Morley Opera School

When & Where

17 April 2024 - 6 July 2024 ( 99 hours, 11 weeks )
Morning, Evening, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Late starts accepted
Tutor Multiple
Course Code W23VSSC02C
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

The Morley Opera School caters to experienced singers with a strong foundation in classical technique who are eager to elevate their stagecraft and performance abilities while further enhancing their musical skills at an advanced level. Under the leadership of Michalis Angelakis (Head of Opera) and Nicholas Bosworth (Senior Vocal Coach) our dedicated team, comprising stage directors, language coaches, and movement instructors, collaborates each term to deliver a comprehensive training program. Over the years, many of our alumni have followed a professional career in singing in opera houses such as the Royal Opera House and English National Opera, performed with opera companies such as the English Touring Opera, the Hampstead Garden Opera, the British Youth Opera a.o. and won in competitions such as the Voice of Black Opera Competition. Auditions for remaining places of study in the summer term of the academic year 2023/24 will take place on the 4th of March. For more information about the course and to apply for an audition, please visit our website: https://www.morleycollege.ac.uk/courses/subject-areas/music/opera.

Learning Outcomes

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

Develop vocal performance and pronunciation skills through working with vocal coaches and language coaches
Develop stagecraft skills, such as movement and characterisation on stage through working with a stage director
Identify and address strengths and weaknesses in performance abilities
Experience working in a professional environment, adhering to international standards of discipline and custom, within a strict rehearsal schedule
Develop ability to follow a conductor

Cost

Full fee

£1025

Concession fee

£770

Class format and activities

The Morley Opera School offers a comprehensive course spanning three terms within a single academic year. Each term reaches its culmination in a series of public performances that showcase a diverse selection of opera scenes in various languages, including Italian, German, French, and English. Students are assigned a minimum of two roles, carefully matched to their vocal range and developmental stage. The course is structured as follows: - The initial 3-5 weeks are dedicated to both group and individual music and language sessions, led by a team of experienced vocal coaches and specialised language instructors. - Subsequently, a period of 3-5 weeks is allocated for stage rehearsals under the guidance of a stage director, while music rehearsals continue in parallel. - The final weeks are exclusively devoted to intensive stage rehearsals and comprehensive run-throughs, culminating in dress rehearsals to ensure a polished performance. Additional activities include masterclasses conducted by renowned figures in the opera industry, such as Roderick Williams, David Gowland, Nicky Spence, Brenda Hurley, John Ramster and Della Jones. This term, there will be two shows of opera scenes at the Bridewell Theatre in the City of London on 5 July at 7.30pm and 6 July at 12pm. The 2023/24 staff includes: - Michalis Angelakis, Head of Opera - Nicholas Bosworth, Senior Vocal Coach - Ashley Dean, Stage Director (autumn term) - William Kerley, Stage Director (spring term) - Jeanne Pansard-Besson, Stage Director (summer term) - Matteo Dalle Fratte, Italian Language Coach - Johanna Mayr, German Language Coach - Darquise Bilodeau, French Language Coach

Entry requirements

To participate in this course, you are required to limit absences to no more than five during the term. You must also commit to being available for final rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances, which are scheduled as follows: - Sunday, June 30th, times TBC (Get-in) - Monday, July 1st from 6 PM to 9:30 PM (Tech Rehearsal) - Tuesday, July 2nd from 6 PM to 9:30 PM (Dress Rehearsal) - Wednesday, July 3rd 6-9.30 (Dress Rehearsal) - Friday, July 5th 6.45-9.30 (Show 2) - Saturday, July 6th 12-5 (Show 3 & Get-Out) Additionally, you are expected to maintain regular individual singing lessons to further refine your vocal technique.

What you need to know before you enrol

Please check the 'Entry Requirements' and visit our webpage https://www.morleycollege.ac.uk/courses/subject-areas/music/opera/ for more information about opera at Morley.

What you need

Music scores (provided by the college) Note-taking equipment. Comfortable clothes for movement sessions.

What you can do next

Depending upon vocal technical assuredness, students should investigate full-time study in one of the major conservatoires. Students, who have a great deal of experience and a secure vocal technique, could consider entry into the profession. The course may be usefully repeated for more than three terms.