop will be to demonstrate the diagnosis of a vocal inefficiency based on what a teacher sees and hears and connect that assessment with choosing the appropriate SOVT . Some SOVTEs, such as voice fricatives /v/ and /z/ could be more effective to help with respiration challenges while nasal continuants /m/, /n/, or /ŋ/ may bring focus to resonance. Understanding when and how to use a particular SOVTE is imperative to a successful outcome . They are not one size fits all.
9 – 10 a.m. Journal of Singing (JOS) Forum .................................. KCC – 301 DE
Presiding: Lynn Helding, JOS Editor-in-Chief
The Editorial Board of the Journal of Singing hosts an open forum which opens with a short presentation about significant changes at JOS over the past year, then segues to an open dialogue with those in attendance about the journal’s topics, its scope and the future of academic writing itself
9 – 10 a.m. Story-Driven Singing: Training Expressive Voices in CCM Styles
Presenters: Matt Edwards and Jacqlyn Edwards
Introduced by: Alisa Belflower, NATS Vice President for Auditions
Marriott – Assembly Ballroom
Cultures worldwide sing to communicate the human experience in all of its highs, lows, and in-betweens Yet oftentimes, when discussing voice pedagogy, we get so excited by the science that we focus on sound production alone . But what if our attempt to categorize technical adjustments takes away artists’ ability to authenticate their experiences? What if the real secret to success is not a vocal quality that we can quantify with a spectrogram but rather a vocal quality that matches our expectations for certain emotional states of being? In this workshop, participants will learn how to teach singers to let their spatial awareness, circles of energy, and intent lead the way in making vocal and musical choices . By training singers to let the voice follow the actor/storyteller, teachers will be able to help singers from all cultural backgrounds bring their stories to life like never before .
9 – 10 a.m. Doubles and Stacks, Reverbs and Effects: Teaching Vocal Production Skills
Presenter: Kelly Hoppenjans
Introduced by: Katie Tupper, NATS Cal-Western Region Governor
Marriott – The Gallery
From Billie Eilish’s breathy close-miked harmony stacks to T-Pain’s autotuned melismas to Phoebe Bridgers’s folksy vocal doubles, commercial singers create their signature sounds using vocal production techniques. With current recording technology, any singer can learn to produce their vocals using only their laptop or the phone in their pocket . Vocal production is the craft of arranging vocals in recording, including stacks of vocal doubles, harmonies, pads, and echoes; space-creating mixing techniques like panning, balance, and
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
Plenary Sessions and Featured Performers | Sunday
reverb; and effects like compression, pitch correction, vocoder, distortion, and many others that blend together to craft a singer’s unique style. In this session, you will learn which programs students can use to produce their own vocals, and how to use these programs to teach skills in recording, arranging, mixing, and transforming students’ voices Through vocal production, students can gain self-awareness, critical listening and arranging skills, and the ability to craft their own signature style .
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Music of the 21st Century and the Collaborative Pianist: A Performance Class with Kathleen Kelly
Introduced by: Valerie Trujillo, NATS Affinity Group Leader
KCC – Ballroom EFG
KCC – Ballroom ABC
Explore the world of contemporary music with respected collaborative pianist Kathleen Kelly. Known for her expertise in 21st century works, join us as Kathy shares her unique insights into musical theatre, opera, and art song literature . With an emphasis on the collaborative pianist, learn more about contemporary nuances that are not based on 19th century performance traditions. From style and rhythmic influences to orchestral compositions and colors, both pianists and singers alike will benefit from this discussion on how to handle different considerations in the contemporary repertoire. Kathy will also highlight advantages of programming and performing contemporary music, such as the opportunity to have living people around to discuss their music with you!
12 – 4 p.m. Local Perks Plus Lunch & Snack Concessions (available for purchase)
. KCC - Henley Concourse
Sandwiches, salads, snacks, and more . Don’t miss a thing — grab a bite to eat and head to the Publishers Showcases and Poster Paper Sessions
12 – 2 p.m. Poster Paper Session 2 .
Coordinated by Nicholas Perna, NATS Vice President for Outreach
12 – 2 p.m. Leadership Luncheon – by invitation only . .
Presiding: Diana Allan, NATS President
KCC – Cumberland Concourse
. . . . Marriott – Assembly Ballroom
Kathleen Kelly James Kicklighter Amanda Reckonwith
Give Voice to Your Dreams!
• Degrees in Performance, Music Education, Contemporary Music, Composition and Music History
• Nationally recognized classical and contemporary ensembles
• Award-winning faculty who care about student success
• Competitive scholarships up to full tuition available for music majors
• Scholarships available to all non-music majors who participate in ensembles
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
PUBLISHERS SHOWCASE
12:10 – 12:55 p.m. Teach Kids to Sing with Confidence!
Presented by: The Vielka Method™
Interested in helping kids gain confidence through singing? Led by Juilliard’s former global K-12 music specialist, creator of Carnegie Hall’s Music Educators Toolbox, and founder of The Vielka Method™, this interactive session tackles the challenges faced in nurturing young vocalists, ages 3-18 . Whether you’re a newcomer or seasoned educator, you will leave with practical singing tools for young vocal athletes to build vocal power and selfesteem on their singing journey. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to enhance your teaching approach and gain access to exclusive offers and resources!
1:10- 1:55 p.m. VocalMist
Presented by VocalMist
Explore the benefits of nebulizer hydration for vocalists in enhancing vocal clarity, health, and performance . Learn about the supporting science and practical applications in a brief, informative session designed for vocal professionals and educators, where we will not only reveal the researched science backing our hydration technology but also offer a first-hand look at its remarkable benefits for singers at all levels. Perfect for those new to VocalMist, come and see why nebulizer hydration is changing the game for vocalists everywhere
Plenary Session
2 – 3:30 p.m. The Sound of Identity, Film Viewing
Presented by James Kicklighter, Director
Introduced by: Allen Henderson, NATS Executive Director
A unique opportunity for a public viewing of this ground-breaking documentary with an introduction by director, James Kicklighter The Sound of Identity is a unique, historymaking, feature length documentary It features the first ever transgender woman performing an opera lead in the U .S . with a professional company, in a standard work . And, it happened in Tulsa Playing Don Giovanni, Lucia Lucas breaks archaic social barriers, making way for other trans opera performers . The New York Times says “ . . .as her booming, powerful baritone ricocheted off the walls, Ms. Lucas, 38, became the (Don Giovanni) character . . .” The Guardian calls Ms Lucas “a rising star” while the San Francisco Chronicle says while she “boasts a robust, flexible baritone… these (the) roles open up new dramatic vistas . ”
SONG
Rene Orth, composer
Jodi
Jodi Goble, composer
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Breakout
Presenters | Sunday 5 – 6 p.m.
Featured Concert
3:45 p.m. Art Song Composition Award Winners in Concert . .
Introduced by: Lori Laitman
– Lecture Hall
Composers Rene Orth, winner of the 2023 Art Song Composition Award (ASCA), and Jodi Goble, winner of the 2024 Art Song Composition Award (ASCA), will present performances of their award-winning song cycles, Weave Me a Name (Orth) and Sea Creatures (Goble) This concert will feature performances by Emily Albrink (soprano), Kathleen Kelly (piano), Shelby VanNordstrand (soprano), and Jodi Goble (piano) .
Breakout Sessions (5 – 6 p.m.)
5 – 6 p.m. A Conversation with James Kicklighter: The Sound of Identity KCC – Ballroom ABC
Presented by Director, James Kicklighter
Come and converse with James Kicklighter, director of “The Sound of Identity” in a postscreening Q&A session. This unique documentary film is about much more than the person featured . Hear James talk about the process, the obstacles, how many hours of footage he took to reach the final product and bring your questions for James as well.
5 – 6 p.m. Mini-Recital Series
Introduced by: Claire Vangelisti, NATS Southern Region Governor
KCC – Lecture Hall
• Women’s Voices: Songs for Mezzos and Contraltos by Living Female Composers
Presenters: Eileen Downey and Renee Tatum
The purpose of this presentation is to bring greater exposure to living female composers; specifically, those who have written exceptionally well for the mezzo and contralto voice .
This presentation will include a piano/vocal recital as well as a discussion of tessitura, vocal range, and text setting as they relate to singing technique for low female voices.
James Kicklighter Eileen Downey Renee Tatum Khyle Wooten Sakinah Davis Sarah DeYong Megan Durham
Carol Krusemark Melissa Foster Rose Van Dyne Lily Guerrero
Georgeanne Yehling
Wendy Jones André Chiang
REQUIREMENTS - The work must be:
(1) a song cycle, group of songs, or extended song between 13 and 25 minutes in length. Genres other than the classical “art song” are discouraged.
(2) composed for single voice and single acoustic instrument (solo instruments other than piano as the collaborative instrument will be accepted).
(3) English (or English translation), either in the public domain* or for which the composer has secured appropriate permission.
(4) composed within the past 2 years (after January 1, 2023).
ENTRY FEE - $30 for professionals; $15 for full-time students each entry (payable in U.S. funds to NATS).
ENTRY DATES - June 1, 2024 through December 1, 2024.
ELIGIBILITY - Open to anyone meeting prescribed requirements.
PROCEDURE - All applications must be submitted electronically via www.nats.org. Please read the complete details posted on the NATS website. The following are required materials for entry:
(1) A PDF copy of the song score(s). Copies must be legible and should include composition title; poet’s (or poets’) name(s); public domain status or information regarding permission; length and date of composition. THE COMPOSER’S NAME MUST NOT APPEAR ANYWHERE ON THE SCORE.
(2) Digital audio file(s) of the composition(s).
(3) Recordings must be of the highest quality possible (performance or working).
(4) The title of the composition should be the only labeling on the recording(s).
A dvA ncing QuAlity voc Al liter Ature
Promoting new works For singers
1ST PLACE
$2,000 PLUS the composer’s expenses to the NATS 59th National Conference in 2026, where the performance of the winning composition will be given.
2ND PLACE
$1,000
Cash prizes generously sponsored by composer Lori Laitman
NATS reserves a non-exclusive right to sponsor performances of the winning work for two years without additional remuneration to the composer.
* For U.S. publications, a summary of works in the public domain is available on NATS.org
(5) The song order on the recordings must match the song order of the scores. ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 1, 2024
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
• Heart Inventions: A Lecture-Recital Exploring Musical and Textual Meaning in Lena McLin’s Art Songs on Love
Presenters: Khyle Wooten and Sakinah Davis
Lena McLin (b 1928) has achieved success as a composer in the mid-to-late twentieth century, boasting a legacy of solo vocal literature and scholarship . The purpose of this lecture-recital is to provide musical and textual analyses of a specific set of repertoire by McLin The selected vocal literature share two common traits: (1) they are all scored for voice and piano and (2) they are all textually connected to the theme of love This lecture-recital will explore McLin’s Songs of Love (1990-2002) and My Love (1993), complete with musical analysis and essential connections from the poems and poets of the examined repertoire . Additional considerations will include compositional inspirations and historical briefings on each work’s performance and reception history. The content of this presentation is curated in the hope of providing new repertoire resources for singers, collaborators, and scholars while working to increase awareness of the vocal music of Lena McLin .
5 – 6 p.m. What’s My Line? Empowering Teachers to Honor Student Experiences through Language, Choice, and Agency . .
Presenters: Sarah DeYong, Megan Durham, and Carol Krusemark
Introduced by: Rebecca Pieper, NATS Eastern Region Governor Trauma-informed care (TIC) principles offer a framework that can be used in the voice studio to uphold a supportive teacher/student relationship . These guiding principles are critical for students who have a history of emotional trauma, TIC principles provide strategies and concepts that can benefit all students and serve as aspects of universal design. This workshop will utilize the principles of TIC (safety, trustworthiness and transparency, selfcare and peer support, collaboration and mutuality, empowerment, voice, and choice, and humility toward gender, culture, and history) to provide attendees with practices, scripts, and exercises to enhance the teacher/student relationship TIC principles can be considered an aspect of universal design, the backbone of ethical practice, a hallmark of the concept of “doing no harm,” all while enhancing the resilience of both teacher and student participants . This workshop will introduce and encompass five concepts (the Five As): Awareness – Attunement – Access – Availability – Acceptance
5 – 6 p.m. Black Intersectional Identity and Vocal Expectations: Closing the Gap Between Musical Theatre Voice Training and Industry Standards for Black Singers
Presenters: Melissa Foster and Rose Van Dyne
Introduced by: Alexis Davis-Hazell, NATS President Elect
– 301 AB
Musical theatre voice educators with Black students must be cognizant of the many stereotypes and racialized vocal expectations that are placed on them from the pre-existing musical theatre canon . Genres such as R&B, Motown, and Disco are often considered presumed knowledge for Black singers, even with no previous formalized training . As was explored through a qualitative interview study, five Black musical theatre performer participants indicated that they experienced genre-specific racialized vocal expectations on both academic and professional levels and were dissatisfied with their representation within the canon. This workshop will explore the findings of this study, as well as offer concrete tools for direct application in teaching some of these genre-specific vocal stylings. This workshop is for voice teachers and musical theatre educators alike who are interested
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
in taking an active role in choosing to not perpetuate racialized stereotypes for Black performers Join us!
5 – 6 p.m. Spanish-Language Pop Songs for Musical Theatre Auditions
Presenters: Lily Guerrero and Georgeanne Yehling
Introduced by: John Nix
5 – 6 p.m.
Marriott – Assembly Ballroom
Tired of assigning songs from “Encanto?” We don’t talk about Bruno... or where to find Spanish-language pop songs that are suitable for musical theatre auditions! In this session, we’ll provide attendees with resources for Spanish-language pop songs that would be suitable for children, teens, and college-aged singers who primarily sing musical theatre Song suggestions will include the pedagogical benefits of the piece, discussion of character typing, basic pronunciation guides, and DEI considerations for non-Latinx/e singers
Getting the Swing of It: A Jazz Primer
Presenter: Wendy Jones
Introduced by: Gayla Blaisdell, NATS Intermountain Region Governor
Marriott – The Gallery
A jazz voice lesson doesn’t look like the “Euro-centric” lesson format that so many of us experienced in college . Getting the Swing of It is a session designed for voice teachers who want to incorporate jazz in the voice studio and feel confident they are leading their students down a path that will honor the culture and tradition of this important American music genre while teaching their students to sing with authenticity . Attendees of this session will come away with ideas on how to structure a jazz voice lesson, how to choose tunes and keys, and resources to help them continue to develop as teachers and singers of jazz.
5 – 6 p.m. New Music Networking Session
Presiding: André Chiang
KCC – 301 DE
Come and celebrate new music and art song along with other enthusiasts! This will be a networking session for singers and composers to find ways to collaborate with one another. We will gather information from everyone to place in a spreadsheet that will be available post conference for all in attendance. Let's fill our recital halls and studios with brand new music!
6:30 p.m. Sponsor & Vendor Reception – by invitation only ............ Hilton – Sequoyah III
Presiding: Allen Henderson, NATS Executive Director
Featured Performance
8 p.m. CABARET: David Sabella is Amanda Reckonwith . . . . . Marriott – Assembly Ballroom
Introduced by: Allen Henderson, NATS Executive Director
David Sabella (aka Amanda Reckonwith), Broadway’s original “Mary Sunshine” in the musical CHICAGO (1996) is also an internationally recognized singer and winner of the Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition (whom Luciano himself declared to be “Excellent, not good, excellent!”) . Through his madcap drag diva Amanda Reckonwith, Sabella’s fouroctave range continues to dazzle audiences around the world singing greatest hits of Broadway, pop, and the Great American Songbook . *cash bar available
FEATURED PERFORMANCE: CABARET
SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
JUNE 30, 2024 • 8 P.M. •
DAVID SABELLA IS
AMANDA RECKONWITH
MARRIOTT – ASSEMBLY BALLROOM
Amanda Reckonwith first came to prominence in the title role of the highly controversial (and completely naked) staging of Lucia di Lammermoor, at the Baths of Caracalla, where she made quite a splash . Famed pianist Liberace was at the baths that night, as he often was, and immediately took her under his wing (and towel) .
Her rise in opera mounted as she performed throughout the United States, South America, Great Britain, Spain, The Netherlands, West Berlin, and the Eastern-Bloc (when those things existed); And, with such legendary artists as soprano Vera Galupe-Borszkh, and tenor Juan Pondalinguini . However, fame was cut short when Amanda met and married her first husband, millionaire Paulo Ferdinand Castrato, who, soon after their honeymoon, was arrested as one of Columbia’s most notorious drug lords . After his untimely (and purely accidental) death, Amanda withdrew from performing in an effort to “let the dust settle.”
Returning to the stage, after the Castrato years, Amanda decimated both her completion and her audience, in roles like Aida, Madama Butterfly, and Lakme with her own eunuch vocal style and dramatic flair. However, several subsequent marriages (and children) proved too much for Amanda, who once again withdrew from public life in 2002, making her one of “Time-less” magazine’s “Most Notorious people” of the century
Now, (legally allowed to return to stage) after a 20-year retirement/rest cure, (and rumored incarceration) Amanda is considered the world’s most beloved “Spento” soprano, (known on Broadway as a “belter .”) Touring the world with her partner in music, Maestro Marco Carouomo, she continues to transport audiences and transcend taste with her eunuch interpretations of Broadway, Great American Songbook, popular favorites and opera
David Sabella bio
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Breakout Presenters | Monday 7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Conference Registration Open .
Breakout Sessions (7:45 – 8:45 a.m.)
KCC – Cumberland Concourse
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. Women Leaders Cultivating Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Belonging through Singing and Artistry KCC – Ballroom ABC
Presenters: Ivy Walz, Deborah Popham, Alexis Davis-Hazell, and Amy Canchola
Introduced by: Rebecca Salter, NATS Southeastern Region Governor
This will be a facilitated, interactive discussion with four different women leaders serving in a variety of roles; performers, independent teachers of singing, faculty, academic and non-profit leadership. Each of us experiences the call for change to open spaces and opportunities towards equity and inclusivity for our students, colleagues, and the communities we serve. We will explore questions and strategies such as; 1) How do each of us approach leadership with sensitivity and courage, informed by our perspective identities (professional and personal)? 2) How do we meet challenges women leaders face towards enacting change? 3) How can we lend our voices and artistry as tools of leadership? 4) How do we practice making impactful artistic decisions? 5) How can we collaborate to make the most of our innovative pursuits? The panelists will discuss what experiences have led them to commit and recommit to transformational change, with the goal to inspire continued dialogue .
7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
A Balance in the Force: Perceiving and Assessing Vibrato
. . . . . KCC – Lecture Hall
Presenters: John Paul Nix, Joshua Glasner, Theodora Nestorova, and Yvonne Gonzales Redman
Introduced by: Nicholas Perna, NATS Vice President for Outreach
This session will engage attendees in understanding, perceiving, and assessing vocal vibrato Through carefully structured activities, the presentation team will introduce concepts that enhance attendees’ ability to discern and differentiate key aspects of vibrato in the students they teach . The session will be focused on topics that have relevance and practical application for solo and group voice teaching across multiple genres . The presenters, all active as singers, teachers, and researchers, bring years of experience in exploring vibrato to this discussion
Carol Krusemark David Sisco Marcia Lesser Joanne Bozeman Marita Stryker
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. Sympathetic/Parasympathetic
Balance: Increase Mindfulness, Enhance Readiness
Presenter: Carol Krusemark
Introduced by: Claire Vangelisti, NATS Southern Region Governor
Those seeking voice care sometimes come into the voice studio with anxiety, depression, even underlying trauma . We can struggle to know how to best help them in “messy” moments. Sometimes we struggle to maintain our own equilibrium when a student is experiencing heightened emotion . This interactive workshop will introduce concepts of co-regulation, autonomic nervous system activation, and strategies to impact sympathetic activation, to enhance student (and teacher) readiness for voice work . Small and large group participation in co-regulation, grounding, breathwork, and movement strategies will take place, with suggestions for how to enfold strategies into voice work in the studio . Seventy-five percent of this workshop will be interactive/participatory.
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. Working Within
the Window of Tolerance
Presenters: David Sisco and Marcia Lesser
Introduced by: Carole Blankenship, NATS Past President
Voice teachers are regularly challenged with quickly discovering the root of a singer’s technical issues. The question becomes: what is the fastest route to expressive freedom? Voice teacher David Sisco collaborates with Marcia Lesser, who is a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, movement therapist, and somatic psychotherapist to explore how the autonomic nervous system directly impacts movement and singing . Using Dan Siegal’s theory of the window of tolerance, Sisco and Lesser explain the signs of hyper- and hypoarousal, how they impact the body and voice, and ways to bring the student back to a place of optimal effort, with video examples. This relatively new physiological and psychological framework gives teachers a powerful way to read somatic cues and offers students agency to express their own embodied experience .
7:45 – 8:45 a.m. The Zebra in the Room: What We Need to Know About Teaching Singers with HSD, hEDS, and POTS
In recent years, there has been increased awareness in the singing voice community about invisible conditions such as Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), Hypermobile EhlersDanlos Syndrome (hEDS), and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) These chronic diagnoses present with a number of symptoms that can affect vocal health and singing ability, as well as challenges in voice study, rehearsal and performance Teachers may encounter students diagnosed with one or more of these oftentimes overlapping syndromes, and will need to use supportive and appropriate measures in their teaching . This session includes a basic overview of hEDS, HSD and POTS, discusses related research, and shares the results of two surveys of affected singers. Strategies will be presented that can help students to sing healthily and request appropriate accommodations, and encourage teachers to understand the special challenges of living and singing with these conditions .
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Breakout Presenters | Monday 9 – 10 a.m.
Breakout Sessions (9 – 10 a.m.)
9 – 10 a.m. Revolutionizing Music Education through AI Integrations . . . KCC – Ballroom ABC
Presenters: Karen Michaels and Eden Casteel
Introduced by: Torin W. Chiles, NATS Vice President for Membership Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a transformative tool in music education, particularly for independent voice teachers . This proposal seeks to integrate AI-powered applications into music studios to enhance the teachers’ work and students’ practices and performance These applications provide real-time vocal feedback, generate accompaniments, and offer innovative music education apps for a more immersive learning experience. The AIdriven tools will also revolutionize music theory teaching methods, with capabilities such as composing music, predicting harmony, and generating creative accompaniments . The ethical implications of AI use, such as potential over reliance on technology, impacts on working conditions, and copyright issues, will all be carefully considered . The ultimate goal is to empower vocal education, enhance performance, revitalize the vocal industry, and promote efficient learning while ensuring responsible application of AI. This proposal presents a forward-thinking approach to harnessing the power of AI in music education .
9 – 10 a.m.
Force of Nature: A Story of Community
Presenters: Kathleen Kelly, Emily Albrink, and Rene Orth
Introduced by: Carole Blankenship, NATS Past President
The 2024 conference features a performance of Rene Orth’s work “Weave Me a Name,” which won first prize in the 2023 Art Song Competition. In our session, you’ll learn about this cycle and the others, by Nailah Nombeko and Jake Heggie, which soprano Emily Albrink Katz commissioned in honor of her mother, pianist Nancy Albrink From the artistic process, to fundraising, to community support, to recording stress, to pandemic navigation: we have an epic story to share!
Karen Michaels Eden Casteel
Kathleen Kelly Emily Albrink Rene Orth Kenneth Bozeman Lynn Helding
Trineice Robinson-Martin
John Nix
Donald Simonson Edrie Means Weekly
Megan Durham William Sauerland
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
9 – 10 a.m. Pedagogy-Informed Voice Science: An Open Forum Dialogue with The American Academy of Teachers of Singing (AATS) . . . . . . . KCC – 301 AB
Presenters: Kenneth Bozeman, Lynn Helding, Trineice Robinson-Martin, John Nix and Donald Simonson
Introduced by: Sarah Holman, NATS International Region Governor
The American Academy of Teachers of Singing (AATS) is “a select group of internationally recognized voice teachers and singing voice experts founded in 1922 with the express purpose of contributing to the singing profession in an advisory capacity”; (from “Who Are We?”) AATS members will lead an open forum dialogue with conference attendees on the topic of an upcoming position paper entitled “Pedagogy-Informed Voice Science .” Defined as “a type of voice science which recognizes the value of the experience-gleaned perspective of voice practitioners in its study design and operates within a spirit of true interdisciplinarity,” Pedagogy-Informed Voice Science is centered around a mutual professional acknowledgement of different ways of knowing. The rationale for this paper is located within the context of unwavering support for science-informed pedagogy, and offered in the spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration and respect. This term is not meant to restrict or reject the rigorous protocols necessary for careful scientific experimentation. Rather, it is meant to encourage voice practitioners (both habilitative and rehabilitative) from the voice teaching and speech clinical settings to offer their own education- and experience-gleaned perspectives to the research design process of voice studies, and to inspire investigators to welcome these perspectives as potentially valid and helpful We anticipate these attributes of respect and collaboration to animate and shape our discussion, and look forward to hearing session attendees’ opinions of and experiences with science-informed pedagogy . This discussion will inform AATS’ position paper on this important topic within contemporary voice pedagogy .
9 – 10 a.m. Broadway Country Cornucopia: Tools and Tips for Country Singing in Musical Theatre
Presenter: Edrie Means Weekly
Introduced by: Alisa Belflower, NATS Vice President for Auditions
. Marriott – Assembly Ballroom
Broadway musicals encompass a plethora of styles including Country and Bluegrass as seen in Broadway productions like Shucked, Girl from the North, Bright Star, Big River and Best Little Whorehouse In Texas . Country styles of singing cannot be left out of vocal training of musical theatre singers. Because of these demands, singers need flexibility to switch between vocal registers making different interior shapes to allow changes in the resonance to serve the song style
This session uses a hands-on and skill-building delivery style presented by the biological daughter of the King of Bluegrass, Jimmy Martin As a group, participants will experiment with exercises for laryngeal flexibility, country “vocal stylisms/effects,” such as cry, yodel, scoops, etc ., for singing in the country style . This workshop is designed to enhance skills of singers Participants will leave with tools to use in the classroom, studio setting, auditions and the professional stage to help bring a song to life vocally in the country style .
9 – 10 a.m. Singing in Co-Harmony: Toward a Trauma-Informed Voice Pedagogy
Presenters: Megan Durham and William Sauerland
Introduced by: Katie Tupper, NATS Cal-Western Region Governor
. Marriott – The Gallery
Incorporating somatic practices, guided prompts, and digital feedback, we will generate dialog and strategies for cultivating agency, boundaries, and “safe enough” spaces . More
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Plenary Sessions and Featured Performers | Monday
specifically, we will offer the question: how does voice pedagogy shift when we consider that responses often labeled “vocal faults” (gasping for air, difficulty exhaling, articulation difficulty, mental and emotional fatigue, anxiety, lethargy, etc.) may be survival strategies? Trauma-informed vocal pedagogy aims to provide a collaborative, emergent scaffolding that prioritizes singers’ lived experience and cultivates greater compassion and connectivity within the voice studio, while maintaining high integrity and standards in vocal artistry .
10 – 10:30 a.m. Coffee Break
Sponsored by: NATS Mid-South Region
A great time to visit the exhibit hall!
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open
Plenary Session
KCC- Cumberland Concourse
KCC – Ballroom EFG
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Teaching Tradition: Workshopping Vocals with ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Program Director
Presented by: Dan Boner, ETSU Program Director & Special Guests
. KCC – Ballroom ABC
Introduced by: Jeffrey Williams, NATS Mid-South Region Governor East Tennessee State University has been the leading institution for bluegrass, old-time, and country music in higher education since 1982 . Their purpose is to honor the ways that these styles of music have been handed down for generations, while also encouraging innovation and exploration of related and newly emerging musical styles . Hear from current band members and special guests .
12 p.m. Advancement Committee Luncheon - by invitation only . . . . . . . Hilton Boardroom
12 – 4 p.m. Local Perks Plus Lunch & Snack Concessions (available for purchase) .
KCC - Henley Concourse
Sandwiches, salads, snacks, and more . Don’t miss a thing — grab a bite to eat and head to the Publishers Showcases and Poster Paper Sessions .
12 – 2 p.m. Poster Paper Session 3 .
Coordinated by Nicholas Perna, NATS Vice President for Outreach
KCC – Cumberland Concourse
12 – 2 p.m. Journal of Singing Editorial Board Lunch and Meeting –by invitation only ....................................... Hilton – Sequoyah III
Presiding: Lynn Helding, JOS Editor-in-Chief
Dan Boner Berri Harris Emily Siar
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Publishers Showcases
12:10 – 12:55 p.m. RCM Certificate Program: A Sneak Preview of the 2025 Voice Series .
Presented by Royal Conservatory of Music
KCC- Ballroom ABC
Get ahead of the curve with an exclusive sneak preview of the highly anticipated RCM Voice Syllabus, 2025 Edition. Victoria Holland and Patrice Michaels will give attendees a first-ever glimpse of the expertly curated line up of classic pieces alongside newly commissioned works and culturally diverse arrangements customized to meet the needs of all voice students . Whether you’re a seasoned instructor or budding vocalist, this presentation promises to ignite your passion for music and provide an invaluable resource to shape the voices of tomorrow .
1:10 – 1:55 p.m. Hal Leonard: Richard Walters (1956-2024):
A Legacy of Vocal Publications
Introduced by: Allen Henderson, NATS Executive Director
KCC – Ballroom ABC
For 39 years at Hal Leonard, Richard Walters developed the classical-vocal department into an authoritative and trusted source for voice publications . His recent passing reminds us of his profound impact, and how generations of singers have trained with these publications . Join us as we celebrate some of the landmark series he helped conceive: The First Book of Solos, The Singer’s Musical Theatre Anthology, The Vocal Library, major collections of Barber and Britten, and more .
Featured Concert
2 – 3:30 p.m. NATS Competition Winners Concert
Introduced by: Alisa Belflower, NATS Vice President for Auditions
KCC – Ballroom ABC
Berri Harris received the Florence Birdwell Award for first prize in the 2024 National Musical Theatre Competition (NMTC) for emerging career singing actors, and Emily Siar is the firstprize winner of the 2024 NATS Artist Award (NATSAA) for emerging career classical singers . NATS is pleased to present these artists alongside collaborative pianists Melony Dobson and Jean Anderson Collier in concert . The performance will feature a range of contemporary to time-honored selections on the theme of pivotal moments in women’s lives
NATS COMPETITION WINNERS CONCERT
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
Berri Harris, vocalist 2024 NMTC Winner
Melony Dodson, piano
Emily Siar, soprano 2024 NATSAA Winner
Jean Anderson Collier, piano
Monday, July 1, 2024 • 2 p.m.
Knoxville Convention Center, Ballroom ABC
PROGRAM
No Longer the Same
“Lost in the Brass” Tommy Newman
Laura in Band Geeks & Gaby Alter
“A Change in Me” Alan Menken
Belle in Beauty and the Beast & Tim Rice
“A Little Bit in Love” Leonard Bernstein
Eileen in Wonderful Town Betty Comden & Adolph Green
Witches in the Woods
Waldesgespräch Robert Schumann (1810–1856) from Liederkreis Joseph von Eichendorff, text
Die Loreley Franz Liszt (1811–1886) Heinrich Heine, text
Lorelei George Gershwin (1898–1937) from Pardon My English Ira Gershwin, text
Mending Hearts
“Never Fall in Love with an Elf” Matthew Sklar
Jovie in Elf & Chad Beguelin
“To My Angels” Lourds Lane
Katie in SuperYou
Women’s Voices
II . Anne Boleyn
Libby Larsen (b . 1950) from Try Me, Good King Anne Boleyn, text
Hyacinth
Woman Walking
Margaret Bonds (1913–1972) Edna St . Vincent Millay, text
Nell Shaw Cohen (b 1988) Megan Cohen, text
Wanting More
“Take Me to the World” Stephen Sondheim Ella in Evening Primrose
“Holding Out for a Hero” Jim Steinman Ariel in Footloose & Dean Pitchford
At the Cabaret
Nanna’s Lied
Toothbrush Time
Kurt Weill (1900–1950) Bertolt Brecht, text
William Bolcom (b . 1938) from Cabaret Songs Arnold Weinstein, text
La Vie en rose
Louis “Louiguy” Guglielmi (1916–1991) arr. Jon Rarick (b . 1991)
Breakout Presenters | Monday 4 – 5 p.m.
Breakout Sessions (4 – 5 p.m.)
4 – 5 p.m. Mini-Recital Series
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
KCC – Lecture Hall
Introduced by: Melinda Brou, NATS Texoma Region Governor
• Mexicana Hermosa
Presenters: Amy Canchola and Noe Garcia
Traditionally, when a Spanish art song is performed, it represents European composers . However, Mexican and Latin-American composers have a wealth of repertoire that should be studied and performed. Even more specific, is the under-represented body of music by Mexican and Latin-American female composers . “Mexicana Hermosa” is a presentation of music by Mexican and Latina composers arranged for voice and guitar . This performance celebrates the life, music, and contributions of these dynamic women. To add to the unique qualities of this repertoire is the pairing for voice and guitar. This offers an array of transportable programming possibilities.
• Complete Canciones by Manuel M. Ponce Vol.1. A publication by Ponce Project Foundation
Presenters: Jessica Posada, Charbel Yubaile, Omar Herrera, and Eric Posada
Manuel Maria Ponce (1882-1948) is considered one of the most influential composers in the history of Mexican classical music He composed over 150 songs for voice and piano His compositional style synthesizes a myriad of influences including Mexican vernacular music and European art song. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Ponce’s vocal music was previously unavailable and thus remained unknown to the singing community . Recently, Ponce Project Foundation commenced upon the long journey of publishing Ponce’s unexplored works. This session will premiere Ponce Project Foundation’s first
Amy Canchola Noe Garcia Jessica Posada Charbel Yubaile Omar Herrera Eric Posada Kourtney Strade-Austin
Stephen Austin Stephen Morscheck
Kevin Wilson Sarah DeYong Gretchen Windt Jessie Oliver Jeffrey Williams
Rachel Schutz Jennifer McGuire
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
anthology of published Mexican Art Songs composed by Manuel Ponce and previously undiscovered by the public. The presenters will offer historical information on Ponce and his compositional style, as well as an overview of the publication: program notes, poetic and word-for-word translations, and IPA . Information on accessing the repertoire will also be provided along with a live performance of the pieces included in the publication .
4 – 5 p.m. Staging a Coup: History Meets Science for the Coup de la Glotte . . KCC – 300 AB
Presenters: Kourtney Strade-Austin, Stephen Austin, and Stephen Morscheck
Introduced by: Sarah Holman, NATS International Region Governor
Historical vocal pedagogy, voice science, voice health, and performance practice come together in this presentation which addresses the historical context for teaching the onset as a fundamental skill, along with a review of a recent study examining the acoustic effects of different types of onset, and practical studio implementation of onset training. The aforementioned study is the first known research to objectively measure the acoustic implications of the coup de la glotte, and delineate it from the hard glottal attack . Rather than using general terms often found in onset research such as “normal onset” (what is normal???), this study approaches the onset using familiar pedagogical terminology with experienced bel canto singers as subjects. Learn how training a specific type of onset affects the overall vocal timbre and can influence voice health. This session combines objective voice science research data with practical vocal pedagogy and healthy singing technique, including teaching demonstrations
4 – 5 p.m. Practical Approaches to Coordinating Registration for the Cis-Gender Female Musical Theatre Singer
Presenters: Kevin Wilson and Sarah DeYong
Introduced by: Carole Blankenship, NATS Past President
This workshop will discuss the cultivation and coordination of registration for beginner cis-gender music theater singers . Kevin Wilson and Sarah DeYong will demonstrate and discuss the use of three voice models, The Neutral Voice, The Broken Voice, and The Flexible Voice, that provide a practical and methodical approach for registration cultivation and a balance in the voice studio for classical and contemporary voices . The workshop will include a brief discussion on registration language, developmental repertoire, and how to effectively navigate cross-training for the five musical theater sub-genres: Standard Legit, Contemporary Legit, Standard Belt, Contemporary Belt, and Pop/Rock . Attendees will receive handouts of vocal exercises and repertoire suggestions
Introduced by: Katie Tupper, NATS Cal-Western Region Governor
Whether you love them, or love to hate them, the “26 Italian Songs & Arias” have endured as standard repertoire to build technique for classical Western singing. This relatively comprehensive collection of songs encourages legato, breath coordination, resonance strategies, agility, registration, expression, and more. Meanwhile, the required skills and interests of singers have expanded to include musical theatre, jazz, CCM, commercial music, pop, rock, and more; while teachers of singing are redefining sustainable, functional singing and embracing vocal cross-training. This movement requires a new collection of songs, “26 Commercial Songs and (Un)Arias,” to establish fundamental technique for beginning singers . Inspired by the pedagogical functions of the original 26 Italian songs,
DAILY PROGRAM SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2024
Download the Guidebook app or visit nats.org to view presenter bios.
we have compiled a collection of gender-neutral and transposable songs ranging from musical theatre to folk music to pop ballads and anthems to encourage legato, breath coordination, resonance strategy, agility, registration, expression, and more for beginning singers .
4 – 5 p.m. Welsh Art Song: Your Next Artistic and Linguistic Obsession
Presenters: Jeffrey Williams, Rachel Schutz, and Jennifer McGuire
Introduced by: Torin W. Chiles, NATS Vice President for Membership
Official Event
. Marriott – The Gallery
For over a century, Wales has held the nickname, “The Land of Song,” and not without reason Singing is an undeniable part of Welsh culture and their art song deserves a respected place in the echelons of European art music . Unfortunately, due in part to Wales’s historical and political position in Europe, this country’s music has been underexplored and underperformed -- until now . The presenters, both with forthcoming publications and collections on Welsh Diction and Repertoire, will introduce attendees to the rich tapestry of Welsh art song through lecture and performance During the session, the barrier to the Welsh language will be broken and many composers (several female) and their music will be highlighted In giving this music a proper hearing and deserved exposure, we know you will fall in love with the passion, pride, and pleasure engrained in each note .
(Additional ticket purchase required to attend.)
6:30 – 11 p.m. Gala Celebration Banquet featuring the presentation of the NATS Lifetime Achievement Award –Dinner Buffet & Dancing .............. KCC – Cumberland Concourse & Ballroom ABC
Presiding: Diana Allan, NATS President Cocktail hour begins at 6:30 p m Dinner and dancing at 7:30 p m Cash bar available
TUESDAY, JULY 2, 2024
9 – 10:30 a.m. Annual Business Meeting & Installation of Officers . . Marriott – Assembly Ballroom
Presiding: Diana Allan, NATS Presidents Door Prize Raffle: Must be present to win!
THE FAMILY OF STEINWAY DESIGNED PIANOS
Employing the unique patents and expertise that have made the name STEINWAY synonymous with excellence, the family of Steinway designed pianos are a singular achievement in instrument building: A superior playing experience at a price level never before thought possible.
WHEN YOU PURCHASE A BOSTON OR ESSEX, YOU MAY TRADE IN THE INSTRUMENT WITHIN TEN YEARS OF THE DATE OF PURCHASE TO RECEIVE 100% OF THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE TOWARD A NEW STEINWAY GRAND
Ohio University Voice Division
APPLIED VOICE FACULTY
CHORAL FACULTY
Margaret Kennedy-Dygas, D.M., CCC-SLP
Soprano
Director, Vocal Wellness Program
Vocal Pedagogy
Debra Rentz, M.M.
Soprano
Associate Director, School of Music
Vocal Literature
Daniel Stein, D.M.A.
Tenor
Coordinator, Voice Division
Coordinator, Ohio University Opera Theater
Justin T. Swain, M.M. , M.A.
Baritone
Coordinator, Musical Theater and Commercial Voice
Lyric Diction
Peter Allen Haley, D.M.A. Coordinator, Choral Music Education
Bradley Naylor, D.M.A. Director of Choral Activities
AREAS OF STUDY
UNDERGRADUATE
B.A. Music
B.M. Performance
B.M. Music Education
B.M. Music Therapy
B.M. Commercial Music & Digital Instruments (CMDI)
GRADUATE
M.M. Performance
M.M. Performance/Pedagogy Performance Certificate
PLENARY SESSION AND FEATURED PERFORMER BIOS
Keynote Speaker & The Matrix of Intersectionality Interactive Game
DR. NICOLE R. ROBINSON (she/her), Founder & CEO, Cultural Connections by Design Before launching Cultural Connections by Design in September 2018, Nicole R. Robinson was the Associate Vice President for Equity and Diversity at the University of Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Throughout her 25+ year academic career, Robinson served on the music education faculty at the University of Utah as the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Presidential Endowed Professor of Music Education, the University of Memphis, Syracuse University, and Virginia Commonwealth University .
Robinson founded Cultural Connections by Design (CCBD) to support higher education institutions in establishing equity-centered processes and best practices to shift the campus culture towards a culture of belonging — a culture that accepts, values, and leverages the strengths among differences.
Since the company’s inception in 2018, CCBD has provided professional development sessions, workshops, and consulting services to academic institutions, health care organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and corporations across the United States, Canada, and abroad .
Robinson is a nationally acclaimed educator, scholar, speaker, and author who has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences, published articles in several industry-leading research journals, and co-authored three academic textbooks
Robinson holds BME and MM degrees in music education from North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, and a Ph .D . from Florida State University in music education She started her career as an elementary and middle school music teacher in Durham Public Schools and Chapel-Hill Carrboro Schools in North Carolina .
LAWRENCE BROWNLEE is a leading figure in opera, both as a singer on the world’s top stages, and as a voice for activism and diversity in the industry . He has been hailed as “an international star in the bel canto operatic repertory” (The New York Times), “one of the world’s leading bel canto stars” (The Guardian), and “one of the most in-demand opera singers in the world today” (NPR)
Brownlee’s 2023–24 season included Opera Rara’s Donizetti Song Project, where he joined pianist Carlos Rizzi at Wigmore Hall for a recital and recording of Donizetti’s rarelyperformed repertoire, in addition to a gala concert at the 2023 George Enescu International Festival and duo recital with Levy Sekgapane at Grand Théâtre Genève . Brownlee also traveled to Wiener Staatsoper to perform as Count Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia ahead
Performance Class with Conference Artist Lawrence Brownlee
Nicole Robinson
Lawrence Brownlee
PLENARY SESSION AND FEATURED PERFORMER BIOS
of his role as Tonio in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s La Fille Du Regiment . In December, Brownlee joined the Wiener Konzerthaus for their 2023 Christmas in Vienna Gala before reuniting with Michael Spyres for the Game of Tenors concert in Bratislava . Brownlee began 2024 with recital engagements at the Dallas Opera and the La Jolla Music Society, before bringing his acclaimed Rising program to San Francisco Performances in February 2024 and the Concertgebouw in June 2024 . Brownlee also returned to Teatro alla Scala as Ernesto in Don Pasquale before ending his season as Don Ramiro in Rossini’s La Cenerentola at the Bayerische Staatsoper .
The Unsung Heroes of the Voice: Shaping Timbre with the Tongue and Pharyngeal Constrictors
KERRIE OBERT is a speech language pathologist and singing voice specialist from Columbus, Ohio . She is also a senior lecturer for the master’s degree program in vocal pedagogy at the Voice Study Centre, University of Wales Trinity St . David . Obert has authored four books on voice and is an internationally acclaimed researcher and lecturer . She has conducted MRI and endoscopic studies, and she has a special interest in the physiology of twang and ring . Obert spent nearly 20 years at The Ohio State University working alongside top laryngologists as a part of the JamesCare Voice and Swallowing Disorder’s Clinic . During her time at OSU, Obert co-designed and helped launch the university’s Singing Health Specialization and served as the Director of Medical Arts . In addition to her teaching duties with the Voice Study Centre, Obert now runs a private practice specialized in the care and training of singers . Obert’s research has challenged long-held beliefs about how twang and ring are shaped in the vocal tract In addition to her degree in speech language pathology, Obert holds a degree in musical theatre performance, and she has sung in bands and performed leading roles in musicals .
CABARET: David Sabella is Amanda Reckonwith
DAVID SABELLA (Amanda Reckonwith) is best known on Broadway as the original “Mary Sunshine,” in “CHICAGO, the musical” (1996 revival), and as a leading countertenor in classical music, cited as one of the “originators of the new American countertenor sound . ” Sabella toured Europe and the U S as one of the reigning “divas” in La Gran Scena Opera Company (1987-93) singing arias, scenes and duets from Die Walkure, Aida, Madama Butterfly, Lakme, and many more . Sabella also made history winning the Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition when Maestro Pavarotti publicly declared him to be “Excellent! Not good, excellent!”
In 1996 he co-starred in the revival of CHICAGO with Bebe Neuwirth, Ann Reinking, and Joel Grey . On hiatus from CHICAGO, Sabella continued to sing leading roles in opera houses and concert halls around the country, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center . His voice can be heard as the title role on the Koch International’s live recording of Julius Ceasar, (Virginia Opera .)
As a voice-over artist he has worked for both Disney (“Teacher’s Pet” with Nathan Lane), and Fox Animation (“Peter Pan and the Pirates” with Tim Curry)
Recently, he has starred Off-Broadway in Jules: The Julian Eltinge Story, and The Phillie Trilogy, for which he won the “Fresh Fruit” award as “Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play .” Other accolades include the 2022 MAC Award for “Major Artist,” the 2023 BroadwayWorld
Kerrie Obert
David Sabella
PLENARY SESSION AND FEATURED PERFORMER BIOS
Award for “Best Drag Artist, and the 2024 MAC Award for best “Impersonation/ Characterization/Drag Artist . ”
Sabella continues to perform throughout the U .S ., and abroad, singing concerts as both himself and his legendary drag diva, “Amanda Reckonwith” For even more info, (and visit our store) please visit davidsabella .com or amandareckonwith .com .
Late Night NATS: Eden Casteel presents Kahn Artist: Madeline and Me
EDEN CASTEEL, celebrated for her “stunning coloratura soprano” and “great sense of comic timing,” is a multifaceted artist whose talents span singing, songwriting, piano playing, and voice coaching . Her engaging presentations at national conferences and her innovative full-length cabaret show, “Kahn Artist,” showcase her unique ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling through music Casteel’s contributions to the vocal arts, coupled with her leadership roles within the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), underscore her commitment to the development and support of vocal talent Her diverse performance repertoire and educational endeavors reflect her dedication to enriching the vocal music community .
The Sound of Identity, Film Viewing
JAMES KICKLIGHTER is a multi-award winning director and producer of narrative films, documentaries and advertising, including The Sound of Identity (2021), Angel of Anywhere (2018) and upcoming 2024 film The American Question. His work has been recognized by the world’s press, including The Hollywood Reporter, The Times of India, Film Courage and FilmInk Australia. Kicklighter has served as a panelist at the Oscar®-qualifying Hollyshorts Film Festival, taught filmmaking courses on Stage32.com, lecturing at colleges across the country, and his interview series with the popular YouTube channel Film Courage has over 250,000 views . Growing up in Bellville, GA, population 123, today he resides in Los Angeles, California Kicklighter is represented by Travis Tammero (UTA) and Lucius Cary (Rain) You can learn more about his work at jameskicklighter .com .
Teaching Tradition: Workshopping Vocals with ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Program Director
DAN BONER is Program Director of Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies, in the Department of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University, in Johnson City, Tennessee, where in 2010, he helped co-create the world’s first ever bachelor’s degree specific to the field. A professional bluegrass performing and recording artist, music producer, and educator, he has performed around the United States, in Europe, and Japan, and at venues that include the Grand Ole Opry, the White House, NATO Headquarters in Brussels, the Vatican in Rome, and at bluegrass festivals across North America .
“Bluegrass music, as it is traditionally practiced and transmitted by ear, knee-to-knee, provides an exceptional platform for putting into practice modern music education theories including praxialism, critical theory, and constructivism,” he states “It is an exercise in culturally-responsive music education and an example of how music teachers can serve music communities that are traditionally underrepresented in school curricula . ”
Eden Casteel
James Kicklighter
Dan Boner
PLENARY SESSION AND FEATURED PERFORMER BIOS
Music of the
21st Century and the Collaborative Pianist: A Performance Class with Kathleen Kelly
KATHLEEN KELLY’S projects and repertoire are wide-ranging and diverse. From Mozart to commissioned works by her peers, she is both deeply experienced in the classical vocal canon and engaged in new creation. Recent notable projects include a recording with soprano Emily Albrink of four world premiere song cycles, leading the world premiere of Matt Bohler’s opera FAT PIG (composed for activist soprano Tracy Cox), and the filmed opera Interstate, composed by Kamala Sankaram, co-authored and performed by Kathleen and soprano Jennifer Cresswell, produced by Minnesota Opera, and now streaming on Marquee TV. Kathleen has appeared internationally as a pianist in collaboration with singers, including appearances at Wigmore Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Vienna’s Musikverein . She is a published poet and essayist, and she has written several English adaptations of operas as well as several librettos . She has worked with many companies including the San Francisco, Metropolitan, Houston Grand, and Vienna State Operas, and she is regularly invited to speak and write on women’s issues in the opera industry
NEW YORK SINGING TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
Voice Professionals Worldwide Since 1906
Supports NATS on its 58th Biennial Conference
Available live in NYC and online worldwide, the New York Singing Teachers Association (NYSTA) offers its international membership events featuring leading figures in vocal performance, pedagogy, and health through the Great Coaches Series and Professional Development Program (PDP), as well as workshops, seminars, master classes and a peer-reviewed quarterly journal to inspire and educate those who work with the singing voice across all musical genres. Founded in 1906, NYSTA is the oldest singing teachers’ association in the world. Join history! For more information about membership, professional development resources, and our scholarship program, please visit our website at www.nyst.org.
Kathleen Kelly
Anniversary Fund
Supporting National Student Auditions in Honor of: NATS
Carole Blankenship Karen Brunssen Dan Johnson-Wilmot
2024 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
2024 Lifetime Achievement Awards Together, let us celebrate!
NATS honors, thanks, and celebrates the accomplishments of two distinguished individuals, Glendower Jones and Daniel Johnson-Wilmot, with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the NATS 58th national conference
Glendower Jones, founder of Classical Vocal Reprints, has been a pivotal figure in the singing community for nearly four decades. After his tenure at Joseph Patelson Music House in New York, he started his own business, providing an invaluable service by preserving and distributing vocal music that might otherwise have been lost to the profession . His specialization in diverse and historic repertoire and his championship of contemporary American composers are particularly notable and valued . If it can be found, Glendower can find it. Singers have found him to be a friend they can rely on Jones holds degrees in music from Southeastern Louisiana University and Southern Methodist University . His advocacy for singers and dedication to keeping music scores from being lost has earned him widespread admiration in the singing community . Congratulations, Glendower!
Daniel Johnson-Wilmot, Professor Emeritus of Music at Viterbo University, has devoted more than five decades to teaching and mentoring students in voice, with a passion for opera and choral music He established Viterbo University's opera program and has directed many productions . His students have achieved notable success, performing on Broadway and at the Metropolitan Opera, and winning numerous awards. After retiring once, he was enticed to return to fill a critical need at the university and now is in his 52nd year teaching at Viterbo!
He has been a dedicated NATS member since 1976, contributing significantly to the association through various leadership roles, including the Wisconsin Chapter auditions chair for 30 years . He has served the association at the national level from the inception of the NATS National Student Auditions where he has been an integral part of the team and served as coordinator . Additionally, he has served as region governor and Vice President for Membership on the NATS Board of Directors Johnson-Wilmot holds degrees in music from St . John’s University and University of Wisconsin-Madison . His dedication to NATS, along with his passion and love of teaching inspires us all Congratulations, Dan!
Join us as NATS honors Jones and Johnson-Wilmot at the gala celebration banquet on Monday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Missed a Session?
Is There a Presentation You Want to Watch Again?
The NATS Live Learning Center connects you to sessions recorded live from the 58th NATS National Conference. Sessions are recorded using the latest screen capture technology to include the speaker’s audio as well as their screen presentation slides during the live session. These recordings make great training tools and are easily accessible online. Session videos will be available in late summer. All full conference registrants will then receive an email providing 6-month FREE access to all of the session videos.
Exclusively for NATS members, purchase a full year's access to ALL 11 Video Sessions from NATS 2024 WINTER WORKSHOP for only $169.
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To attain your NATS member rate, email multiviewmediasupport@multiview.com for assistance. Offer extended through September 30, 2024.
Studio photo courtesy of VOIX DE VIVRE. Studio photo courtesy of VOIX DE VIVRE.
2024 N ATIONAL CONFERENCE
VAN L . LAWRENCE FELLOWSHIP
Ana Flavia Zuim receives 2024 Van L. Lawrence Fellowship
The National Association of Teachers of Singing and The Voice Foundation together have named Ana Flavia Zuim as the 2024 Van L Lawrence Fellowship Award recipient This prestigious honor includes the opportunity for Zuim to attend the annual Symposium on Care of the Professional Voice, accompanied by a $2,000 award toward her research .
Zuim is a NATS member from the New York City chapter and currently serves as an associate professor of vocal performance at New York University Steinhardt School in the Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions .
As a voice teacher and researcher, Zuim focuses on dosimetry and singers’ perception of vocal fatigue, particularly in the context of Broadway professionals . Her proposal aims to explore safe vocal dosing and assess singers’ perception of vocal fatigue using the EASE score .
She intends to create a catalog of vocal doses from individual Broadway roles, analyzing acoustical strategies that singers use during moments of heavy intensity, and establishing tessituragrams for these roles Her study aims to provide new parameters for safe amounts of voice use, guide repertoire choices for singers, and contribute to the overall understanding of demands in Broadway performances — especially those requiring heavy belting. This research is expected to benefit Zuim’s teaching by providing a scientific basis for repertoire selection and aiding in the training of belters . The dosimetry data collected will guide singers in implementing pacing strategies for career longevity . Having published studies in dosimetry alongside Dr Celia Stewart and Dr Ingo Titze, Zuim’s work has already made important contributions to the field. The Van L. Lawrence Fellowship will further support her efforts to expand knowledge in dosimetry and its application to the voice performance community
2025 Van L. Lawrence Fellowship
Application Deadline: Nov. 15, 2024
The Van L. Lawrence Fellowship was created to honor Van L. Lawrence, M.D. for his outstanding contribution to voice, and particularly to recognize the importance of the interdisciplinary education he fostered among laryngologists and singing teachers. The Fellowship is a joint award from the Voice Foundation and the Foundation Heritage Fund of the NATS Endowment.
Candidates for the Van L. Lawrence Fellowship shall be:
1. A member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing who is actively engaged in teaching.
2. The Fellowship shall be awarded to candidates who have demonstrated excellence in their professions as singing teachers, and who have shown interest in and knowledge of voice science. Members of NATS wishing to apply for the fellowship should write a letter of intent to The Voice Foundation along with your CV — combined into one PDF. Include the area and methods of your proposed study plan. E-mail: office@voicefoundation.org
a. Current application of scientific knowledge in the studio;
b. The area of intended study and/or research project and the study plan and methods;
c. How the Fellowship and research project will benefit your teaching;
d. NATS Chapter to which you belong;
e. A detailed curriculum vita.
The fellowship will be awarded at the next Symposium: Care of the Professional Voice May 28th–June 1st, 2025, in Philadelphia
Foundation Heritage Fund of the NATS Endowment
For more information, contact The Voice Foundation at 215-735-7999 or email office@voicefoundation.org. Visit nats.org for complete application instructions.
https://guidebook.com/g/nats58/
2024 JOAN FREY BOYTIM AWARDS FOR INDEPENDENT TEACHERS
The Joan Frey Boytim Award for Independent Teachers is designed to recognize and support independent teachers who do not hold full- or part-time teaching positions in a college or university These fellowships are awarded to NATS members who teach at least five students per week and be a first-time attendee at the national conference.
Congratulations to the 2024 recipients!
Katie Cochrane New England Region
Deborah Conquest Eastern Region
Christina DeMaio New England Region
Adam Dyjach Northwestern Region
Laura Ferranti Southeastern Region
Louise Gast Southeastern Region
Lucas Jameson Southern Region
Madison Lombardo Northwestern Region
Kristin Morris Great Lakes Region
Kelly Murphy Eastern Region
Maria Palombo Costa Mid-South Region
Les Reagan Southeastern Region
Kristina Riegle Great Lakes Region
Kelly Scott Eastern Region
Brittnee Simone Texoma Region
NATS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
Allen Henderson Executive Director
Kelly Balmaceda Director of Events and Programs
Jen Jimenez Development Director
Tina Hooks Office Manager
Amandia Carnahan Membership Services Coordinator
Beth Buchanan Marketing and Communications Manager
Jennifer Prok Bookkeeper/ Executive Assistant
Heather Carraway Administrative Assistant
Mark McQuade Competitions and Auditions Coordinator
Mandy Ruddock Special Events Assistant 58TH
2024 EMERGING LEADERS AWARDS
Seven early-career teachers of singing were selected to receive 2024 Emerging Leaders Awards . This biennial grant program is designed to recognize teachers of singing with no more than 10 years of teaching experience and who are active at the chapter and regional level of NATS . Winners received a grant to assist with their attendance at this 58th NATS national conference . This year’s applicants were eligible from the Central, Eastern, Great Lakes, Intermountain, North Central, Northwestern, or West Central regions Applicants from other regions will be eligible for the 2026 awards . Congratulations to all!
Emerging Leaders 2024
Felicia Betts (Eastern Region)
Natalie Cummings (Texoma Region)
Michaela Kelly (Cal-Western Region)
Nicholas Klein (Great Lakes Region)
Theodora Nestorova (Eastern Region)
Christina Ray (Central Region)
Georgeanne Yehling (West Central Region)
2023 NATS INTERN PROGRAM
The NATS Intern Program is an annual 10-day forum that pairs experienced and recognized veteran teachers with talented early-career members of NATS Within an intensive format designed to promote the dynamic exchange of ideas and techniques, the goal is to improve the studio teaching skills of voice interns and the coaching skills of collaborative piano interns
The NATS Intern Program Class of 2023 worked with voice teachers Cindy Dewey (Utah State University), Lorna MacDonald (University of Toronto), Trineice RobinsonMartin (Soul Ingredients Voice Studio), and Nathan Gunn (University of Illinois) The collaborative piano interns worked with pianist Julie Gunn (University of Illinois) from May 30 to June 9, 2023, on the campus of West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania Stephen Ng of West Chester University served as the local, on-site coordinator, and Tana Field of Murray State University was the vocal literature liaison .
2023 Collaborative Piano Interns
2023 Voice Interns
Dasom Kwon Columbus, Ohio
Michael McAndrew Beaumont, Texas
Lara Brooks Columbus, Ohio
Justin DeLong Findlay, Ohio
Evan Bravos Chicago, Illinois Ju Hyeon Han Brooklyn, New York
Yu-Hsin Teng Austin, Texas
Issac Vargas Amarillo, Texas
Christine Jobson Union City, New Jersey
Casey Joiner Lubbock, Texas
Paul Patinka Providence, Rhode Island
Will Perkins Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Sarah Pigott Clinton, Mississippi
Laura Pritchard Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Cayla Rosché Madison, Wisconsin
Olivia Yokers Henderson, Nevada
2024 NATS INTERN PROGRAM
NATS invited 16 members to take part in the 2024 Intern Program . Master teachers Alfonse Anderson (University of Nevada, Las Vegas), Melissa Foster (Northwestern University), Mike Ruckles (Mike Ruckles Voice Studio), and Louise Toppin (University of Michigan) worked with the 12 voice teachers — both independent and academic . The collaborative pianist interns worked with Donna Loewy (University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music) . The Class of 2024 met May 29 to June 6 on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida . Marcía Porter of Florida State University was the local, on-site coordinator, and Tana Field of Murray State University served as the vocal literature liaison . Application materials for the 2025 program will be available later this summer through NATS .org .
2024 Collaborative Piano Interns
2024 Voice Interns
Hyun Kim Kansas City, Missouri
Jiyeon Lee Carbondale, Illinois
Kirsten Blair Fairbanks, Alaska
Natalie Cummings Austin, Texas
Sakinah Davis River Ridge, Louisiana
Brittany Fouché Strine Jacksonville, Florida
Dario Martin Fairbanks, Alaska
Bobby Pace Chadron, Nebraska
Christina Haldane Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Christina Ray Columbia, Missouri
Carissa Scroggins Carbondale, Illinois
Anne Slovin South Bend, Indiana
Justin T. Swain Athens, Ohio
WeiShu Tsai Ruston, Louisiana
Sarah VandenBrink Holland, Michigan
Lisa Williamson Colchester, Connecticut
KNOXVILLE CONVENTION CENTER MAP
Knoxville Convention Center (KCC) 58TH
DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE MAP
Marriott Knoxville Downtown 525 Henley St Knoxville, TN 37902 Hilton Knoxville 501 W Church Ave Knoxville, TN 37902
Downtown Knoxville
Knoxville Convention Center 701 Henley St Knoxville, TN 37902
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center 1741 Volunteer Blvd Knoxville, TN 37916
Haslam Music Center
HOTEL MAPS
C M R O O M S located on the H i l t o n K n o x v i l l e ’ s M A I N F L O O R
Marriott Conference Space: Ballroom Details
The Gallery Assembly Ballroom
NATSCast, the official podcast network of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, has established a varied, credible and entertaining group of podcasts featuring a myriad of topics — from the business of singing to voice health, teaching singers (of course!), and even chatting with Broadway stars.
nats.org
Join us in the Hostess City of the South!
Building Together, Curating Tomorrow
January 5–8, 2025 Savannah, Georgia
~ A joint event celebrating an inclusive musical future ~ 70th NOA National Conference and NATS 2025 Winter Workshop
♦ Explore opera, musical theatre, commercial music and new music repertoire
♦ Learn DEI best practices for educators, performers and creators
♦ Be inspired by creative community engagement and teaching ideas
♦ Escape to Savannah with its historic charm, cobblestone squares, and rich culture
noa.org/conference ♦ nats.org/2025savannah
NATS DATES & DEADLINES
To help you stay engaged with NATS, we’ve provided a timeline of important dates as we progress toward the next National Conference in 2026 . We encourage you to print out and post this sheet to remind you of the key dates and deadlines on the NATS schedule .
2024
September 15, 2024
October 1, 2024
The NATS Mentoring Program for Composers Application Deadline
NATS National Membership Dues Renewal Begins
November 15, 2024 Van L . Lawrence Fellowship Application Deadline (Registration begins early fall 2024)
December 1, 2024
December 15, 2024
Site and Dates TBD
Art Song 2025 Composition Award Application Deadline (Registration begins early fall 2024)
NATS 2025 Intern Program Application Deadline (Application available late summer 2024)
2025 February 15, 2025 Voice Pedagogy Award Application Deadline
April 11, 2025
June 1, 2025
June 2025 (dates TBA)
June 17-27, 2025
June 2025 (dates and location TBA)
July 31– August 3, 2025
September 1, 2025
September 15, 2025
October 2025
October 1, 2025
November 1, 2025
National Student Auditions (NSA) National Preliminary Round Application Deadline (by invitation only)
NATS 59th National Conference Presentation Proposal Deadline
NATS Science-Informed Voice Pedagogy Institute, Orem, Utah
