NATS Mentoring Initiatives
- NATS National Mentoring Collaborative (NNMC)
- NATS Mentoring for Composers
- NATS Intern Program
- Conference Connections
NATS is dedicated to fostering growth through mentoring at the chapter, region, and national levels. These programs connect members, encourage collaboration, and support continued learning in the art of teaching voice.
Explore the mentoring options below to find the best fit for your needs — or share your own mentoring opportunity with us. If you have additional questions or ideas, please reach out to the Vice President of Outreach.
Mentoring Options Overview
NATS National Mentoring Collaborative
The NATS National Mentoring Collaborative (NNMC) aims to foster learning for all teachers by offering a collaborative approach to mentoring. Those interested in being mentored are able to choose from a list mentors to aid in developing their own teaching pedagogy. The program also includes collaborative piano. Learn more
NATS Mentoring Program for Composers
This is a unique opportunity for emerging and early-career art song composers that encourages the composition and performance of new works. Learn more
NATS Intern Program
The NATS Intern Program is a preeminent offering for early-career voice teachers (both academic and independent) and collaborative pianists. Within an intensive format designed to promote the dynamic exchange of ideas and techniques, the goal is to improve substantially the studio teaching skills of voice interns and the coaching skills of collaborative piano interns. Learn more
Conference Connections is a mentoring initiative only offered during the biennial national conferences. It was designed to facilitate connections between established and emerging professionals, and the free program highlights the generous camaraderie of the NATS membership. Conference Connections participants have the option to sign up as a mentor or mentee. It was most recently offered during the NATS 58th National Conference in 2024 and the next opportunity will be at the 2026 national conference in San Antonio.
NATS member Sarah Bucher is coordinating the 2026 Conference Connections. Previously, Elizabeth Ann Benson led from 2020 to 2024, following its establishment as "Mentoring Over Coffee" by Ian Howell in 2018. Previous Conference Connections have been very popular, resulting in more than 100 mentoring partnerships during the event. Mentoring partners meet to chat for an hour during the conference, fostering new connections within NATS.
Responses to a follow-up survey suggest a high level of satisfaction with this program.
“This program is a great example of practicing our mission, vision, and values within NATS,” Benson said. The connections made through mentoring bolster the NATS Diversity and Inclusion statement, “to be a welcoming and supportive community of members and students who celebrate the unique identities, varied backgrounds, and experiences of all individuals.”
Everyone registered for the 59th NATS National Conference by May 1, 2026, will be sent an email to participate in the 2026 Conference Connections. Questions regarding Conference Connections may be directed to Sarah Bucher.
NATS member and independent teacher Cynthia Vaughn shares about Conference Connections.
