The Florida State University College of Music had the distinct honor of hosting the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Intern Program this summer. This opportunity marks a significant milestone for the college, allowing us to showcase our commitment to musical excellence and mentorship while providing our students with invaluable experiences.
The NATS Intern Program began in 1991 with the goal of fostering professional mentorship and creating networks of support for early-career NATS members. Expanding in 2016 to include collaborative piano, the program has played a crucial role in shaping the careers of many young music professionals. FSU has a proud history with NATS, with several colleagues, having participated as interns. College of Music Professor Valerie Trujilo also had the honor of serving as a master teacher twice. Additionally, Dean Queen was an intern in 2001 and later served as a site host in 2004.
This year, five seasoned and esteemed faculty members served as master teachers: Alfonse Anderson (UNLV), Melissa Foster (Northwestern University), Mike Ruckles (Mike Ruckles Voice Studio), Louise Toppin (University of Michigan), and Donna Loewy (CCM). The program welcomed 16 early career faculty, independent voice studio teachers, and collaborative pianists who traveled from across North America, including Canada, Alaska, California, Texas, New York, Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, and Louisiana. Notably, FSU was represented by Brittany Fouche Strine, a current DMA (Voice) student, and alumnus Bobby Pace (MM, Collaborative Piano).
Dr. Marcía Porter remarks, “As the site host, it was my privilege to work closely with Dr. Carole Blankenship, President of NATS and faculty at Rhodes College, to organize the program’s critical aspects. Serving as the local point person, I coordinated the schedules of 24 volunteer student singers, including many from FSU, Tallahassee’s Young Actors Theatre, FAMU, and the local community. Our voice area master’s students, Mary-Bradley Knighton, Leah Shewmaker, and Brylee Ann Wicker, also played pivotal roles as assistants throughout the program.”
Over the course of the 10-day program, NATS interns engaged in a rigorous schedule, balancing roles as both teachers and students. Mornings were dedicated to giving lessons, voice coaching, and rehearsing with volunteer singers. Afternoons featured presentations on their research, while evenings were reserved for master classes led by mentor/master teachers, where interns also performed. These long days, starting at 8:30 AM and concluding well past 8 PM, culminated in a recital by the singers at the Longmire Recital Hall.
Dr. Marcía Porter“The NATS Intern Program is unique in that it offers mentorship for early career faculty and independent studio teachers. As an alumna of the program, I can attest that the connections I made during the NATS Intern Program have been lasting and impactful. My NATS Intern mentor continues to be a resource for me. It was indeed an honor to serve as the site host for the 2024 program and a full-circle moment for me as I was an intern in 2004 – the year Dean Queen hosted!”
Hosting the NATS Intern Program has been a remarkable opportunity for FSU College of Music, reinforcing our dedication to fostering the next generation of music educators and performers. We look forward to continued collaboration with NATS and remain committed to providing exceptional opportunities for our students and faculty.
