Reported by Prof Conroy Cupido
Last month, I had the privilege of travelling to South Carolina, USA, where I was invited to serve as a Master Teacher in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Intern Programme. The programme brings together experienced vocal pedagogues and emerging professional singer-teachers from across the United States and beyond for an intensive period of mentorship, collaboration, and professional development. The experience proved to be both professionally and personally enriching. Working closely with an exceptional cohort of interns provided numerous opportunities for reflection on my own teaching philosophy and practice. The exchange of ideas, pedagogical approaches, and teaching experiences reinforced the value of lifelong learning and collegial engagement within the voice teaching profession.
In addition to my mentoring responsibilities, I presented a series of masterclasses focusing on opera and art song repertoire. These sessions explored interpretive approaches, vocal technique, stylistic considerations, and strategies for communicating text and character through performance. It was inspiring to work with talented young singers and witness their artistic growth throughout the programme.
I was also honoured to deliver an oral presentation highlighting the innovative work being undertaken at the NWU School of Creative Industries and Performing Arts in collaboration with Bel Canto Boot Camp. The presentation focused on our developing approaches to multilingual vocal training and the ways in which singers can be equipped to perform confidently and authentically across multiple languages and cultural contexts.
A further highlight of the visit was the participation of Dr Michelle Pretorius, who was selected as an intern in the programme. Her inclusion represents another important step in strengthening NWU’s international engagement and commitment to excellence in voice pedagogy. Reflecting on her experience, Dr Pretorius writes:
My experience as an intern in the NATS Intern Program this year at Furman University in South Carolina was nothing short of extraordinary. I was fortunate to be placed in the cohort led by our master teacher, Amanda Flynn. Amanda went above and beyond in generously sharing her wealth of experience as both a teacher and a developer of musical theatre vocal pedagogy. Not only did I learn so much more about using my own voice, but I was also able to refine my skills as a singing teacher through the extensive and insightful feedback she provided.
Throughout the programme, I gained a much deeper understanding of student responsive teaching and its practical application in the voice studio. However, it was not only Amanda who shared her knowledge. All of the master teachers contributed immensely through masterclasses, lectures, and lessons. Equally valuable were the other interns each bringing unique experiences and perspectives from which we could all learn.
I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. The knowledge and inspiration I gained will continue to influence me as teacher and performer for years to come.
A particular highlight for me was collaborating with an outstanding faculty of fellow Master Teachers, including Prof Amanda Flynn, Prof Yvonne Gonzales Redman, Jerry Elsbernd, and Prof Jan McDaniel. Our hosts, Dr Randall Umstead, Furman University, Dr Diana Allan, and the NATS team created a welcoming and stimulating environment that fostered meaningful professional connections and lasting friendships.
The visit served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen international collaborations, showcase the work being done at NWU, and contribute to the global conversation on vocal pedagogy. I return to South Africa inspired by the generosity, expertise, and enthusiasm of colleagues who remain deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of singers and voice teachers. The experience reaffirmed the importance of international partnerships and the role they play in advancing teaching, learning, and artistic excellence at NWU.
