Opera (Répétiteur)

Overview

The Advanced Professional Diploma in Performance (APD) is for students seeking a final-stage bridge to professional work. The course supports development of a range of industry-related skills (as appropriate to the individual profile) with course supervision provided in addition to one-to-one lessons (see list of possible specialisms below).

Successful applicants will have highly developed performance or compositional skills and a detailed understanding of their individual professional development needs. This will need to be articulated in the form of a deliverable set of outcomes/goals for the work during the course.

APD students will be supported in developing a high degree of independence in their work through the course, in order to be able to meet professional expectations. The course is at level 8 of the FHEQ, which demands a high level of autonomy and initiative.

This course is right for you if you are almost ready to enter the profession and have a strategy for refining or developing specific skills to make the transition. It is designed to enable students to make the most of the artistic and educational opportunities afforded by the Academy and its location in the heart of London.

Specialisms

1. Side-by-side activity alongside internal and/or visiting professors. (Workshops and rehearsals as well as concert activity.)
2. Developing critical and verbal skills for teaching and/or entrepreneurship and/or public communication, choosing from a range of PG electives as appropriate; minimum class attendance will be required.
3. Chamber music – either as member of an existing ensemble(s), or with the aim of establishing new collaborations.
4. Leadership: ensemble direction, principal roles in orchestra, other aspects of mentoring.
5. Recording focus – enrolment on Self-recording and Self-editing elective mandatory.
6. Performer embedded in Composition and Contemporary Music Department (where applicable).
7. A specific project (or projects) resulting in live performance(s) and/or a recording.
8. Ensemble piano partnership development
9. HiP specialisms (repertoire and/or instruments)
10. Extended instrument family specialisms (bass clarinet, etc.)
11. Any compositional specialism (where applicable)

Entry Requirements

• Performance: A performance (or compositional, where applicable) standard at least equivalent to a Distinction at Master’s level.
• Academic: A Master’s qualification or equivalent (in a relevant subject), but the Academy welcomes applications from students who may not meet the usual academic requirements.

Applying for both the Professional Diploma and Advanced Professional diploma pathways

Students completing the Professional Diploma (PD) in June will also be eligible to apply to the Advanced Professional Diploma (APD) as a nine-month enrolment starting the following September in Year 2 of the course.

The first year of the APD is identical to the PD, meaning that the PD will be a potential exit award for students unable to continue into, or complete, the second year of the APD.

If you want to apply for either of these courses alongside your main application, you do not need to create a second profile or submit a new application on UCAS Conservatoires.

Instead, simply follow these two steps:

1. Opt-in: When prompted in Acceptd, indicate that you would like to be considered.
2. Upload your documents: Add the required specialist proposal document (for the Prof Dip) or written requirements (for the Adv Prof Dip) directly to your existing Acceptd profile.

Répétiteur Fellowship Scheme

Candidates applying for our repetiteur training are also assessed for the unique Répétiteur Fellowships (subject to eligibility). Designed as an intensive apprenticeship to support young opera professionals, Fellowships include:

• Financial Support: Generous funding towards living and practical costs, with all educational and mentoring costs covered by the Academy.
• On-the-Job Training: Working as an integral member of the Royal Academy Opera team, including playing for masterclasses, language coaching, and production rehearsals, assisting conductors, and gaining hands-on experience in recitative/continuo.

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 advanced pianistic skill, and your collaborative instincts. Try to relax, focus on your communication with the stage, and let us hear who you are as a musician.

You must submit a proposal in Acceptd covering the points below if you wish to be considered for the Advanced Professional Diploma. The guide length is 1,500 words.

• Outline the skills that you wish to develop during the APD, drawing on an area of specialism as indicated in the descriptive text for the programme - please see the Courses page . Include a brief account of how development of these skills supports your career aims.
• Give examples of the repertoire, activities and/or projects that you envisage playing a part in your studies. Include any external commitments currently scheduled or in planning.
• What aspects of your musical studies so far are most relevant to these plans?
• Are there any particular members of Academy staff (in addition to a Principal Study professor) you would be keen to receive guidance from during the programme?

The Advanced Professional Diploma in Répétiteur selection process consists of two stages: a Round One digital video assessment followed by a Round Two practical recall. Candidates for this course are also automatically assessed for the award of the Répétiteur Fellowship, subject to immigration and eligibility status.

Your Audition Repertoire (Round One)

Round One of the assessment process is conducted entirely by digital video submission. You must upload your performance videos and supporting documentation to the specialist Acceptd portal by the designated deadline.

Repertoire Guidelines:

• Two Ensemble Scenes: You must prepare and record two substantial ensemble scenes, featuring at least three main characters, selected from two different operas.
• Performance Expectations: Your recording must demonstrate your ability to play the orchestral reduction fluidly whilst singing in the vocal lines as far as possible to simulate a real-world production rehearsal.

What to Expect at the Audition Recall (Round Two)

Following the panel's evaluation of your Round One video footage, shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a live Round Two recall assessment.

1. Practical Elements & Vocal Coaching

The live recall is an intensive practical session designed to evaluate your real-time skills in an opera house environment. During this session, you will be expected to demonstrate:

• Score Reading and Conducting: Playing and leading operatic excerpts from the keyboard.
• Vocal Coaching: Working directly with a singer in front of the panel to demonstrate your communication skills, linguistic knowledge, and musical guidance.
• Sight-Reading: Real-time sight-reading of a short operatic extract or contemporary score.

2. Specialist Interview

Your practical assessment is paired with an interview with the Head of Opera and senior coaching staff. This conversation will explore your professional experience, your knowledge of operatic repertoire across different languages, your stylistic specialisms, and your career goals within the idiom.

Digital Profile & Written Requirements

In addition to your performance videos, all applicants must ensure their Acceptd digital profile contains the following core elements:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting your professional experience, Répétiteur background, and list of operatic repertoire studied in depth.
• Spoken English Introduction: A brief recorded verbal introduction introducing yourself and detailing your background to the panel.

Please note: Because the Répétiteur Fellowship involves an employed role within the Academy, certain eligibility restrictions apply based on your immigration pathway. All candidates apply initially for the Advanced Professional Diploma via UCAS Conservatoires, and funding options or fellowship recommendations will be discussed directly with successful candidates at the offer stage.

For more information see auditions.