What is NATS?

The National Association of Teachers of Singing is the largest association of teachers of singing in the world. We have over 5,000 members, all of whom have pledged to uphold our professional Code of Ethics. We continue to encourage the highest standards of singing through excellence in teaching and the promotion of vocal education and research. Our goals include the professional advancement of the talented and the enrichment of the general public. If you are a teacher of singing, or work in a voice-related field, we invite you to apply for membership in our organization.

What does NATS do?

NATS is probably best-known for its Student Auditions, which give developing singers an opportunity to sing for adjudication, and for its scholarly publication, the Journal of Singing. But a glance through this website tells a larger story: NATS holds meetings and conventions, workshops and clinics, recitals, round-table discussions, master classes and more. NATS' programs include a voice competition, a composition award, and intern programs. NATS publishes not only the Jounal of Singing, but also a newsletter for members (NATScape), special publications, the nats.org website, the natsontario.org website you are viewing now. NATS members include both private-studio teachers and faculty voice teachers, and both are welcome and encouraged to participate in NATS events and activities.

The Ontario Chapter holds Chapter Auditions each spring; they have alternately taken place at the University of Toronto and the University of Western Ontario. Past Ontario Chapter events have included the following:

• May 12, 2007
  Teaching Kids To Sing! - A Panel Discussion with Irene Ilic, Ann Cooper Gay and Dr. Lee Bartel
• November 18, 2006
  Student Auditions at the University of Western Ontario
• March 24, 2006
  Spring General Meeting and "Musical Flares: igniting your musical best" a workshop presentation by Dr. Darryl Edwards about the latest technology and the many developing areas of teaching and learning for ourselves and our students
• October 2005
  Making the Cut: Auditioning for University Vocal Programs & a Master Class on Performing Contemporary Repertoire with Wayne Strongman of Tapestry New Opera & The Algoma Fall Festival
• April 2005
  Hosted the Ontario Section of the Rozsa Foundation Voice Competition for CFMTA
• October 2004
  A seminar on vocal health by the VOX POP Professional Voice Care team of Jennifer Anderson, MD, Mary Enid Haines, teacher & singer and Gwen Merrick, speech pathologist
• October 2003
  Making the Cut: Auditioning for University Vocal Programs & a Master Class in German Lieder Style with Daniel Lichti
• October 2002
  A French Mélodie Master Class with Ginette Duplessis
• March 2002
  Singing with Character: A workshop with Jennifer Parr, drama coach.
• October 2001
  Opera Pops with singers from the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio.
• October 2001
  Master Class: The Art of Auditioning, with Elizabeth Upchurch, and Jennifer Tarver, stage director.
• September 2001
  A Master Class with Elizabeth Upchurch, Head of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio.
• March 2001
  Performance Psychology: Dr. Gretchen Kerr, Faculty of Physical Education and Health, University of Toronto.
• October 2000
  Strategies for Performance Success: Elizabeth Pomès.
• October 1999
  Canadian Art Song: Dr. Carl Morey and soprano Barbara Hannigan.
• October 1998
  A Feldenkrais Workshop with Judith Dack.