School of Performing Arts(SoPA) Learning Manager, Sara Campbell, is heading to Chicago this July to present at the 57th annual National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Conference.

As the VP of Education for the Canadian Atlantic Provinces chapter of NATS, Campbell is excited to present to her colleagues at an international level. “We have so many incredibly talented voice instructors on PEI. I'm thrilled to be heading to NATS to represent the skills here on the island,” says Campbell. “It’s a huge accomplishment on a personal and professional level to present with the best of the best in North America!”. NATS is the world’s largest professional association for teachers of singing. 

Campbell will present with her mentor Dr. Shannon Coates and colleague Gabriela Farias. Together they have five decades of experience in vocal education covering academic/adult education, classroom/ child education and independent voice studio/ broad spectrum learning.

Their presentation, “Classroom Strategies for the Independent Voice Studio - Practical applications of educational tools in private voice lessons” provides an opportunity for Campbell to showcase the teaching strategies she employs during her vocal courses in the SoPA Music Performance program. 

Their session invites participants to develop a deeper understanding of learning structures and integrate evidence-based best practices into the classroom and private studio. They will outline strategies for lesson building and instruction while also discussing how to shape the learning environment and create studio policies which encourage and support learning while fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Since completing her Certificate of Adult Education, Campbell was inspired to share the teaching strategies she’s developed through her own education and classroom experiences. Like many musicians, Campbell’s teaching career began as a way to supplement her income. She says her presentation will help musicians with a passion for teaching to build skills and foster a better learning environment for their students.  

“If I knew half of the educational tools/tips/tricks I know now, what a difference that would have made when I started teaching!” says Campbell. “I hope to connect with folks to help affirm the great things they are already doing and get them curious about new techniques and approaches they can try.” 

The NATS Chicago Conference takes place from July 1-6^th 

Abstract

Classroom Strategies for the Independent Voice Studio - Practical applications of educational tools in private voice lessons 
Presenters: Shannon Coates, Sara Campbell, Gabriela Farias 

Voice teachers rarely have the opportunity to study education theories in a meaningful way, or to apply evidence-based teaching practices long known to classroom educators toward improving voice students’ learning outcomes. This activity-based, interactive session introduces fundamental education strategies including backward design, differentiated instruction and assessment, and student-led/inquiry-based learning protocols. We will explore why these strategies are effective, introduce ways to build on successful strategies already employed in your studio and offer practical guides to implementing new teaching protocols. This session’s presenters have specialized training in adult academic learning, children’s classroom teaching, and one-on-one instruction of voice students of all ages. We are passionate about supporting voice teachers who may not have had formal opportunities to develop their teaching skills in an academic context. Participants will be encouraged to re-envision their studio policies, lesson structures, and learning assessments. We hope you will come away feeling invigorated and excited to get back into the voice studio and teach even more effectively. 

Learn more about the School of Performing Arts Music Performance Program
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