Focusing on Mission

WHEN I WAS INSTALLED RECENTLY as president of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, I realized that my two year term will go by swiftly. By the time you read this, five months of my presidency will have passed. It is essential for us to focus on our NATS mission and for NATS to formulate a vision through that lens. We need to challenge ourselves to align our goals with the NATS mission. The mission of NATS is to encourage the highest standards of the vocal art and of ethical principles in the teaching of singing; and to promote vocal education and research at all levels, both for the enrichment of the general public and for the professional advancement of the talented. There are seven goals to achieve by the 70th anniversary of NATS in 2014 (the 7 by 70 program). GOAL 1. NATS MUST BECOME THE NORTH AMERICAN LEADER IN VOCAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH. The difference between NATS and other music organizations is the body of research and scientific information about the voice, and the comprehensive approach NATS takes to prepare singers for a lifetime of music-making, performing, studying, and teaching. Although NATS is open to new ideas, we recognize that Richard Miller's statement is true: Everyone can know this information. As the premiere vocal music organization, NATS desires to share its wealth of knowledge. At its Orlando meeting, the NATS Board endorsed an educational initiative and liaison with Canada's Royal Conservatory of Music Achievement Program. The Achievement Program includes courses of graded songs and music theory training, a wonderful addition to our studios as we train young singers. Training in the Fine Arts is on the minds of many of us in this time of budget cuts, teaching for higher test scores, larger classes, and fewer art and music offerings in the curriculum. A study group that I chaired proposed an educational initiative at last summer's NATS Board meeting that will involve offering basic vocal health and pedagogic information, videos, and chats with voice teachers on the NATS website involving teachers of students from kindergarten through high school. Coincidentally, the American Academy of Teachers of Singing (AATS) also expressed concerns about the quality of music education in the schools in a white paper presented at the NATS Conference in Orlando. Many of us in attendance agreed that students learn all subjects better if their minds and spirits are inspired by what they are learning. The recently appointed NATS Education Commission plans to establish goals by June 2013. Mature singing teachers can still learn when presented with continuing education opportunities like workshops and conferences. For example, at the Orlando conference, a children's choir inspired us at the opening ceremony. Attendees experienced tremendous recitals and master classes, the NATSAA Artist Award competition, the new Music Theater competition, and many classes on topics of voice science, voice pedagogy, voice literature, Yoga, and Pilates. It is wonderful to be continually inspired and to remember why we became teachers in the first place! GOAL 2. NATS NEEDS TO INCREASE MEMBERSHIP IN ALL CATEGORIES. It is critical to continue growing our Association as previous presidents and boards have done. The importance of NATS membership is having a lifelong organization that provides opportunities to learn and associate with teachers who have great knowledge in teaching a variety of students, styles, methodologies, and research, which are foundations for performing and teaching. NATS also provides opportunities around the world to collaborate with others interested in numerous topics. I am asking our NATS Vice-President for Membership and her committee to accept the following challenges: 1. Increase numbers of qualified independent teachers in every community. We need to seek out independent studio teachers and invite them to become members of NATS. …

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