NATS Intern Program
| Dates + Details | 2026 Master Teachers | Application |
The NATS Intern Program is our preeminent professional development program for early-career voice teachers and collaborative pianists. NATS independent studio teachers, academic teachers, and collaborative pianists with less than 5 years of (full-time) teaching experience are encouraged to apply.
Details
Dates: May 19 - 29, 2026
Location: Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina
Director of the NATS Intern Program: Diana Allan, NATS Past President
Local Coordinator: Randall Umstead, Furman University & NATS President-Elect
Vocal Literature Liaison: Tana Field, Murray State University
Application Deadline: Dec. 15, 2025 by midnight
Applicants will receive notification of acceptance by Feb. 1, 2026
About the NATS Intern Program
The NATS Intern Program is a highly immersive experience pairing early-career voice teachers and collaborative pianists with master teachers for intensive mentoring and professional growth.
Voice interns teach students, participate in master classes, and receive daily feedback from master teachers. Collaborative piano interns coach singers, accompany lessons, and train under the guidance of master teachers. All interns engage in educational sessions, master classes, and special lectures led by distinguished faculty and guests.
Tuition, housing, meal subsidies, and a small travel stipend are provided through NATS and the NATS Endowment. Participants may seek additional financial assistance from their NATS region as well as from their institutions of employment, if applicable.
This program is open to academic instructors and independent studio teachers. NATS encourages and welcomes teachers specializing in varied musical styles.
2026 Faculty: Master Teachers
Conroy Cupido | South Africa, International Region
Jerry Elsbernd | Minnesota, North Central
Amanda Flynn | New York, Eastern Region
Jan McDaniel | Oklahoma, Texoma
Yvonne Redman | Illinois, Central Region
Program Qualifications:
- NATS member, in good standing. (Non-members may apply with the understanding that all interns who are chosen will be required to join NATS.)
- Early career teacher: less than 5 years of full-time teaching or the part-time equivalent. (Working as a graduate teaching assistant does not count toward the 5-year limit.)
- Master's degree or higher, OR commensurate experience is required.
Application Requirements:
- Completed application form
- 150-200 word biography
- 300-word Statement of Interest
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae (PDF only). Please make sure this includes information on your experiences in teaching and types of repertoire taught. This should be more than just your performance resume.
- High-Resolution Headshot. Please upload a JPEG only labeled with your name.
- Recordings:
- Performances: 2 video recordings of recent performances, demonstrating contrasting styles and genre interests
- Teaching: 1 video recording of a 15-min sample voice lesson.
description of video should include length of study with student and lesson objective.
Testimonials
From 2023 interns:
"This was an unforgettable experience and I am forever grateful to NATS and the NATS Intern Program! I will cherish everything I have gained from this experience for the rest of my career. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!"
"I am so grateful to NATS for creating this program. It has been an incredible, heart and soul filling experience. I have made friends and colleagues for life from this event."
From 2022 interns:
“Thank you so much for an amazing teaching experience! I grew more confident as a voice pedagogue and made connections with wonderful teachers and scholars. I was extremely blessed by all of the free resources from Dr. Tana Field and wish every aspiring voice teacher could experience this wonderful program. THANKS AGAIN!”
“It was a wonderful program that has helped me and my teaching in so many ways. I wanted to find a teaching community and I feel like that was achieved as well. Quality people and a quality program!”
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for a special experience that I know is changing the course of my life. I appreciate all of you!"
From 2021 interns:
"I cannot say it enough - you should apply!!! This program changed my life and my career trajectory. Here are just a few of the things you'll get:
- Intensive pedagogical study in classical and CCM styles that will fill in any gaps in your education
- Networking with peers who are coming into the field at the same time as you
- Mentors who will guide you through the industry, write letters of recommendation for you, and say your name in rooms that you're not currently in
- Tons of free scores and anthologies to start your personal library
- Feedback on your teaching
- Opportunity to perform and collaborate in a nurturing environment
- Endless encouragement and love to build your self esteem and confidence in teaching"
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.”
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 the NATS Development Director or call the office at 904-992-9101.
