The qualifications for each NATS membership are listed below. Please click on the name of the type to learn more and start applying.
Membership Type |
| Qualifications |
Full | Teachers, Coaches, Choral Directors, and Collaborative Pianists who:
|
Associate | Beginning Teachers, Coaches, Choral Directors, and Collaborative Pianists who are at least 22 years of age. Non-Teaching Professional Singers are also welcome at the associate level. |
Affiliate | Individuals, Institutions, or Businesses related to teaching of singing. |
Student | Students pursuing a career in singing, teaching singing, or collaborative piano, who are enrolled full-time in undergraduate or advanced university studies. |
LET'S GET ASSOCIATED! By joining the National Association of Teachers of Singing, you become part of the largest organization of teachers of singing in the world, with 7,000+ members in more than 35 countries. Whether working in independent studios, community schools, elementary and secondary schools, or higher education, NATS members represent the diversity of today’s music landscape, teaching in all vocal styles.
Professional development
Enjoy reduced members-only rates for National Workshops and the biennial National Conference. Reneé Fleming (pictured second from left, with NATS members) has been among the headliners of recent conferences. Members also have access to lifelong learning experiences held at the chapter and regional levels. Our online Live Learning Center videos are available to NATS members at a discounted rate. We’ve also launched Vocapedia, a dynamic online information database on singing and the science of voice.
Journal of Singing
NATS members receive the leading academic journal on the voice, Journal of Singing, and have full access to the online Journal of Singing index. This scholarly journal features articles on all aspects of singing and the teaching of singing, written by distinguished scholars from around the world.
Networking
NATS has more than 7,000 members who teach in a wide variety of settings. Most NATS teachers are active in performance as well, and have valuable contacts in the professional worlds of both singing and teaching. Members may access contact information for any other members through the online directory.
Employment Opportunities
Members have access to the NATS Job Center, an online database of positions currently available at colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. In addition, members may place their profile on the Find-a-Teacher Directory, accessed regularly by students seeking private voice teachers in their area.
Student Auditions
One of the benefits widely enjoyed by NATS members* is the privilege of entering students in annual chapter and regional auditions where they sing for a panel of adjudicators and receive constructive comments and feedback on their work. Regional winners have the opportunity to qualify for the National Student Auditions, along with the Hall Johnson Spirituals Competition.
National Competitions
The NATS Artist Awards (NATSAA), National Music Theater Competition (NMTC), and Art Song Composition Award are important aspects of our efforts to foster artistry and mentor the professional careers of both our members and their students. Tens of thousands of dollars from the NATS Foundation and generous donors, as well as performance opportunities, are awarded through these prestigious competitions.
Support for Young Teachers and Collaborative Pianists
NATS recognizes an ongoing commitment to support and encourage the development of teachers of singing and collaborative pianists who are beginning their careers. Qualified members* may apply for the NATS Intern Program, an intensive summer course wherein voice and collaborative piano interns teach students under the direction of several master teachers. The Emerging Leaders Award and the Joan Frey Boytim Award for Independent Teachers offer grants to attend the NATS National Conferences. NATS integrates professional development opportunities for Collaborative Pianists within its workshops, conferences, Intern Program, Journal of Singing, and more!
e-Newsletter and e-Zine
The Intermezzo e-newsletter, a weekly compilation of news clips about the singing profession, is delivered to each member’s inbox. Inter Nos is an online e-zine published in fall and spring that provides information about the work of NATS to its members, as well as the “Independent Voices” section, focused on the work of independent teachers.
Online Webinars and Social Media
NATS Chats are online discussions conducted in webinar style with live video of the presenter, featuring prominent guests in our field. Topics vary widely and have included technique, repertoire, wellness, private studio business strategies, and resources for university teachers. Members have exclusive access to a NATS members-only Facebook group for interaction and conversation with colleagues.
*Full and Associate members
NATS student members who are graduating can upgrade to the next membership type. For those who are associate members, if your status or professional experience has changed since you became a member, consider upgrading to the next membership level. DOWNLOAD: NATS Membership Upgrade Request Form
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