Graduate Performance Diploma in Opera Performance

G.P.D. students receive weekly personalized lessons with their Conservatory instructor, with an emphasis on performance technique and presence. With ensemble assignments meant to emulate the pacing and rigor of a professional music organization, students perform continually throughout the semester with the Conservatory’s many large and small ensembles and chamber groups, in pit orchestras for dance, opera, and theater productions, and in solo recitals and special auditioned groups. 

Additionally, students are encouraged to take advantage of the Conservatory’s prime location in Boston by auditioning for local ensembles and participating in music festivals and competitions. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to build real-world experience and strong professional networks.

The Conservatory offers a rigorous approach to opera training and recognizes the singer as a musician, actor, and entrepreneur. Therefore, the opera performance curriculum includes classes that enhance traditional vocal and performance training, including Acting for Singers, Movement for Singers, Business of the Opera Business, Recitative, and many others. Additionally, the curriculum offers elective credits which can be used for private vocal coaching or language courses.

In their first year, students expand their vocal techniques and audition packages, while continuing to build their knowledge of operatic and vocal repertoire, foreign language diction, and acting techniques. They perform in opera productions and studio recitals, attend weekly opera studio classes, and receive weekly private voice lessons. Meanwhile, students are encouraged to take advantage of on- and off-campus performance and collaborative opportunities to build their performance resumés and professional networks.

In the second year of the program, students continue their acting and opera studies in courses such as Characterization and Aria Classes to name a few. Additionally, students will continue to build their performance resumés in the Conservatory’s fully staged and concert opera productions on the main stage, and opera scenes programs.

The G.P.D. in Opera Performance requires students to complete 24 credits, consisting of the course requirements listed below. View the Sample Curriculum by Semester for additional details.

• M-AP 0009 Applied Lessons (12 credits total, 3 credits each)
• M-EN 0793 Opera Studio (4 credits total, 1 credit each)
• M-LT 77911 Characterization (1 credit)
• M-PR 0721 Audition Techniques (1 credit)
• M-SK 0721 The Business of the Business of Opera (1 credit)
• M-ST 0711 Acting for Singers 1 (1 credit)
• M-ST 0712 Acting for Singers 2 (1 credit)
• M-ST 77910 Movement for Singers 1 (1 credit)
• M-ST 77911 Movement for Singers 2 (1 credit)
• Xxxxx General electives (1 credit total)

Upon successful completion of the G.P.D. in Opera Performance, students will:

• display a well developed vocal technique, with physical coordination and freedom, as well as dramatic expressivity suitable for moving into the operatic performance world;
• confidently prepare and perform or cover an operatic role drawing on skills and experiences gained in characterization classes, Opera Studio, and on-stage performances;
• function effectively and efficiently in an operatic rehearsal situation with confidence, knowing that they are musically prepared, that they understand the text, and they have tools for memorizing and comprehending the score;
• work confidently with conductors in rehearsal and onstage, as well as with coaches in the preparation process;
• move freely, expressively and confidently on an operatic stage and in audition settings using techniques acquired in movement and acting classes, Opera Studio and Audition Techniques;
• research, create, and develop a character;
• continually refine their storytelling, using and interpreting text in all major sung languages with accuracy and fluency—and then bring those refined skills to less familiar languages as well;
• apprehend the opera business and have a strong sense of what to expect through mentoring interactions with the opera faculty as well as through the Business of the Opera Business course; and
• envision and create a musical life that is most suited to their skills, passions and personal mission.

Graduates of our voice and opera programs have fruitful careers, performing, teaching, and practicing their art in concert, recital, and with opera companies and young artist programs throughout the world.

Opera Companies

• Bayerische Staatsoper
• Boston Lyric Opera
• Chicago Lyric Opera
• Israeli Opera
• Los Angeles Opera
• The Metropolitan Opera
• Pittsburgh Opera
• San Francisco Opera
• Staatstheater Darmstadt    

Young Artist Programs

• Arizona Opera
• Aspen Opera Center
• Berlin Staatsoper
• Brevard Opera
• Caramoor Opera
• Central City Opera
• Chautauqua Opera
• Connecticut Lyric Opera
• Dayton Opera
• Des Moines Metro Opera
• Fort Worth Opera Studio
• Glimmerglass Opera
• Kansas City Lyric Opera
• Knoxville Opera
• Los Angeles Opera
• Nashville Opera
• Opera Company of Middlebury, VT
• Opera in the Ozarks
• Opera Memphis
• Pittsburgh Opera
• Portland Opera
• Santa Fe Opera
• Sarasota Opera
• Seagle Music Colony
• Tulsa Opera
• Virginia Opera

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