Founded in 1944, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada, and more than 35 other 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.
Our Mission To advance excellence in singing through teaching, performance, scholarship, and research. Our Values - Support voice professionals within the studio, classroom, clinic, and performance venue. - Provide committed leadership to achieve our mission and vision. - Advance ethical principles and practice in our profession. - Celebrate and recognize the value and efforts of all. - Encourage individual skills and creativity. Our Diversity and Inclusion Statement NATS strives to be a welcoming and supportive community of members and students who celebrate the unique identities, varied backgrounds, and experiences of all individuals. We are dedicated to ensuring that all voices are valued and heard in an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all. 
Gayla Blaisdell - Regional Governor
Dr. Gayla Bauer Blaisdell, Professor of Voice and Opera, joined the faculty of Central Washington University in 2008 and has served as the Vocal Area Coordinator and the Graduate Coordinator for the Music Department. She continues to teach a vibrant studio of aspiring singers and directs the nationally award-winning CWU Opera Ensemble. Dr. Blaisdell’s professional activities include work as a soprano soloist, recitalist, and opera director. In addition to directing CWU opera productions, she directed The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler for the Kittitas County Pride Organization, and Dvorak’s Rusalka at the Utah Vocal Artists Summer Program. Dr. Blaisdell continues to perform as a soloist and recitalist: some highlights include the Verdi Requiem, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, and concerts featuring Wagner, Verdi, and Puccini. Dr. Blaisdell often appears with the CWU ensembles and collaborates with colleagues from around the country in recitals and concerts. Her CD, Gayla Blaisdell Performs the Songs of Ross and Paulus, is available on all major digital music sites. Dr.Blaisdell is also a highly sought after as a clinician and adjudicator in the state and region. In 2017, she was an Invited Guest Scholar Lecturer at Nanjing University in China and in 2025 she joined the faculty at the International Lyric Academy in Vicenza, Italy to teach voice and assistant direct Into the Woods. Dr. Blaisdell’s scholarly interests intersect in the fields of feminist theory, performance and pedagogy to examine current cultural topics in opera and song. Her article, “Fostering Inclusion: Unpacking Choral Dress Codes and Uniforms” was published in The Choral Journal and she presented a paper co-written with Dr. Natashia Lindsey, entitled “The Problem with the Fat Lady: Promoting Body Size Diversity Onstage and in the Classroom” at the National Opera Association Conference. Dr. Blaisdell has expanded her area of research to include Intimacy Choreography Best Practices. She recently attended workshops in Trauma-Informed Pedagogy, Consent in the Acting Classroom and is a trained Mental Health First Aider. |
NW Districts & Chapters NW Regional Governor Gayla Blaisdell Vacant, Treasurer Beverly Park, NSA Coordinator New! Open, NSA CL Chair New! Open, NSA MT Chair New! Open, NSA CM Chair Holly Boaz, NATSAA Coordinator Jordyn Day Palmer, RD Liaison Alaska District Linda Porter, District Membership Director Alaska Chapter - website Kate Egan, Co-President Mari Hahn, Co-President Idaho District Caryn Marlowe, District Membership Director Southeast Idaho Chapter Diana Livingston Friedley, President Treasure Valley Chapter - website Allison Linton, President Montana District Vacant, District Membership Director Montana Chapter Vacant, President Big Sky Chapter Vacant, President Oregon District Vacant, District Membership Director Cascade Chapter - Website Kent Wilson, President Willamette Chapter - Website Amy Hansen, President Washington District Kathleen Higgins, District Membership Director Inland Northwest Chapter Melissa Schiel, President Puget Sound Chapter - website Katie Stevenson, President Tahoma Chapter - website Danielle Rodgers, President |