Young Artist Programme

Our Young Artist Programme, delivered in collaboration with the six full-time UK opera companies, supports singers and pianists with all the musical, artistic, physical, psychological and practical skills they need to build a long, successful career in opera.

Key facts

9-month training programme based at our home in Wandsworth, London.
Partnerships with the six national opera companies offer high-level opportunities, performances, residencies and networks.
Opportunities for auditions with industry professionals available year-round.
Health and well-being are fundamental in everything we teach.
Our Sounding Board panel of professional opera singers ensures our work is always relevant and effective.
Our Young Artist Programme is the most coaching intensive programme out there.
The Programme finishes in May. This gives Young Artists a head start on summer contract availability, plus extra individual coaching time before leaving the Studio

Funding

Young Artists (YAs) receive free training.
YAs are granted a monthly performance stipend of £1400.
Additional bursary support is provided to assist with basic living and study expenses in London, amounting to up to £250 per month.
£600 to use for private lessons and auditions.
An Auditions Travel Fund is available, offering a one-time payment of up to £260 during the Studio year or one year post-programme.

Find out more about what our Young Artist Programme offers for singers and repetiteurs and how to apply below.

Singers

Our Young Artist Programme is one of the most respected opera training opportunities for singers in the world.

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Repetiteurs

Our 9-month training programme supports repetiteurs with advanced coaching, collaborative practice, and real-world experience.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the application and audition procedure for singers and repetiteurs applying for our Young Artist Programme.

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A breakdown of the key events taking place throughout the year in the Young Artist Programme at the National Opera Studio, based on our 2026/27 offer and subject to change, running alongside regular coaching, masterclasses, and performances.

Autumn/ Winter

August – December

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Autumn/ Winter

Stagecraft and Language Foundations
- Nine-weeks of tailored support in stagecraft and language coaching, focused on enhancing existing skills and identifying areas for improvement.
Young Artist Photoshoot
- Opportunity to collaborate with a professional photographer to capture new headshots for professional portfolios.
Opera North Residency
- Young Artists will take part instaged residency performances in conjunction with our partner companies. This is an opportunity to perform a curated selection of opera scenes chosen by our Artistic Team. In the 2026/27 year, our Young Artists will collaborate with Opera North and performances will take place at the Howard Assembly Rooms in Leeds, and in the Blackburn Hall at our Studio. These performances will be directed by our Resident Director Lucy Bradley and the Leeds performance will feature the Orchestra of Opera North. Throughout our residencies, Young Artists can audition for our partner companies.
Winter/ Spring

January – April

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Winter/ Spring

Welsh National Opera Residency
- In the 2026/27 season, our Young Artists will collaborate with Welsh National Opera. These scenes will be performed in the Weston Studio in Cardiff with the WNO Orchestra, and in the Blackburn Hall at the Studio.
Scottish Opera Residency
- In February 2027, our Young Artists will collaborate with Scottish Opera. The performance in Glasgow will be at Glasgow Theatre Royal, and the London performance will be at Bishopsgate.
Collaboration with English National Opera Orchestra
- In partnership with English National Opera, our 2026/27 Young Artists will have the opportunity to perform alongside the Orchestra of the English National Opera in a semi-staged performance at the Cadogan Hall.
Agents Day
- Each year, Young Artists have the chance to audition in front of a panel of agents, casting directors and UK industry representatives. Additionally, industry experts are frequently invited to attend our London performances to observe our Young Artists.
Spring/ Summer

April – May

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Spring/ Summer

This term’s schedule has much more flexibility and ends earlier than conservatoire opera courses. This increased summer availability means that, should they successfully audition, Young Artists can make the most of summer contracts with companies such as Garsington Opera.
The flexible schedule also ensures that our Young Artists benefit from increased availability of individual coaching sessions from the NOS Artistic Team before leaving the Studio in May

Song Recital
Curated by the NOS Artistic Team, this recital will feature exclusively Song repertoire chosen around a central theme. In 2027, this recital will take place in the Wigmore Hall.

Final Recital

Taking place at the Studio’s Blackburn Hall, this is an opportunity for our Young Artists to celebrate their year together alongside the Studio’s supporters.
Alums

After NOS

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Alums

After our Young Artists complete their time at the National Opera Studio, we continue to support them as they launch their careers. This ongoing support includes additional coaching (subject to availability), an auditions travel fund that may be accessed if unused during their year at the Studio, and free access to practice rooms and recording equipment. Additionally, we can provide references for applications and promote their news and upcoming performances through our social media channels and newsletter.

A Typical Week on the Programme

Outside of production periods, the weekly schedule is full-time and dynamic, designed to offer comprehensive, varied training across multiple disciplines. Each week, Young Artists work closely with a range of specialist coaches, with sessions rotating regularly to provide diverse perspectives and expertise.

Individual coaching sessions typically last 45 minutes, and all Young Artists have at least one session with each coach every week, subject to availability. Young Artist repetiteurs play for coaching sessions as well as receiving their own tailored coaching, developing both collaborative and individual skills. Typical activities include individual and group music coaching, language and diction classes, movement and stagecraft workshops, vocal technique sessions, and mental resilience training. Additional time is dedicated to score study, rehearsal preparation, and practical skills such as audition coaching and digital content development.

Here’s an example schedule for a typical week outside of production – please note this changes weekly to reflect different coaching priorities.

Download example schedule

Explore these useful resources to find out more about the programme.

Knowledge Studio

Explore our free, accessible opera training resources, designed to support artists at every stage.

Knowledge Studio
Common video audition mistakes (and easy fixes!)

Let’s set you up for success in your video auditions! In this video, Nancy Holt shares her top tips for avoiding common audition mistakes, helping you deliver a polished, professional performance on camera.

Watch video
Young Artist Programme brochure

Read our 2026/27 brochure to discover what our current cohort of Young Artists will get up to this year.

2026/27 Brochure
Rehearsal tracks

We are providing high-quality piano tracks for free download, designed as essential learning tools to support singers for auditions and rehearsals. These tracks will feature a variety of tempi and will be available with or without the vocal line, providing flexible practice options.

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