Top 5 Ópera Classes: Find Your Voice & Unleash Potential

If you have aspirations of standing on a stage, bathed in light, pouring out your soul through aria, then ópera singing is likely for you. Finding your voice can be quite the process. But there are avenues that help guide that desire to sing into skilled expertise. That can very well lead you towards fulfilling that dream.

1. The Juilliard School Evening Division Ópera Studies

So, everyone has probably heard of Juilliard, that esteemed performing arts conservatory in New York City. Their Evening Division Ópera Studies program can be pretty spectacular. It might provide you with the chance to study with faculty who are actually active in the ópera business. They could even help to open quite a few doors. Very, very few schools can really compete with the name recognition that Juilliard brings to your training.

This isn’t your typical, you know, “one size fits all” kind of deal. Arguably, Juilliard’s evening classes stand out, with the idea to offer training to adults of varying skill levels and backgrounds, more or less. The program itself normally provides individual voice lessons. There are coachings, too it’s almost like acting and movement classes. And they put on actual ópera scenes and full productions. Pretty cool, right?

If you’re looking for a really intense curriculum and want to be surrounded by talented people who take this art form really seriously, then Juilliard may be just the place for you. Remember, spots in programs like these tend to be fiercely competitive. But it could just be a fantastic path. Find more information, along with fees and application needs on their website. Is that so surprising?

Read our full review: Juilliard School Opera Full Review and Details

2. Mannes School of Music at The New School Ópera Program

Then there’s the Mannes School of Music. The New School has its own standout ópera program. Now, similarly to Juilliard, it’s in New York. So, it has that big-city performance opportunity vibe going on. But this school typically puts its emphasis very much on pushing each performer’s individual creative expression.

What distinguishes Mannes is their attention, just a little, on modern ópera and also experimental performance. The New School could just be right if you want to really push the limits. Want to really examine just what ópera is and what it can definitely become. Plus, their faculty tend to include some really accomplished singers and directors. You can probably network yourself into some awesome opportunities there.

Auditions are typically competitive. Prospective students have to usually show not only strong vocal ability, very much but also some artistic vision. That said, the opportunity to work with, you know, some of today’s foremost ópera thinkers, and to find your own unique voice, may just be too good to miss. Find more information. You will, as a matter of fact, also find audition requirements on their website.

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3. Curtis Institute of Music Voice Studies

Over in Philadelphia. The Curtis Institute of Music tends to offer voice studies programs that really nurture top potential for gifted young singers. It might just be known for providing extremely individualized attention and also support. It’s very, very hard to get into this program, that, is for sure.

What’s pretty exceptional here. Typically, Curtis offers full-tuition scholarships for every student. It does usually create an environment. One, anyway, that tends to really support artistic growth, with, you know, financial worries pushed into the background, clearly. The faculty are usually drawn from some leading figures. They can also tend to come from some high-profile ópera companies. So, if that’s your area, it just could be the fit.

Entrance requirements can be stringent, to the point of almost legendary status. The expectations are that each performer shows pretty phenomenal vocal talent. They expect a capacity, as well, for emotional expression, still. But if accepted, so you’ll have the space for developing all the components for a big career in ópera. You’ll probably find a big family, also. Details about programs and admission you will very well find on the Curtis website.

Read our full review: Curtis Institute of Music Opera Full Review and Details

4. San Francisco Conservatory of Music Vocal Program

Heading to the West Coast. There’s the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The vocal program typically prepares students with skills that can potentially lead to a successful ópera career. You know, what kind of skills, actually? Very important musical proficiency.

What sets this place apart, well, a bit, is actually the program’s location in San Francisco. The San Francisco Opera’s proximity allows, typically, a lot of collaborative and also performance opportunities for students there, usually. So, if you just wanted a launchpad into a big ópera company, you should certainly give this serious thought.

A cool side of this program is actually its professional development training. That’s where you learn, more or less, about auditions. How you build a career. The whole shebang, virtually. SFCM typically balances really rigorous performance training with actual career prep. More information about curriculum and actually the admissions is all on their website.

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5. Guildhall School of Music & Drama Ópera Course

Alright, now let’s look across the pond. In London, the Guildhall School of Music & Drama arguably delivers an ópera course. Very, very solid. In fact, you might very well benefit. To develop top singing technique. So you can do great character interpretation.

Something cool about Guildhall. This school typically focuses very much on blending some musical skill building. Like musical technique. With a real emphasis. So, on drama skills. Like how to act out a role. Students don’t always get both together, so it definitely stands out there.

Being based in London could have very, very strong perks as well. Students regularly work with really important, well-regarded, you know, guest directors, right? They also very often are exposed to some leading European ópera houses, still. Plus, Guildhall often has student showcases that bring talent in front of industry folk, clearly. You’ll want to actually view Guildhall’s site for audition expectations and even just general course information. Does that not seem very obvious?

Read our full review: Guildhall School of Music Opera Full Review and Details