Performance Diploma in Opera

Degree Type

Graduate

Formats

In-Person

Location

On-Campus

The Performance Diploma in Opera at Boston University Opera Institute is an intensive, highly selective two-year performance-based training program for emerging operatic artists. Each Institute member receives a full tuition scholarship and is immersed in an exceptional cohort of singers, learning from leaders in the field.

The Opera Institute provides a performance-based curriculum, taught by full-time and adjunct faculty members along with guest professionals who are currently in the business or have had significant operatic careers. The program includes voice lessons, repertoire coaching, Italian Conversation, Acting, Movement (Stage Combat, Ballet, Period Styles, Commedia, Alexander Technique), Business Strategies, Social Protocols for the Artist, Auditions, and Networking.

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Curriculum Requirements for the Performance Diploma in Opera can be found on the BU Academic Bulletin.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s opera Così fan tutte, a story of love, lust, and seduction, was once derided for being risqué and vulgar. Today, it is a cornerstone of the operatic canon, performed all over the world. Go behind the scenes of the 2022 production by BU College of Fine Arts School of Music Opera Institute and School of Theatre.

Program of Study

Students are accepted into the program each year through a process of national audition and recruitment. The Institute also serves as the Center of Opera Training for Vocal Performance degree candidates, where students share training and casting opportunities.

Learn & Apply

Candidates for the Opera Institute possess a voice that is unique in timbre and appropriate size for opera; a promising level of preparedness in terms of artistry, musical style, and vocal technique; and an ability to articulate their own strengths and weaknesses with an openness and willingness to work with their faculty to make the necessary steps to be ready for a career in opera.

More about the 2022-2023 opera Season

Featured Faculty

At the core of the Professional Curriculum Model of operatic training are faculty and professional guest artists who are a critical part of the program.

Guest artists have included composers, stage directors, master teachers, clinicians in business strategies, stage managers, artist managers, coaches, conductors, and general directors of opera companies.

All members of the Opera Institute as well as voice majors who study in the Opera Programs are invited to experience these special guests.

Upcoming guest artists

BU alums David Kneuss and Sandra Piques Eddy speak with students

Next Steps for Applicants

The best way to determine if BU is right for you is to explore our admission requirements, financial tools, and resources to determine if the program is the right match.

Reach out to our Director of Admissions at visitSOM@bu.edu with any questions along the way or to request information. We are happy to discuss your educational interests and career goals.