The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is pleased to announce the 2021-2022 NATS Mentoring Program for Composers. This unique mentoring opportunity for emerging and early career art song composers aims to promote and encourage the composition and performance of new works. Eight composers have signed on to be mentors for the program.

The 2021/22 mentors:

• Tom Cipullo
• David Conte
• Maria Thompson Corley
• Steven Mark Kohn
• Lori Laitman
• Libby Larsen
• Evan Mack
• Nkeiru Okoye

"We're thrilled to bring back this successful program for early-career composers," said Executive Director Allen Henderson. "The chance to learn from some of the best art song composers of our time is an extraordinary opportunity, and NATS is proud to coordinate the pairings and networking. We were so impressed with last year's inaugural class of composer mentees, and I cannot wait to experience the music our upcoming group will create."

Composers of vocal music (especially art song and opera) are encouraged to apply for this program. Between 8 and 10 selected composers will be paired with a mentor for a period of roughly 8 months, from October 15, 2021 – June 1, 2022. The mentoring will involve 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 just generally be a sounding board for any questions the mentees might have. 

At the end of a year, it is hoped that the mentees have some of their works presented by NATS, either on the web, or as part of regional or national NATS events. As a special feature of last year’s program, the Cincinnati Song Initiative commissioned and premiered a song from each of the composer mentees. An encapsulating experience for the 2022 program is still under development and will be announced soon.

Last year's virtual concert was a season finale video for Cincinnati Song Initiative.

"It was a wonderful opportunity to partner with the Cincinnati Song Initiative," Henderson added. "For the coming 2021/22 group, a culminating project or recital is on the horizon. We'll be sure to share details as we know more."

There is no cost for the NATS Mentoring 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.

Application Procedure

The application asks interested composers to submit a short biography (200 words), a composer’s statement (150 words), a head shot, and two short work samples (as PDFs and also as sound files). The composer’s statement should indicate the applicant's experience with vocal music, and why this program would be helpful to them.

Deadline to apply: September 17, 2021

Learn more