Katie Cochrane

The National Association of Teachers of Singing is pleased to announce Katie Cochrane is the inaugural recipient of the Canadian Voice Pedagogy Award.

The new award presents $1,000 annually to a Canadian candidate for the purpose of study at a seminar, symposium, or workshop on voice pedagogy or voice science. All NATS national and regional events, Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA), The Voice Foundation, and International Congress of Voice Teachers (ICVT) symposia are acceptable requests, among others.

Cochrane is a Nova Scotia-based voice teacher, director of musical theatre programs, voice pedagogy instructor, and an avid East Coast NATS member and SNATS advisor. Cochrane will use the award to attend the 58th NATS national conference in Knoxville, Tennessee, June 28 - July 2.

The Canadian Voice Pedagogy Award was initiated and created by NATS member Lorna MacDonald, Lois Marshall Chair in Voice at the University of Toronto, to help provide opportunities for Canadian teachers, researchers and singers.

“It’s been a personal thrill for me to help develop this award,” MacDonald said. “As a long-time NATS member, I’ve served on the advancement committee, nomination committees, national conference committee, and I’ve been a NATS Intern Program host and master teacher. I value our organization, and I wanted to create a project that would support my Canadian colleagues and students while advancing the important missions of NATS and Student NATS.”

The award’s founding committee consisted of NATS Ontario officers, a former Voice Pedagogy Award winner, and the president of Student NATS (SNATS) at the University of Toronto.

MacDonald said she and the selection committee were impressed by Cochrane’s application.

“Her interest in sharing her knowledge and talents within the community through a variety of disciplines was inspiring,” MacDonald explained. “Katie reflects the future of NATS in Canada, and we’re pleased to congratulate her as the first awardee. It was heartening to see the quality and variety of applications that came from across the country.”

Cochrane said she believes in lifelong learning and appreciates that this award will allow her to deepen her understanding of the latest techniques in the field by attending the NATS conference.

“I’ve benefited so much from being a part of NATS,” Cochrane said. “It’s created a community, learning outlets, and an abundance of resources. Growing up in a rural community in Nova Scotia, Canada, I did not have access to as many performance or voice-related opportunities. Since unexpectedly returning home to Nova Scotia from New York City during the pandemic, I have made it my mission to provide accessible vocal learning to diverse students with varying backgrounds. Through this award, I’m excited to bring back all of my learnings to my chapter, colleagues and students.”

Cochrane is grateful for NATS as well as many individuals on her journey as a singer and educator.

“First of all, I would like to recognize NATS and the many resources and support they offer to the voice world,” she said. “I also would like to thank my voice teacher Jeremy Aye, mentor Nina Scott-Stoddart, my colleagues at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, Dr. Susan Boddie, Dr. Betty Allsion, Dr. Christina Haldane, the arts community of Nova Scotia, my amazing voice students who I cherish, and last but certainly not least, my dear family and friends.”

About Katie Cochrane

Katie Cochrane (she/her) holds a master’s degree in vocal performance (musical theatre concentration) as well as an advanced certificate in vocal pedagogy from New York University Steinhardt. She earned her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Acadia University.

Cochrane is currently the head of the voice department and co-program director of the musical theatre programs at Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and she teaches vocal pedagogy and vocology at the Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University. She has built a thriving studio since 2020, with students ranging from 12 to 60 years, primarily focusing on high school students and those in their early 20s.

She sits on the board of the Canadian Atlantic Provinces Chapter of NATS and is an advisor for their student chapter (CAP SNATS). Cochrane strongly believes in mentoring the next generation of talented young singers, and is a regular clinician, performer and adjudicator in voice and musical theatre across Canada.

Learn more at katiecochranenyc.com and follow her on Instagram @katie_cochrane_voice_studio.

Congratulations, Katie!

If you would like to donate to the Canadian Voice Pedagogy Award, please use the donation form through NATS Ontario.