Overview
This is a two-year intensive pre-professional training programme for opera singers designed to enhance industry employability. It operates like a small opera company within an educational framework, offering one-to-one teaching, communal productions, and classes. Applicants normally hold a Master's degree, but applications are welcome from anyone meeting the performing standard. Postgraduate Vocal Studies students can audition for this in December via UCAS Conservatoires.
Entry Requirements
- Performance: Entry will be dependent on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate that they will sustain the standards required to participate in Royal Academy Opera productions.
- Academic: Applicants should normally possess a Master’s qualification or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline (such as Vocal Studies or Opera Performance) from a recognised university or conservatoire.
If you wish to be considered for postgraduate Vocal Studies (Master's level study) as well as the Advanced Opera Diploma, you must add a separate choice to both your UCAS Conservatoires profile and your Acceptd account. Vocal Studies courses use a separate audition panel with its own specific repertoire and written requirements.
See Entry Requirements for full academic and international criteria.
Classes and Activities
Our learning and teaching processes are stimulating, challenging, diverse and complementary. The principal modes of teaching are as follows:
Singing Lessons and Repertoire Coaching
Regular one-to-one work with a Principal Study teacher underpins the core aims of the programme. This Conservatoire training) is designed to foster the passing on of discipline-specific professional/artistic practices, and to enable students to develop key professional skills that relate directly to their individual abilities and artistry.
Opera Coaching
Specifically prepares students for roles in opera scenes or productions. It is designed to support Opera Productions and Scenes with individually targeted training.
Language Tuition
Is provided on a one-to-one basis to support the preparation of Opera Productions and Scenes and to prepare students more generally for the demands of the profession. These sessions are individually tailored to specific developmental needs.
Acting and Movement classes
Provide the necessary dramatic training and support to accompany the musical and linguistic skills outlined above.
Opera Productions and Scenes
Provide a key synthetic and collaborative focus of the learning and teaching experience. The process of preparation and the experience of performance bring together all of the aspects of the programme and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their individual responses to specific challenges.
Masterclasses
Provide students with opportunities to present work to a leading vis of the public. Masterclasses complement one-to-one tuition by widening the range of interpretative judgment to which the students are subject. They are designed to expose students to the very highest international professional standards and provide additional high-profile performance opportunities.
Visiting Opera Professionals
(Such as casting directors and agents) will provide students with current advice on how to navigate the practicalities of entering the profession.
Regular progress meetings with the Head of Opera
Will provide students with ongoing holistic feedback on their work and will help to focus their wider professional preparation.
Auditions
We want you to view your audition as a recital rather than a rigid test. Our panel is looking for your unique musical personality, your dramatic expression, and your potential for growth. Try to relax, focus on your storytelling through the music, and let us hear who you are as an artist.
The Advanced Opera Diploma selection process consists of two stages: a Round One assessment followed by a Round Two recall. All candidates must complete both a UCAS Conservatoires application and an Acceptd application profile.
Your Audition Repertoire
You must prepare four contrasting operatic arias in a variety of languages. At least one of these arias must be sung in English or an English translation.
Repertoire Guidelines by Delivery Option:
- In-Person Candidates (London): You do not need to provide pre-screening video recordings. You must upload the complete list of your four prepared arias to your Acceptd profile by the designated deadline.
- Video Candidates: You must create an Acceptd profile and upload video recordings of two contrasting operatic arias from your selection, sung in different languages. These recordings do not have to be captured in a single 'take' but must originate from the same recording session. You must also upload the full list of all four prepared arias.
What to Expect on Audition Day
1. Delivery Options & Selection Rounds
- In-Person Audition & Recall (London): Round One practical auditions take place in person at the Academy. If you are successful in this initial stage, you will be invited to attend the live Round Two recalls.
- Video Assessment & Recall: The panel will evaluate your initial two aria video submissions during Round One. If selected for the Round Two recall, the panel will choose one aria from the remaining two unrecorded pieces on your submitted list. You will then select a second aria to perform, which can either be from your original video submission or your fourth prepared aria.
2. Digital Profile Requirements
Regardless of whether you are auditioning in person or via video, all applicants must include the following components within their Acceptd application profile:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A current copy of your CV detailing your musical and performance background.
- Referee Details: Contact details for your designated referees.
- Spoken English Introduction: A brief recorded spoken introduction to introduce yourself to the panel.
For more information see auditions.