Morley Opera School

About this course

The course combines individual and group music sessions with vocal and language coaching, followed by rehearsals directed for the stage. Participants prepare opera scenes in Italian, German, French and English, with each student cast in at least two roles suited to their voice and development. Training covers pronunciation, movement, characterisation and following a conductor, alongside rehearsal and dress-rehearsal processes. Each term includes masterclasses with opera specialists. Optional activities include opera aria concerts and workshops in movement and stagecraft. Students are expected to maintain regular individual singing tuition and prepare music, translations and background research for their assigned repertoire.

What you'll learn

• Refine vocal performance and pronunciation through coaching
• Apply movement and characterisation in staged opera scenes
• Evaluate strengths and weaknesses in performance
• Follow a conductor during rehearsals and performances
• Work within a structured rehearsal process and professional performance standards

Is this course right for you?

This advanced course is intended for experienced singers with a well-developed classical vocal technique who are preparing for opera performance at a professional standard. Participation involves collaborative rehearsals, public staged performances, regular practice and a substantial attendance commitment. Some previous stage experience and knowledge of Italian, German and French pronunciation are desirable.

• Entry is via audition, with two prepared arias
• All participants take part in the end-of-term public performances
• Regular individual singing tuition alongside the course is expected
• Learners must commit to rehearsal, dress-rehearsal and performance requirements

Before you go

• Music scores are provided by the college.
• Bring note-taking equipment.
• Wear comfortable clothes for movement sessions.
• Prepare music, translations and background research for assigned repertoire.
• The course may be repeated for more than three terms.