As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), we reflect on our rich history and also look forward to continuing our work together. Our journey through the years has always relied on the dedication, passion, and contributions of member volunteers who believe in “transforming lives through the power of singing.”

Part of our celebration this year is honoring three current NATS volunteers, whose tireless efforts and commitment have strengthened our community. We are delighted to recognize Karen Brunssen, Carole Blankenship, and Dan Johnson-Wilmot for their significant contributions to the advancement of singing and voice education. Each of these wonderful colleagues has dedicated years of service to nurture and inspire both students and professionals alike, embodying the spirit and values that NATS holds dear.

We are pleased to announce the creation of the 80th Anniversary Fund, a milestone initiative to bolster the financial resources of the National Student Auditions (NSA).

In tribute to their remarkable legacy, the goal of the 80th Anniversary Fund is to name three NSA prizes in the classical category after our esteemed honorees. This recognition not only celebrates their extraordinary achievements but also recognizes them as examples of excellence, aspiration, and dedication for future generations of singers.

Your gifts will directly support the National Student Auditions, underwriting prizes at the national level in the classical categories that permanently bear the names of Karen Brunssen, Carole Blankenship, and Dan Johnson-Wilmot. We thank you for your support of this initiative! Because of members like you, NATS is able to continue our mission of advancing excellence in singing through teaching, performance, scholarship, and research.

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Help us amplify our message by sharing information about the 80th Anniversary Fund and our honorees with your networks. Together, we can create a wave of support that transcends boundaries and inspires collective action.

We invite the entire NATS community to join us in honoring the legacy of Karen, Carole, and Dan as we celebrate our commitment to nurturing the talents of singers and contributing to the vibrancy of the vocal arts past, present, and future.

Karen Brunssen

Mezzo-soprano Karen Brunssen is Professor and Co-chair of the Department of Music Performance at Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University. She served as President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past-President of NATS from 2016-2022. She coordinated the 2021 and 2022 NATS Intern Program, serves on numerous committees in NATS including chairing the Advancement Committee, and was Program Chair for the 2016 54th NATS National Conference in Chicago, a NATS Intern Master Teacher in 2013, governor of NATS Central Region from 2013 to 2016. She is a member of the American Academy of Teachers of Singing and was president of Chicago Singing Teachers Guild. Her book, The Evolving Singing Voice: Changes Across the Lifespan (Plural Publishing, 2018) chronicles changes in respiration, vibration and resonance, and realistic expectations for singing throughout life. Current interests include advancing international connectivity among voice teachers and vocal pedagogues. 

Carole Blankenship

Carole Choate Blankenship, soprano, is Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Music at Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Blankenship is a frequent performer of art song, chamber music, and oratorio in the Memphis region. Additionally, she has performed art song recitals in Sintra, Portugal; Marktoberdorf, Germany; The Foundling Museum, London; The Cell Theatre, New York, NY; The American Legation in Tangier, Morocco; and on many concert series. She has presented papers and lecture recitals at the University of Lisbon, Portugal; Queensland Conservatorium, Brisbane, Australia; The Royal College of Music, Stockholm, Sweden; and most recently in the U.S. at Dartmouth and Providence Colleges (2016) and on a concert tour of the American Language Centers of Morocco (2019). Dr. Blankenship has led voice masterclasses at many universities throughout the United States and in Australia. Carole’s research is focused on the songs composed for the Composers Forum Laboratory in New York, 1935-1939, and the unpublished songs of Paul Frederic Bowles, 1910-1990. With Irene Herrmann (Executor of the Paul Bowles Music Estate), she co-edited two sets of songs by Paul Bowles for Classical Vocal Reprints and maintains research in American Song. A NATS member for 30 years, Carole has served the National Association of Teachers of Singing in many capacities including President of the Memphis Chapter (2002-2010), Volunteer Coordinator for two National Conferences (2006 and 2008), Vice President for Auditions (2012-2016), President Elect (2018-2020), President (2020-2022), Past President (2023-2024) and Coordinator of the NATS Intern Program.

Daniel Johnson-Wilmot

Daniel Johnson-Wilmot is a Professor Emeritus and Visiting Professor of Music at Viterbo University in his 51st year in the Music Department. He chaired the National Association of Teachers of Singing Wisconsin Student Auditions for more than 30 years and was a Regional Governor of the North Central Region of NATS and has served on the National Conference and the National Student Auditions Committees of NATS. He was elected Vice-President of Membership of NATS and served two terms from 2014-2018. He was appointed National Student Auditions Coordinator in 2014 and continues to serve NATS in that position.

His students have won over 400 hundred awards in the National Association of Teacher of Singing State, Regional and National Auditions and are frequent award winners in the District and Regional Metropolitan Opera Auditions and first and second place winners in Schubert Club Bruce Carlson Scholarship Competition. Former students of his sing in major opera houses in Europe and the United States and on Broadway.