The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) has named 10 art song composers to serve as mentors for the 2025-26 NATS Mentoring Program for Composers. This program provides emerging and early-career art song composers with valuable mentoring and guidance from established professionals, helping to promote and encourage the creation of new works.

The 2025-26 mentors:

• Juhi Bansal
• Tom Cipullo
• Stephen Eddins
• Jodi Goble
• Steven Mark Kohn
• Lori Laitman
• Jeffrey Mumford
• Shawn E. Okpebholo
• Laura Schwendinger
• Scott Wheeler

“NATS is committed to nurturing the next generation of composers who write for the voice,” said Executive Director Allen Henderson. “Through this program, more than 50 new art songs have been commissioned and performed. We are grateful to the mentors for their generosity of time and expertise, and to Lori Laitman and Tom Cipullo for their leadership. Each year, the program builds new connections and brings fresh ideas to the genre, and we once again look forward to the works that will emerge from the 2025-26 class.”

Program Details

This mentoring program encourages composers of vocal music, especially art song and opera, to apply. Organizers will select 10 composers, pairing them with a mentor for approximately eight months, from November to June. The mentorship involves monthly one-on-one online sessions, where mentors may critique works, offer advice on writing for voice, share resources, connect mentees with performers and presenters, give information about recording and publishing opportunities, and just generally be a sounding board for any questions the mentees might have.

As a special feature, NATS commissions a song from each of the composer mentees to be premiered by the Cincinnati Song Initiative. These have been presented in the “Let It Be New” concert events since the program's inception. Past mentees also have had the opportunity to present their works as part of NATS events at the chapter, region and national level.

There is no cost for the NATS Mentoring Program for Composers, 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 Requirements

To apply, complete the form on the NAT website. All applications must include the following:

• Brief biography (200 words)
• Composer’s statement (150 words). The composer’s statement should indicate your experience with vocal music, and why this program would be helpful to you.
• Two short work samples (upload BOTH the score PDFs and sound files)
• Headshot (upload as JPEG or PNG). The file name should include your name.

Deadline to apply is Oct. 3 by midnight.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance no later than October 31, 2025.

Submit your application

For more information and to access the application form, visit the webpage.

Other NATS mentoring opportunities

NATS provides several programs for professional growth through mentoring. These programs connect members with experienced professionals who can share insights, offer encouragement, and help guide the next steps in a career.

The NATS National Mentoring Collaborative (NNMC) is designed for teachers at all stages. Participants are paired with a mentor of their choice for one-on-one sessions that may include teaching reviews, discussions of specific interests, or collaborative exploration of pedagogy and performance. NATS is accepting application now and the deadline to apply is Oct. 3 by midnight. Learn more

The NATS Intern Program is another longstanding initiative. This in-person immersive experience pairs early-career NATS members with master teachers in both voice and collaborative piano. Through lessons, coaching, and educational sessions, participants are able to improve their teaching in a dynamic, hands-on environment. NATS and the NATS Endowment provide tuition, housing, and meals. Participants are responsible for their travel expenses; however, stipends for travel assistance have been available. Stay tuned for details on the 2026 location and deadlines!