2025 National Student Auditions

NATS celebrated an exciting 2025 National Student Auditions this summer, awarding more than $89,000 in prizes. The event welcomed 459 student singers to Temple University in Philadelphia as part of the first-ever NATS AuditionCon. Students advanced through multiple levels to compete in 38 categories spanning classical, American Negro Spirituals, musical theatre, and commercial music. The 2025-26 NSA cycle has already begun in some regions, and will culminate with the semifinals and final rounds in San Antonio next July 2026 as part of the NATS 59th national conference. Read more

Mentoring Program for Composers: 2025–26

Ten art song composers will serve as mentors for the NATS Mentoring Program for Composers. Early-career composers selected for the program will receive one-on-one guidance over eight months. NATS also commissions a song from each mentee, culminating in a concert premiered by Cincinnati Song Initiative. More than 50 new art songs have been composed since the program’s inception. NATS is accepting mentee applications through Oct. 3. Read more

NATS National Mentoring Collaborative

Another exclusive mentoring program is back! NATS National Mentoring Collaborative pairs members with veteran colleagues for three one-hour, one-on-one sessions tailored to each teacher’s goals, such as improving teaching skills or navigating career decisions. Participation is $100 for mentees, and applications are due Oct. 3. Read more

Brenda Smith to lead NATS Books

Longtime NATS member and author Brenda Smith was appointed chair of the NATS Books editorial board, succeeding Matthew Hoch. Smith will guide the program’s publishing efforts with Bloomsbury (formerly Rowman & Littlefield), building on the success of the “So You Want to Sing” series. NATS members can enjoy a 30% discount at Bloomsbury on individual titles with code NATSBOOKS30. Read more

Barbara Hill Moore Emerging Teaching Artist Award

NATS recently launched the Barbara Hill Moore Emerging Teaching Artist Award to support voice professionals pursuing both teaching and performance. Applicants aged 33–43 with active singing careers can compete for a $3,000 prize and a recital opportunity at the 59th national conference in San Antonio, July 3-7, 2026. Applicants from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. Deadline: Jan. 15, 2026. Read more

New region governors begin 2025–26 terms

NATS welcomes three new region governors: Maribeth Crawford (Mid-South), Daniel Hunter-Holly (Texoma), and Sandra Oberoi (International). They began two-year terms on July 1. NATS thanks outgoing governors for their dedicated service and looks forward to the new leaders’ contributions across their regions. Read more

Lily Guerrero receives Clifton Ware Group-Voice Pedagogy Award

Lily Guerrero, assistant professor of voice and pedagogy at the University of Texas at Austin, was named the 2025 Clifton Ware GroupVoice Pedagogy Award recipient in June. Her project will offer free group-voice classes for residents at a retirement community in Austin taught by doctorate-level voice pedagogy students. Matthew Markham received an honorable mention. Read more

Journal of Singing expands editorial team

Editor in Chief Matthew Hoch has appointed four new associate editors for Journal of Singing: Linda Lister (“Mindful Voice”), Jeanne Goffi-Fynn and John Nix (“Voice Pedagogy”), and Christian T. Herbst (“Practical Voice Science”). Nine new editorial board members also join, bringing their expertise to shape the journal’s future content. Read more

SNATS Virtual Kickoff set for Oct. 19

SNATS chapters and student leaders will celebrate the start of a new year of activities at the SNATS Virtual Kickoff on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. ET. Attendees will hear updates from other chapters, learn about SNATS grants, as well membership opportunities and ways to get involved at the 2026 national conference in San Antonio. The session will be led by Nicholas Perna (NATS VP for Outreach). Read more

Adam Guettel and The Broadway Voice

Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist Adam Guettel is opening his New York City studio to lead an exclusive performance class on Monday, Oct. 13. This event offers two sessions and a meet-and-greet with Broadway special guests in between. Tickets: $100 for NATS members, $125 for non-members and $50 for students (with valid ID). Proceeds support the NATS National Musical Theatre Competition. Read more