SAN DIEGO NATS

Who we are

The San Diego Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is an organization serving members of NATS who reside in San Diego County and surrounding counties.

As a group, we encourage the highest standards of vocal arts and of ethical principals 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.

Why join NATS San Diego

It is exciting to have San Diego NATS staying up with the times and the tune of what matters to make a living and express one's self through singing on every level. Whether you sing professionally, for music therapy or for recreation...this is an exciting time all reflected in the diversity of who we are as vocal teachers. If you are a singing teacher you care, but what you learn in NATS is you're not alone!

As a member, you'll gain access to valuable opportunities, including:

Education: Members have access to lifelong learning experiences such as master classes, workshops, and conferences, held at the district, regional, and national levels.

Employment Opportunities: Members have access to an online database of positions currently available at colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. In addition, members may place their contact information on the Find-a-Teacher database, accessed regularly by students seeking private voice teachers in their areas.

Networking: NATS has more than 6,800 members who teach in a wide variety of settings. Most NATS teachers are active in performance as well, and have invaluable contacts in the professional worlds of both singing and teaching. Members may access contact information for any other members through the online directory.

Mentorship: NATS recognizes an ongoing commitment to support and encourage the development of teachers of singing who are beginning their careers. To that end, qualified members may apply for the NATS Intern Program (an intensive summer course wherein the recipient teaches students under the direction of several master teachers), the EMERGING LEADER AWARD (a grant to underwrite the cost of attendance to one of the NATS national conferences) and/or the JOAN FREY BOYTIM AWARD FOR INDEPENDENT TEACHERS (an award of up to $1,000 in reimbursement assistance to cover the costs associated with NATS national conference attendance).

Social / Community: Participate in events including workshops and talks hosted by local NATS members as well as meet and greets and collaboration with other organizations like Choral Consortium.

Newsletter: A monthly e-newsletter full of current events and noteworthy information.

Internos: A semiannual publication that is delivered in February and September. Inter Nos is a newsletter for the profession that provides important information about the work of NATS to its members. A major feature of each Inter Nos is the “Independent Voices” section, which is focused on the work of independent teachers.

Intermezzo E-Newsletter: The Intermezzo e-newsletter, a weekly compilation of news clips about the singing profession, is delivered to each member’s inbox.

Journal of Singing: NATS members receive the leading academic journal on the voice, Journal of Singing, as a benefit of membership. Published five times annually, this scholarly journal features articles on all aspects of singing and the teaching of singing, written by distinguished scholars from around the world.

Student Auditions: One of the benefits widely enjoyed by NATS members is the privilege of taking students to annual city, regional auditions and biennial national competitions, where they sing for a panel of teachers and receive constructive and encouraging feedback on their vocal performing techniques.

Being open and inclusive fosters confidence, humility and creativity. Working together makes for a stronger and more thoughtful community. Come play with us!

Become a member

We're so excited to have you join us!

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Find a Teacher

"If I cannot fly. Let me sing!" - Stephen Sondheim

Find a Local Teacher

ELECTION RESULTS

Thank you for voting! The San Diego chapter of NATS has counted the votes and the and the 2019-2021 elected are:

President: Stephanie Sabin (returning)
Webmaster Chair: Nicolette Waterfield (new)
Publicity Chair: Kimberly Moller (new)
Social Chair: Position Reinstated
Member at Large: Position Reinstated

Executive Board

We are excited to have these great ladies representing you on the board; however, our board is still incomplete. We are still looking for: Vice President, Secretary, Membership Chair and Social Chair. If you or anyone you know is up the the task, please reach out and participate in the NATS community!

A special THANK YOU to:

Renee Calvo, 2017 - 2019 Vice-President
Laurinda Nikkel, 2015 - 2019 Membership Chair.

Thank you so much for your time and commitment to the chapter!

Upcoming
EVENTS

Business Series: What is SEO anyways?

Recognizing that as private voice teachers, our NATS SD members are small business owners, we wanted to offer a series of videos focused on ways to maximize our marketing and attract new students.

See All Events

SD NATS Executive Board is accepting nominations; have you had a chance to read the article about it in this month's newsletter yet?

TAKE A LOOK

Passing of San Diego NATS member Carolyn Terpstra

Carolyn’s church jobs included Foothills UMC, Northminster Presbyterian, First United Methodist Church of Chula Vista and Chula Vista Presbyterian.  She was more than a choir director - she was a Minister of Music.  She led sanctuary choir, small advanced groups, handbells and children’s choir.  Carolyn also directed and produced more than 25 Pops Concerts and 5 summer musicals over the years.  She also started a well-respected Concert Series at FUMCCV which continues to this day. Additionally, she led choirs on choral missions to Europe and Canada and choral festivals locally and in Vermont.

She taught at San Diego City College for over 10 years and led the school’s MasterSingers in concerts, community performances and trips to Canada and Europe.  She also taught private students, some of whom went on to great musical experiences and accomplishments.

Her professional associations included NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing), serving as a board member and much sought-after adjudicator and clinician for many years.  She was also an active member of AGO (American Guild of Organists).

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DONTAE

ELECTION RESULTS

Business Series: What is SEO anyways?

Relative to the Business Series video...

Newsletter

Passing of San Diego NATS member Carolyn Terpstra

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