About our opera courses

The Performance Opera Programme is designed to develop key performance skills, expand knowledge and understanding, and encourage clarity in vocal and physical expression in opera practice. Courses are offered at two levels - Foundation and Diploma. Teaching is delivered by a team of specialist practitioners within a dynamic and nurturing environment, which promotes lifelong learning.

The opera courses provide an ideal opportunity for anyone:

• unable to find the time or money for full-time training
• wishing to work in a dynamic group of committed students
• wanting a specialised and structured operatic training
• looking for a qualification in opera performance studies
• wanting to gain performance experience
• needing a performance platform to present their own work

Auditions

Auditions are by invitation only, following application.

The main purpose of the audition is to give tutors the opportunity to assess the suitability of the course for those applying, and to assess students’ current technical abilities.

Further information about the dates and times of auditions will be included in a letter of invitation sent to applicants selected for audition.

• Certificate of Continuing Education: At the audition you should be ready to present two contrasting pieces of your own choice so that we can assess your current vocal and musical skills, and you will have an opportunity to discuss your aims in applying for a place, and assess whether the course will meet your needs. You should offer one piece in English and the second in another standard European language. You will also be asked to sight-read a simple song.
• Certificate of Higher Education:  At the audition you should be ready to present two contrasting pieces of your own choice so that we can assess your current vocal and musical skills; and you will have an opportunity to discuss your aims in applying for a place, and assess whether the course will meet their needs. You should if possible sing in standard European languages other than English. You will also be asked to sight-read a simple song.

Following auditions, the members of the auditioning panel will decide to whom places will be offered. The panel’s decisions are final.