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Opera Institute

Admissions Information

Program Application

A completed application is required to audition for Opera Institute. This application should be brought with you to your live audition or mailed in with your audition video.

Click to download this application: Opera Institute 2012 Application

Audition Information

Opera Institute accepts live and video auditions. Students eligible to audition should be 15-18 years old and already engaged in in-depth vocal and/or piano study with an interest in pursuing a musical career in opera. Singers currently should be studying Italian Art Songs.

Audition Requirements

Singers - Please prepare two art songs; one must be in Italian. Arias are strongly discouraged. If attending a live audition, please bring two copies of your music along with your completed application and letter of recommendation. An accompanist will be provided.

Accompanists - Please prepare one solo piece, Caro Mio Ben in E-flat, and be ready to sight-read with a singer. A singer will be provided. If you are sending in a DVD audition, please record yourself playing one solo piece and Caro Mio Ben with a singer. Also, have your teacher describe your sight reading skills in his/her letter of recommendation.

Audition Dates

(Please contact us to schedule an audition.)

Washington, DC:
Saturday, January 28 & Saturday, February 4, 2012
The John F. Kennedy Center
2700 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20566
Video auditions:
Postmarked by January 28, 2012

Tuition & Scholarships

The costs below are for the three weeks of Opera Institute's 2011 summer:

Tuition $1,900
Housing $1,500
Total $3,400

Opera Institute has partial and full tuition scholarships available for students with financial need. (These scholarships apply to tuition only.) However, all students are encouraged to find additional funding through businesses in their community, their schools, and local music societies. Some students even have created their own benefit concerts!

    Students applying for scholarships must provide:
  • A statement of need
  • Proof of annual parent/guardian income (IRS 1040/1040A), and
  • Completed Scholarship Form. This is due, along with your application, at the time of your audition.

Opera Institute Class