The National Association of Teachers of Singing announces that Lynn Helding has tendered her resignation as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Singing, effective at the conclusion of the current volume year in May 2025. Helding, who first began her tenure as transition editor in the fall of 2022 and in May 2023 assumed the role of editor-in-chief, has led the journal through a period of important digital advances and thoughtful growth.

“Our profession continues to be indebted to Helding for her many contributions over a long and sustained career as performer, teacher, author, academic, thought leader, and editor,” said Allen Henderson, NATS executive director. “I am grateful for her partnership in transitioning the Journal of Singing into a new era. I know our colleagues who have served on the editorial board join me in thanking her for her leadership and service as editor-in-chief.”

During her time as editor-in-chief, Helding oversaw the completion of the journal’s transition to ScholarOne, a technology platform for article submission, review and editing. She more than doubled the editorial board to 18 reviewers, adding respected professionals from the fields of laryngology, psychology, and speech-language pathology. She created a comprehensive “Journal of Singing Guidelines for Contributors” to streamline the submission process for contributors.

Lynn Helding

“We all recognize Lynn Helding’s dedication to the mission and vision of NATS through her inestimable contributions to the Journal of Singing and to Science-Informed Pedagogy initiatives,” said Alexis Davis-Hazell, NATS Board of Directors president. “NATS has been so fortunate to have Lynn take up the mantle of Dick Sjoerdsma and encourage expansion of our professional literature as well as the mentorship capacity of the journal during this crucial time of reflection in our field.”

Among her accomplishments, Helding led the development of several new columns and associate editor teams.

Helding tasked new associate editor Melissa Treinkman with starting the journal’s first hybrid column for “The New Vocal Point.” The enhanced column features a video interview, hosted on the association’s YouTube channel, alongside a written column to build upon the tradition started with “The Vocal Point” by Leslie Holmes.

Helding appointed the first team of pianists, Alison d’Amato and Elvia Puccinelli, as joint associate editors to continue the “Collaborations” column about the vital role collaborative partners play for singers.

Another new column, “Practical Voice Science,” by David Meyer and John Nix is the second team of associate editors Helding appointed. As the column’s name suggests, their focus is to translate voice science for practical application for readers.

Helding will introduce yet another column, “Diverse Voices,” from new associate editors Paul Patinka and Zipporah Peddle in the forthcoming 2025 May/June issue. This column furthers the journal’s commitment to shedding light on under-presented composers, vocal genres and singing styles, guided by the association’s values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Helding also initiated two mentoring opportunities: the Journal of Singing Mentored Writing Initiative and a Journal of Singing internship. Both are designed to embrace and mentor colleagues at all stages of their careers.

Reflecting on her long association with the journal that began in October 2009 with the debut of her column “Mindful Voice,” Helding said, “It has been both a challenge and an honor to serve the journal in these myriad capacities.”

She added that such work is never accomplished alone, crediting “the invaluable expertise of the journal’s production manager Laura Carter, in helping lift the journal into the digital age.”

NATS leadership has announced plans to appoint a search committee for the position, with the search expected to conclude in April 2025. This timeline will allow for onboarding and cross-training prior to Helding’s departure.

For details on the role and requirements, please see the full job description listed in the NATS Job Center.