The Opera Atelier, Inc. is a leading provider of opera art education, offering unique techniques and insights into the world of opera. From technical teachings to creative and artistic applications of the art, their experienced masters can help guide anyone on their journey to mastering the craft of opera.
Our aim is to assist singers in developing artistically satisfying, informed, and up-to-date interpretations grounded in the classical operatic tradition. In the process of learning and mastering a role, singers develop their craft by working on musical preparation, phonetic transcription, translation, declamation, characterization, style and staging.
Sessions take place in a supportive and respectful atmosphere, with individualized instruction to suit each singer’s needs and goals. The effectiveness of the singer’s performance is enhanced through specific tools that become part of the singer’s artistic resources. In general, we begin with individual sessions followed by partner sessions. After a complete first score reading, and weeks later a session from memory, staging rehearsals follow, and a semi-staged or staged public performance is presented.
Our work can be decisive when:
1.- You need to learn a role
2.- You would like to review a role
3.- You want to try a role on stage and gain the experience and stamina necessary for the rehearsal process and the performances.
Roles mastered are essential strategic vehicles for serious singers to advance their careers in the world of opera. Mastering the essential roles of the repertory makes the singer’s learning objective, and empowers artists to pursue their professional goals in the opera field. Our work facilitates the transition between the vocal studio and the professional stage.
COMPREHENSIVE OPERA ROLE PREPARATION PROGRAM
An effective resource for
learning, reviewing, and developing opera roles.
OBJECTIVE: To provide practical comprehensive training to opera singers through the in-depth study and performance of complete roles from the standard operatic repertoire.
SPECIFIC GOALS:
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musically accurate and artistically satisfying renditions
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correct and clear diction
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paraphrase and word-by-word translation
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declamation
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convincing characterizations
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stylistic conventions and traditions
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logical staging
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relationship between music and text
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artistic expression and musical eloquence
Roles mastered are essential strategic vehicles for serious singers to advance their careers in the world of opera.
Mastering the essential roles of the repertory makes the singer’s learning objective, and empowers artists to pursue their professional goals in the opera field. Our work facilitates the transition between the vocal studio and the professional stage.
OPTION A
Description: This 30-hour course is designed for opera singers who wish to learn a new role they have never performed or studied before. This course requires an initial assessment of the musical and technical preparation of the participant.
First stage: Foundations
(10 hours, 2 weeks maximum).
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historic, musical, and stylistic context.
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basic study of music and text, diction.
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role development, the relationship between characters, and psychological context.
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arias/solos/recitatives/ensembles.
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complete musical reading (run-through) of the opera.
Second stage: In-depth study of the role
(10 hours, 2 weeks maximum)
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further study of music and text.
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complete memorization.
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linguistic aspects, diction.
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further study of the character.
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relationship between characters.
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vocal and acting characterization.
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study of different versions and traditions.
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rehearsal and coaching work.
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arias, ensembles/recitatives.
Third stage: Rehearsals
(10 hours, 2 weeks maximum)
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rehearsal period towards the performance.
Fourth stage: Performance
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public or private performance
OPTION B
Description: This 20-hour course is designed for opera singers who have studied or performed most of a particular role. This course requires an initial assessment of the level of preparation of the role from the musical, linguistic, and technical point of view.
First stage: Foundations
(4 hours, 1-week maximum).
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historic, musical, and stylistic context.
-
basic study of music and text, diction.
-
role development, the relationship between characters, and psychological context.
-
arias/solos/recitatives/ensembles.
-
complete musical reading (run-through) of the opera or role.
Second stage: In-depth study of the role
(6 hours, 1-week maximum)
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further study of music and text.
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complete memorization.
-
linguistic aspects, diction.
-
further study of the character.
-
relationship between characters.
-
vocal and acting characterization.
-
study of different versions and traditions.
-
rehearsal and coaching work.
-
arias, ensembles/recitatives.
Third stage: Rehearsals
(10 hours, 2 weeks maximum)
-
rehearsal period towards the performance.
Fourth stage: Performance
-
public or private performance
OPTION C
Description: This 15-hour course is designed for opera singers who know a role in its entirety and wish to review or perform it, in preparation for a professional engagement or as needed. Participants should have the role memorized. This course requires an initial assessment of the level of musical, linguistic, character, and technical preparation
First stage: Foundations
(3 hours, 1 week maximum).
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Review of music and text, diction.
Second stage: Run-through
(2 hours, 1-week maximum)
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Musical Reading.
Third stage: Rehearsals
(10 hours, 2 weeks maximum)
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Rehearsal period towards the performance.
Fourth stage: Performance
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public or private performance
CALL TO ARTISTS & ONLINE APPLICATION
NOW OPEN!
ELIGIBILITY: Artists must be 18 or older to apply.
All singers must display a technical level commensurate with the role sought. Ability to memorize music and text quickly, time commitment, and individual practice time required. Note that vocal technique is outside the scope of this program. Our work will focus on facilitating artistically convincing renditions of the characters portrayed through singing and acting; coaching will thus concentrate on musical and artistic issues. Since the course moves at a fast pace, the ability to learn quickly and to memorize music and text effectively is required to participate. The final staged performance, if applicable, will be from memory. All text and music must be memorized before the rehearsal period. On average, artists should be able to devote 10 hours a week outside course time to learning the music and working on their own. A professional attitude, high level of responsibility, and work ethic are expected of all participants.
The Opera Atelier Comprehensive Opera Role Preparation Program is open primarily to opera singers living or working in South Florida. Out-of-town or international artists are also eligible and may submit their materials for present and future consideration. Please note that, at this time, no provisions are made for room and board. Citizens of the United States of America and Canada are eligible to audition. Foreign applicants must show proof of one-year residency as students, workers, guest artists, legal residents, or holders of any other valid visa, or proof of Canadian Citizenship.
The decision of the Board of Directors of The Opera Atelier with respect to acceptance into the program will be final.
REPERTORY: In 2023-2024 season we are concentrating on roles from the following operas: Don Pasquale, La Traviata, Le Nozze di Figaro, and La Bohème. You can also request our services to learn any standard French or Italian opera role.
ADMISSIONS & REGISTRATION: An initial assessment is mandatory. Applicants will be notified of the results by email to enter the program.
START DATE: As arranged, after assessment and registration. A work calendar will be given.
SCHEDULE: Sessions will take place within these hours:
Tuesdays to Fridays 4.00 pm - 10.00 pm.
Saturdays 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm.
Frequency: 3 to 5 hours per week.
Duration: 3-8 Weeks, according to the program option.
For the Summer sessions, the hours vary.
LOCATION: Coachings, rehearsals, and master classes imparted at studios of The Opera Atelier in Miami, at The Manuel Artime Theater and/or university facilities in Miami.
TUITION: Online application refundable fee: $25.00. Major credit cards are accepted through PayPal.
Fees Option A
Program including public or private performance $2,350.00
Program without performance $2,000.00
Fees Option B
Program including public or private performance $1900.00
Program without performance $ 1550.00
Fees Option C
Program including public or private performance $1675.00
Program without performance $1355.00
Partial scholarships may be available to qualified applicants.
To apply send us an e-mail explaining why you are applying at info@theoperaatelier.com
Scholarships can cover up to 20% of the total program cost.
Successful participants in the Comprehensive Opera Role Preparation Program will be considered for The Opera Atelier’s Great Opera Moments and full opera performances. Prior audition required.
WORK LANGUAGES WILL BE Primarily English, Spanish. Other possible work languages are Italian, German, and French.