SNATS CHAT

SNATS Chat is an online, real-time discussion for students and singers. SNATS Chats are held twice a year, in the fall and spring. SNATS Chat is hosted by Austin Vitaliano and Jordan Reynolds. Participation is free.

Upcoming SNATS Chat

Spring 2024 - To be announced

Previous SNATS Chats

Fall 2023

Topic: Obstacles or Opportunities: Perspectives on the State of Voice Pedagogy in Academia
Guest: Kayla Gautereaux
Hosts: Austin Vitaliano and Jordan Reynolds
Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Pursuing a career in vocal pedagogy challenges us to understand the state of voice pedagogy in academia and as an industry, its potential directions and barriers, and what opportunities prospective teachers might find in the field. Our fall SNATS Chat welcomes Kayla Gautereaux, assistant professor of voice at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she guides the MFA musical theatre vocal pedagogy students through the thesis research, writing, and defense process, and Nicholas Perna, vice president for outreach at NATS. This SNATS Chat will be held via Twitch live stream.

During this SNATS Chat, topics will include:

Skill requirements for academic job postings,
The relationship between vocal research and vocal pedagogy,
The NATS Science-Informed Voices Pedagogy curriculum,
Real-world examples of pedagogy research from the MFA in musical theatre voice pedagogy at BoCo.

Spring 2023

Topic: Entrepreneurs in Music
Guest: Brandon Elliott
Hosts: Austin Vitaliano and Jordan Reynolds
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023

Meet musical director and entrepreneur Brandon Elliott! Elliott founded Choral Arts Initiative, and currently serves as the executive and artistic director. Choral Arts Initiative exclusively performs works by living composers and is hailed as one of Orange County’s Best Choirs. He is also the director of choral and vocal activities, professor of music, and academic advisor for music majors at Moorpark College in California. Elliott understands well how art and business can be connected for success. In this SNATS Chat, we will discuss music entrepreneurship, and how it applies to a solo performer, teacher, or organization. This SNATS Chat will be held via Twitch live stream.

Fall 2022

Topic: Financial Literacy for the Creative Class: A Conversation with Elaine Grogan Luttrull
Guest: Elaine Gorgan Luttrull
Hosts: Austin Vitaliano and Jordan Reynolds
Date: Friday, October 21, 2022

Elaine Grogan Luttrull, CPA, and author of “Arts and Numbers: A Financial Guide for Artists, Writers, Performers, and Other Members of the Creative Class,” joins new SNATS Chat hosts Austin Vitaliano and Jordan Reynolds to discuss financial literacy with the artist community. We’ll delve into topics ranging from general financial wellness to the student loan forgiveness news, dealing with inflation as a singer and much more. This SNATS Chat will be held via Twitch live stream.

Spring 2022

Topic: Building an Active SNATS Chapter
Guests: Nicholas Perna, Justin John Moniz, Christopher Sanders and Julia Anne Cohen
Host: Errik Hood
Date: Sunday, April 24, 2022

Join host Errik Hood as he leads a virtual roundtable discussion about building a successful SNATS Chapter in your university or community. Panelists include Nicholas Perna, the incoming Vice President for Outreach, who oversees SNATS at the national level for NATS and representatives from the active and engaged SNATS Chapter at NYU Steinhardt: Justin John Moniz (advisor), Christopher Sanders, (president) and Julia Anne Cohen (vice president). This discussion will focus on how to start a new chapter, ways to organize student leadership, and ideas for fundraising and programming. Thank you to Vocal Instructor Academy for generously sponsoring this SNATS Chat.

January 2022

Topic: Recording Workshop for the Voice Studio
Guest: Warren Freeman
Co-Hosts: Errik Hood and Kimberly James
Date: Sunday, January 30, 2021

Join Warren Freeman for a crash course in everything you need for a basic home recording setup. Learn how to easily cut and customize pre-recorded tracks using free online software, as well as some advanced tips for making those hard-to-find accompaniments. Get more comfortable with the microphones you already own and explore ways to improve sound quality for recorded auditions or demos, including tips and tricks for video recordings. This will be an interactive workshop, so come prepared to share the questions or challenges you’ve had regarding accompaniment tracks or recording setups and we’ll work through them together!