The National Association of Teachers of Singing has selected eight early-career voice teachers for the 2026 NATS Emerging Leaders Awards.

This biennial grant program recognizes teachers of singing with no more than 10 years of teaching experience who demonstrate active involvement at the NATS chapter and regional levels. Each recipient will receive up to $750 in reimbursement support to help offset travel and attendance costs for the 59th NATS National Conference, July 3-7, 2026, in San Antonio.

For the 2026 cycle, applicants were eligible from the Cal-Western, International, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-South, New England, Southeastern, Southern and Texoma regions. Applicants from other regions will be eligible for the 2028 awards. Learn more about the Emerging Leaders Awards.

Congratulations to the 2026 NATS Emerging Leaders Award recipients:

• Josaphat Contreras (Mid-South Region)
• Brandon Marcus (Southeastern Region)
• Daniela Monzon Villegas (Southeastern Region)
• Sarah Neely (Texoma Region)
• Jessica Posada (Texoma Region)
• Liangjun Shi (International and Mid-Atlantic Regions)
• Sean Stanton (Cal-Western Region)
• Helena Widmann (New England Region)

Josaphat Contreras, Mid-South Region

Brandon Marcus, Southeastern Region

Daniela Monzon Villegas, Southeastern Region

Sarah Neely, Texoma Region

Jessica Posada, Texoma Region

Liangjun Shi, International & Mid-Atlantic Regions

Sean Stanton, Cal-Western Region

Helena Widmann, New England Region

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.

Register today!