The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is pleased to announce its 2022-2023 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. Seven composers have signed on to be mentors for the program.

The 2022/23 mentors:

• Stephen Eddins
• Kurt Erickson
• Steven Mark Kohn
• Lori Laitman
• Nkeiru Okoye
• Richard Pearson Thomas
• Tom Cipullo

"NATS is proud to offer this program for the third year in a row," said Executive Director Allen Henderson. "It’s a fantastic opportunity to pair some of today’s best art song composers with composers who are looking to further their skills and make new connections. We’re incredibly grateful to these mentors for their commitment of time and devoted attention to our upcoming 2022/23 class. We all look forward to hearing the new music they create.”

Composers of vocal music (especially art song and opera) are encouraged to apply for this mentoring program. Organizers will select between 8 and 10 composers and pair them with a mentor for a period of roughly 8 months, from October 16, 2022 – June 1, 2023. 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.

As a special feature of the program, the Cincinnati Song Initiative commissions and premieres a song from each of the composer mentees. These have been presented in the “Let It Be New” concert events over the past two years. Past mentees also have had the opportunity again to present their works as part of NATS events at the chapter, region or national level.

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

To apply, applicants will provide a short biography (200 words), a composer’s statement (150 words), 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 18, 2022

Applicants will be notified by October 15, 2022.

More info