Two pre-conference workshops are being offered at the 52nd NATS National Conference that aim to challenge and inspire. On June 29, conference attendees that have also registered for a preconference can choose between Dr. Christopher Arneson’s workshop, “Assess Before You Assign: Selecting Repertoire from a Developmental Perspective” and Ryan Saab’s workshop, “The Ultimate Music Theater Audition Seminar.”

In Dr. Arneson’s workshop, a NATS first, you’ll challenge the preconceptions we all have when assigning repertoire to students. Are you sick of hearing the same old repertoire in lessons and competitions? Have you ever thought, “There must be more than this?” You’re right! Learn how to evaluate potential repertoire for your students, so you never have to sit through ”aaaalmaaaa del coooorrree” again.

Dr. Arneson will lead the workshop and discussion that includes the answers to questions such as, “Which of the ‘great’ composers wrote songs that are appropriate for young singers?” and “Why is Gia il sole dal gange a better choice than Caro mio ben?” You will leave with the ability to make more informed choices about the repertoire you assign, knowledge of how to use repertoire as a teaching tool, and practical suggestions for singers’ repertoire.

Join presenter Christopher Arneson to take part in the discussion and learn:

• how to use a difficulty rating system and student evaluations to determine appropriate repertoire for all levels of students.
• the benefits of developing a teaching plan that includes long-term goals, as well as how to ‘hook’ your students.
• a more thoughtful approach of assigning vocal literature and venturing beyond what we view as tried-and-true.
• how to use new diagnostic tools.
• to choose songs and arias that are aligned with progressive pedagogical and artistic goals for each of your students.

Join presenters Ryan Saab, Rachel Bress, Joe Church, and Duncan Stewart for the Ultimate Music Theater Audition Seminar that focuses on the entire audition process through three distinct components:

Dance Audition Techniques for Singers

Industry professionals who run many auditions in New York City and Los Angeles offer tips to improve dance or movement auditions in a relaxed, supportive, and professional environment.

Music Theater Vocal Audition Technique

This segment of the workshop will focus on every aspect of the music theater vocal audition.

The Ultimate Audition Guide

Learn secrets of how to approach a performing and auditioning career as a business.

The program will conclude with a lecture and discussion with a Broadway Associate Choreographer, Broadway Vocal Technician/Coach, and Broadway Casting Director/Agent. Whether your students are auditioning for a university program or for professional performing companies, this seminar will help build your confidence in advising them and will give them the tools to stand out in an audition room.

In this workshop, you’ll:

• learn tips and secrets on how students can best present themselves to a panel of directors, agents, and choreographers.
• take part in a supportive mock audition where students can apply what they have learned and receive feedback to help with all of their future auditions.
• strengthen and build confidence with audition repertoire.

You can register for these workshops as part of your conference registration by visiting the conference registration site.