Opera Performance

Entry requirements

Entry is by audition, and you should be able to demonstrate a level of performance ability appropriate for professional training.

Minimum entry requirements usually include a 2:1 degree in music or an equivalent qualification, although we are able to consider applications from people without formal qualifications if they have an exceptional level of ability, practical experience and a good understanding of the opera profession.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Meet the demands of today’s professional opera companies with our industry-led course that blends specialist tuition with diverse performing opportunities. 

Course overview

In this two-year MMus programme, you move from a first year of vocal performance work (together with the MMus Music Performance vocal cohort) into a second year focusing on operatic performance in a range of forms, including opportunities available through our close association with Welsh National Opera (WNO).

In Year 2, as a member of the David Seligman Opera School, you’ll take part in ensemble projects and opera scenes presentations, immersing yourself in a professional operatic company environment.

Through a range of teaching approaches in an inspiring conservatoire setting, and drawing on our strong industry links, you’ll develop a mastery of the essential skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s opera industry.

Why study opera at the Royal Welsh College?

• The course encompasses a combination of teaching approaches that enrich your specialist skills, while enhancing your employability – one-to-one tuition, coaching, groupwork, tutorials, lectures, seminars, practical classes and workshops, in addition to opera production periods. 
• Your programme of study won’t adhere to any single methodology or philosophy – instead, it brings many influences and approaches to your work so you can grow confident in identifying and understanding your own artistic vision. 
• You’ll learn professional operatic working practices with professional directors and repetiteurs, offering you insight into the inner workings of the industry and building familiarity with the operatic environment.  
• Our impressive list of tutors includes renowned vocal soloists and distinguished coaches. They offer you not only first-rate teaching, but mentorship and networking opportunities as well. 
• Our partnerships with the opera industry offer you opportunities to collaborate directly with Welsh National Opera – These opportunities include the annual WNO opera gala where soloists from the David Seligman Opera School are accompanied by the WNO orchestra, being coached and mentored by WNO music staff as well as the chance to observe and shadow selected WNO studio rehearsals. Not only will this help you to build a network of contacts, but you’ll also be able to develop a deep understanding of how the industry operates.  
• You’ll balance your individual tuition with fully integrated classes in stagecraft, which include movement and dance, and tuition in dramatic and interpretive skills.
• You’ll also have classes in the main operatic languages – Italian, French and German.  
• Performing is crucial to your training, and you’ll take part in ensemble projects, various performances and opera scenes presentations – including baroque and contemporary works as well as standard repertoire – to hone these skills.  
• Your study culminates in your taking a detailed study and preparation of a complete operatic role for presentation at a professionally equivalent audition and working session. This is usually assessed by a head of music from one of the main UK opera companies. 
• Your chosen programme of study will help you to build the critical skills needed to make effective judgements concerning suitable repertoire and role choices for professional auditions.  
• You’ll have classes that focus on professional etiquette and opera protocol, helping you to develop an awareness of collaborative working practices.
• Learn from renowned international artists who visit the College annually to perform and hold masterclasses, offering invaluable artistic and industry insight to advance your skills.
• You’ll have seminars that will teach you how to establish yourself as an independent artist. These sessions will cover networking, tax and finance, funding applications, social media – all the areas you need to know to develop and sustain a successful portfolio career alongside operatic work.