Vocal Arts & Opera

The voice and opera program at the Butler School of Music provide the vocal training necessary to move into professional and educational careers. Our graduates are well prepared for professional careers in opera, higher education, public and private school teaching.

BUTLER OPERA CENTER

The international opera training program offers academic and practical experience for vocalists, stage directors, and opera coaches. Each year our undergraduate and graduate students participate in at least three fully-produced mainstage operas and one to two scenes programs covering a broad range of repertoire. Led by a dynamic resident faculty, the program also welcomes the world’s leading opera professionals in residencies and masterclasses. Composers Jake Heggie, Mark Adamo, and maestro James Conlon visited the Butler School in recent years to personally coach students and lead performances.

OPERA COACHING (M.M. OR D.M.A.)

In addition to lessons with the school’s professional faculty, students perform three to five complete operas each academic year, coach vocalists, and collaborate with composers, conductors, and stage directors in a wide range of repertoire. Students of the program will receive training in operatic repertoire, languages, conducting, keyboard technique, music theory, and music history to excel in future musical endeavors.

OPERA DIRECTING (M.M. OR D.M.A.)

Storytelling is essential for humanity, and stage directors shape the stories they tell in this complex artform. Opera directing students are encouraged to find a powerful voice while learning many necessary technical skills, both traditional and cutting edge. They will explore standard and new operatic repertoire in a variety of languages, while directing students in diverse projects that includes fully supported productions.

More Information

For more information on admissions to the Butler School of Music, visit the admissions section of the website.