Demystifying Auditions

Introduction from the Course Leader:

“Auditions are part of the world of becoming a sought after professional opera singer, whether we like it or not!! Very few singers have managed to get the roles they hope for without at least a couple of successful auditions. Members of audition panels recognise confidence and individuality in a singer from the moment they walk into the room. At this NOS Demystifying Auditions short course, we will arm you with the tools to own your audition and present ‘the very best version of you’ possible.”

Dearbhla Collins, Artistic Consultant and Course Leader

Course Dates & Times

Wednesday 28 – Friday 30 August 2024
10.00-18.00 each day

Who is it for?

Postgraduate level or professional singers at the beginning of their careers.

Course Leaders

Dearbhla Collins, Head of Artistic Administration, National Opera Studio

Course description

This three-day short course led by world-class coaches from the National Opera Studio is designed to help you reimagine auditions, build your confidence, and examine your communication through character analysis and musical coaching. We will take a healthy but forensic look at how we present ourselves in the unique environment of an audition and build strategies for coping with all eventualities - whether that be auditioning to a panel in person or online.

Our leading coaches will work with you on two arias of your choice which you're preparing for auditions or forthcoming seasons.

This course focuses on you as an individual artist and aims to help you examine what makes you interesting and how to communicate that to a panel in an audition environment. With a joint focus on group teaching and extensive one-to-one tuition, the course combines vocal coaching, character and text analysis, movement and body language, communicative skills, self-talk, critical thinking, with the following areas being covered during the course:

• Auditions masterclasses and individual interpretation sessions
• Individual vocal coaching sessions with leading NOS coaches and pianists
• Character work
• Talks on aspects of casting, self-promotion and professional development
• A professional single-angle audition aria video recording, which will then be sent to you after the course for your own use

Also included:

• Access to the NOS Opera Library;
• Access to our suite of practice rooms.

Number of places:

12

Eligibility:

• You must have, or be looking to apply for, a postgraduate-level degree or diploma in singing or opera, OR
• Already have some professional singing experience

"I'm so glad I took part in this course. I had been struggling with nerves, feeling that I was letting myself down in auditions. After attending, I had a thoroughly enjoyable audition season which led to paid singing work and other exciting opportunities. I highly recommend this course for singers who want to quieten the inner critic and take proactive steps towards becoming the performer they know they can be."

~ Fiona, Course Participant, 2019

Booking opens 1 May

Booking procedure:

Within one week of receiving your payment, we will send you an email with a Booking Form. 

By booking for a National Opera Studio short course, you agree to our Short Courses Terms and Conditions.

Please note each participant will need to organise their own accommodation during the course.