NATS is Celebrating Its 70th Anniversary.
Be A Part of the Celebration In Boston!

The biennial NATS National Conference attracts NATS members and others from around the world to share in programs, demonstrations, lectures, master classes and competitions that help celebrate the art of singing and increase knowledge of teachers to help them better assist their students. The 53rd NATS National Conference will be held July 5-9, 2014, at the BostonMarriott Copley Place, a luxurious 70,000-square-foot full-service hotel that recently completed a five-year renovation, making it a destination of choice in one of America’s most historic cities.

Sponsor Recognition • Letter From The President • 53rd National Conference Committee • Volunteer

Conference News

July 2014 - 12 winners named in National Student Auditions
July 2014 - Michael Maliakel wins 2014 National Music Theater Competition
July 2014 - National Student Auditions finalists named
July 2014 - Melissa Wimbish wins 43rd NATSAA Competition in Boston
July 2014 - National Music Theater Competition finalists announced
July 2014 - Follow the live coverage of Boston via social media and NATS.org
July 2014 - NATSAA finalists selected in Boston
July 2014 - Boston Conference Update #4 - July 3, 2014
July 2014 - Boston Conference Update #3 - July 1, 2014
June 2014 - Professional headshot package available for NATS members
June 2014 - Boston Conference Update #2 - June 30, 2014
June 2014 - Boston Conference Update #1 - June 28, 2014
June 2014 - Semifinals schedule announced for 2014 National Student Auditions
June 2014 - Visit the Boston Conference Bulletin Board - Find a Roommate, share a car, etc.
June 2014 - National Music Theater Competition semifinalists selected
May 2014 - Semifinalists announced for inaugural National Student Auditions in Boston
May 2014 - NATS offering special tickets, seating option for Boston Red Sox game on July 8
April 2014 - George Shirley to be honored in Boston with NATS Lifetime Achievement Award
April 2014 - Seven selected for 2014 NATS Emerging Leader Awards
April 2014 - 2014 Independent Teacher Fellowship recipients chosen for 53rd National Conference
March 2014 - Self-nominate or recommend a student to participate in a Master Class (April 10 deadline)
March 2014 - Exhibitor Information for 53rd National Conference (Check-In and Schedule)
July 2013 - Thomas Hampson to be featured artist at 2014 NATS National Conference
August 2013 - NATS issues Call For Papers with Dec. 1 deadline

Conference Sponsors

*Sponsors listed are as of June 19, 2014.

We are grateful for the involvement and support of our sponsors which make it possible for us to provide excellent programs and guest artists for this conference event, as well as support for our competitions. Silver Level Grand Sponsor

Silver Level Grand Sponsor

Learn more about the New York Singing Teachers' Association

Grand Opening Reception Co-Sponsors

NATS Great Lakes Region
NATS New England Region
NATS North Central Region
NATS Intermountain Region
NATS Northwest Region

Refreshment Break Sponsors

Learn more about the American Academy of Teachers of Singing
NATS Boston Chapter
NATS Cal-Western Region
NATS Mid-South Region

Letter From The NATS President

The National Association of Teachers of Singing is embarking on an exciting venture for our next conference year July 5-9, 2014! You will find some of the BEST program ideas ever in the historical city of Boston.

We will focus on American song and enjoy THOMAS HAMPSON’S many gifts. His recital and master class will surely be highlights for us all! We are also thrilled with another headliner, DR. STEVEN ZEITEL, preeminent laryngeal surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, who will speak at two plenary sessions during the conference. Then LAURA BROOKS RICE will present a masterclass expertly delivered on the first day of the conference.

Breakout sessions will be hard to select because there are so many good ones! What is your favorite course of study? Will you choose pedagogy, classical or pop style, literature, audition techniques, healthy choral singing, voice disorders, voice screening, or performance?

A panel of experienced teachers will present refreshing and helpful ideas for teaching boys to sing through the voice change. Then we are offering another FIRST: an open facilitated session for sharing ideas on teaching special needs students. Are you interested in Landmines confronting the Contemporary Singer, Professional Singer, Young Singer and Avocational Singer, presented by a voice teacher partnering with a laryngologist?

Pilates for Singers is an important early morning exercise for hearty souls with an expert whose training is only the second generation from Joseph Pilates. At a workshop earlier this year, Mental Skills for Singers was presented and was so fascinating that we felt compelled to invite the presenter for the conference! Personally, I can’t wait to hear a discussion on gender-neutral pedagogy Talking about Ms. Tenor and Mr. Soprano.

Do you need help preparing your students to be cast in rock musicals? We have that topic too! We will also have a female teacher talking about women teaching men. No problem!

NATS wants YOU to join us in the great city of Boston at the Marriott Copley Center for an historical overview of American song. You will enjoy opportunities to meet with friends and colleagues to discuss special interests including an Independent Teacher gathering, a SNATS meeting, an Intern Reunion, a Leadership luncheon, and the Presidents’ meeting. Having time to talk with each other is always great. Don’t forget the big banquet and dance on the last evening to the accompaniment of an orchestra. I am looking forward to meeting each of you and hearing your ideas.

Until we meet in Boston next July 5, please accept my
Best Wishes,

Kathryn Proctor Duax, President

53rd National Conference Committee

Kathryn Proctor Duax, NATS President
Norman Spivey, NATS President Elect
Donald Simonson, NATS Past President
Christopher Arneson, Conference Program Chair
Leslie Goldberg, Conference Coordinating Committee Chair
Carole Blankenship, NATS Vice President of NATSAA
Thomas Enman, NATSAA Coordinator
Allen Henderson, NATS Executive Director
Deborah Guess, NATS Director of Operations
Mandy Ruddock, NATS Special Events/Conference Assistant
Donna Ames, Volunteer Coordinator
Noel Smith, Singers/Pianists Coordinator
Richard Weidlich, Guest Artist Coordinator
Dan Johnson Wilmot, Volunteer At Large
Cindy Dewey, Volunteer At Large
Susan Sandrol Jones, Volunteer At Large
Leslie Holmes, Volunteer At Large
John Nix, Poster Paper Session Coordinator

Volunteer

Would you like to volunteer in Boston? Any gift of time will be greatly appreciated and ensure that you are an important part of this wonderful event! For more information, contact Deborah Guess at .

Connect with us