When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes
  • Tutor Multiple
  • Course Code W24VSSA03A
  • Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

This course is designed to help singers develop all aspects of preparation and presentation for auditions for opera companies, opera schools and music colleges/conservatoires. A combination of practical workshops, mock auditions and theoretical elements are aiming at helping you deliver the best possible result in the context of auditions. Suitable for advanced classical singers only, ie. Grade 8 and beyond, who already possess a secure vocal technique.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Gain deeper insight into the art of auditioning and what constitutes a successful audition
  • Receive guidance on choosing appropriate audition repertoire
  • Gain more experience performing in the context of auditions through a mock audition
  • Improve presentation and communication skills

Class format and activities

The course will begin with an introduction to the art of auditioning, exploring topics such as: what is the procedure of auditions, what do the panels look for, choice of audition repertoire, collaboration with accompanist, good audition etiquette and effective presentation. Following that, students will present some of their chosen repertoire to the class, followed by initial feedback and advice on interpretation, choice of repertoire, presentation etc The second day of the course will focus on the building of CVs and applications, and students are welcome to present their own CVs for tutor feedback. There will also be a workshop on presentation and communication with a panel. The final day will consist of mock auditions led by the tutor and in the presence of the rest of the group. Recordings of the mock auditions will be offered at the end of the course for self-assessment purposes.

Entry requirements

This course is suitable for advanced classical singers only, ie. Grade 8 and beyond, who already possess a secure vocal technique. Please contact the Music Department for advice regarding your suitability for the course.

What you need to know before you enrol

To benefit from this course, you need to prepare at least 3 songs/arias of your choice for the mock audition from memory.

What you need

2 copies of your chosen songs - one for the 'panel' and one for the accompanist. Also, 2 copies of your CV if you are happy to share that with your tutor.

What you can do next

This course can be useful for auditioning for our advanced courses such as the Morley Opera School, Introduction to Opera Performance, Advanced Solo Singing Masterclasses, Masterclasses on German/French/English Song.