Faculty Accompanist at SAU, to Study With Master Teachers in National Internship

Michael Womack, faculty accompanist at Southern Arkansas University, has been named a 2019 Collaborative Piano Intern by the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Fifteen members have been selected to participate in the 2019 NATS Intern Program, a 10-day forum pairing experienced and recognized master teachers with talented early career members. The Class of 2019 NATS Interns includes 12 voice teachers and three collaborative pianists.

“I was very excited to find out that I was accepted into the 2019 NATS Intern Program,” Womack said. “It’s important to me that my students know that I first applied in the fall of 2016 and did not get in. After two more years of teaching, practicing, and hard work, this past fall I decided to apply again. I submitted videos of my recent performances, videos of me coaching voice students here at SAU, my resume, and teaching philosophy.

“Not only am I eager to work with the five master teachers, but I also look forward to creating lasting personal and collegial relationships with the other interns,” he said. “When I worked at Texas Tech University, two of the voice professors there encouraged me to apply and told me that it was the single most formative experience of their early teaching career. I look forward to having a similar experience.”

According to the Press Release, Dr. Helmut Langerbein, dean of the College recognizes that not only will Womack tremendously benefit from this experience, but also students at SAU.

“The College of Liberal and Performing Arts is very proud that Michael was selected for and will represent the College and the University at such an elite program, especially in a year when NATS received a very high number of applications,” said Langerbein.

This year’s class includes teachers who teach in university settings as well as those who operate independent studios. Applicants were chosen following an extensive international search.

The program will be held at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, June 3-13. Since its inception in 1991, the NATS Intern Program alumni network has grown to more than 300 voice teaching professionals.

“After the NATS Intern Program, I hope to bring back to our students new ideas for repertoire, a better understanding of voice science, new coaching strategies, and a reminder to never give up,” Womack said.