NATS Intern Program
The NATS Intern Program is a preeminent offering for early-career voice teachers (both academic and independent) and collaborative pianists. NATS teachers and collaborative pianists with less than 5 years of teaching experience are encouraged to apply.
Hear all about the program from participants and master teachers.
Details
Dates: May 30 -June 9, 2023
Location: West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Director of the NATS Intern Program: Carole Blankenship, Rhodes College
Local Coordinator: Stephen Ng, West Chester University
Vocal Literature Liaison: Tana Field, Murray State University
Applications are closed for 2023, and the 2024 application will open toward the end of this summer.
Applications for the 2024 Intern Program will be due by midnight on December 15, 2023.
2023 Faculty: Master Teachers
L to R: Cindy Dewey, Nathan Gunn, Julie Gunn, Trineice Robinson-Martin and Lorna MacDonald.
Voice
Cindy Dewey (Utah State University)
Lorna MacDonald (University of Toronto)
Trineice Robinson-Martin (Soul Ingredients Voice Studio)
Nathan Gunn (University of Illinois)
Collaborative Piano
Julie Gunn (University of Illinois)
About the NATS Intern Program
The NATS Intern Program is an innovative and immersive experience that seeks to pair expert and recognized master teachers with early-career members of NATS. Within an intensive format designed to promote the dynamic exchange of ideas and techniques, the goal is to improve substantially the studio teaching skills of voice interns and the coaching skills of collaborative piano interns.
Each voice intern teaches lessons to two students in an intensive, dynamic setting under the supervision of a master teacher and participates in master classes and coaching under the supervision of master teachers. Collaborative piano interns participate in mentored coaching hours, coach students under the supervision of the collaborative piano master teacher, and accompany lessons. All interns perform in master classes, participate in educational sessions, and meet to discuss their daily lessons and coachings with their master teacher. Master teachers, a vocal literature liaison, and selected guests present special lectures and demonstrations.
The voice master teachers typically include collegiate and independent studio teachers who specialize in varied styles, and who have experience in the needs of the private studio. Independent studio teachers are strongly urged to apply.
NATS and the NATS Endowment provide tuition, housing, and meals. Interns are responsible for their travel expenses. However, through donations from Intern Program’s past master teachers and alumni, travel stipends are available. Interns also may request financial assistance from their NATS chapters or regions as well as from their institutions of employment.
Testimonials
Testimonials from 2019 interns:
“It was, indeed, career-shaping, and I will never forget the things I learned and the people who have now become part of my vocal family.”
“The most valuable part was absolutely working with my master teacher…. He went above and beyond for us pianists.”
“This program was exactly what my mentors told me it would be and more: the single most formative experience of my early teaching career…. And more than anything, I am so thankful for the lasting relationships I forged with the other interns.”
Pictured: From the 2018 intern program (from left) Angela Yoon, Margaret Cusack (master teacher), Todd Wedge, Arlene Shrut (master teacher), and Mark Kano
Testimonials from 2018 interns:
"This was really an extraordinary opportunity. Of all the NATS events and programs I have experienced, this one was by far the most helpful for developing my teaching style."
"Our team environment was so inspiring. We would discuss voice teaching, voice science, and various pedagogical approaches almost nonstop throughout the day..."
"The literature/publication was very interesting – I enjoyed seeing the new materials available. I LOVED all of the teacher’s sessions. Seeing what each master teacher brings to their craft was very valuable."
"As a young educator, it might be overwhelming when you jump into the teaching field. It was great to have mentors to ask questions and have other interns to share their experiences on particular issues."
Hosting a Summer Intern Program
If your school or facility would be interested in coordinating/hosting a future NATS Summer Intern Program, please contact for details and facility requirements.
Supporting the Summer Intern Program
If you are interested in contributing to the support of the NATS Intern program, please contact NATS Development Director or call the office at 904-992-9101.
