What's New > Announcing finalists for 2026 Barbara Hill Moore Emerging Teaching Artist Award
 |
The National Association of Teachers of Singing has selected three national finalists for the inaugural Barbara Hill Moore Emerging Teaching Artist Award, to be presented during the 59th NATS National Conference, July 3-7, in San Antonio.
2026 Barbara Hill Moore Emerging Teaching Artist Award finalists:
- Mark Covey, bass-baritone
- Courtney Fletcher, mezzo-soprano
- Lily Guerrero, coloratura soprano
The Barbara Hill Moore Emerging Teaching Artist Award is a biennial program designed to encourage, support, and facilitate the professional development of a NATS member who is both a singing teacher and also pursuing an active singing performance career. The winner is determined through a competition recognizing teaching artists with a bright future on a dual-career track. The inaugural 2026 winner will receive a $3,000 cash prize.
The finals are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4 at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter, and admission is included with conference registration.
NATS received preliminary submissions for award in the summer and fall of 2025, and three NATS distinguished teacher artists adjudicated the entries.
Adjudicator Carole FitzPatrick is an associate professor of voice at Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts School of Music. FitzPatrick has performed professionally in opera houses across Germany, as well as performances in France, Spain, Finland, Austria, Holland, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, and Russia in addition to her performances in America.
Adjudicator John Holiday is an associate professor of voice and opera at the University of Maryland School of Music. Holiday has performed in operas at the Metropolitan Opera, Glimmerglass, Boston Baroque, Los Angeles Opera, and Wolf Trap Opera, as well as in concert at a wide variety of international venues.
Adjudicator Jeanai La Vita is an assistant professor in the music department of SUNY Oneonta and teaches as a member of Manhattan School of Music’s Precollege Faculty. La Vita has performed with New York City Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, and the Ravinia Festival, as well as in concert throughout the United States and Europe.
REGISTER | PROGRAM | HOTEL | ADVERTISE | SPONSOR | BANQUET | FAQs
The Countdown to Conference is On!
The NATS 59th National Conference will take place July 3-7 in San Antonio,
bringing together voice teachers, singers, collaborative pianists, students, and other professionals from across North America and beyond. This biennial gathering features plenary sessions, breakout presentations, performances, and professional networking over five days.
Make plans today to hear these finalists compete for the 2026 Barbara Hill Moore Emerging Teaching Artist Award.
