2025-26 Program

• Applications Open: September 2, 2025
• Application Deadline: October 3, 2025 at midnight
• Applicants will be notified of acceptance no later than October 31, 2025.

Composers of vocal music, especially art song and opera, are encouraged to apply. Organizers will select 10 composers, pairing them with a mentor for approximately 8 months, from November to June. The mentorship involves one-to-one online contact, approximately once a month. Depending on the schedule of the mentors, the needs of the mentees, and the interests of both parties, the mentors might critique short works, give general counsel about writing for voice, offer advice about resources, point the mentees toward appropriate performers and presenters, give information about recording and publishing opportunities, and generally be a sounding board for any questions the mentees might have.

As a special feature of the program, NATS commissions a song from each of the composer mentees to be premiered by the Cincinnati Song Initiative. These have been presented in the “Let It Be New” concert events since the program's inception. Past mentees also have had the opportunity to present their works as part of NATS events at the chapter, region and national level.

There is no cost for this program and no application fee. There are no age or stylistic limitations, but the program is intended for those in the early stages of their professional careers or those nearing the end of their formal education.

*The composers selected for the program will be required to join NATS membership. Discounted rates are available for students and emerging professionals. NATS looks forward to welcoming you into our vibrant community, where you’ll have opportunities for continued networking, collaboration, and professional growth.*

The 2025-26 mentors:

• Juhi Bansal
• Tom Cipullo
• Stephen Eddins
• Jodi Goble
• Steven Mark Kohn
• Lori Laitman
• Jeffrey Mumford
• Shawn E. Okpebholo
• Laura Schwendinger
• Scott Wheeler

Application Requirements

Complete the application form by clicking the green "Apply now" button below. All applications must include the following:

• Brief biography (200 words)
• Composer's statement (150 words) The composer's statement should indicate your experience with vocal music, and why this program would be helpful to you.
• Two short work samples (upload BOTH the score PDF's and sound files)
• Headshot (upload as JPEG or PNG) The file name should include your name.

Deadline to Apply:

October 3, 2025 at midnight

Apply now

Previous Years

2024-25 Class

Read more about the 2024-25 class of composers.

Watch the 2025 Cincinnati Song Initiative "Let it Be New" concert.

2023-24 Class

Read more about the 2023-24 class of composers.

Watch the 2024 Cincinnati Song Initiative "Let it Be New" concert.

2022-23 Class

Read more about the 2022-23 class of composers.

Watch the 2023 Cincinnati Song Initiative "Let it Be New" concert.

2021-22 Class

Read more about the 2021-22 class of composers.

Watch the Cincinnati Song Initiative "Let it Be New" concert from June 26, 2022.

2020-21 Class

The inaugural 2020-21 class of composer mentees was reserved for composers from underrepresented groups, with a special emphasis on Black composers. The Cincinnati Song Initiative commissioned a song from each composer mentee and they were featured in a video recording in May 2021.

2020-21 mentors:

• H. Leslie Adams (General Advice)
• Michael Ching
• Tom Cipullo
• Andrea Clearfield 
• Anthony Davis
• Juliana Hall 
• Jake Heggie
• Roy Jennings
• Lori Laitman  
• Evan Mack

2020-2021 Class