Professional Diploma in Opera Joint Program with Chicago Opera Theater
- 2-year program with Full-Tuition Scholarship
- Membership in the Chicago Opera Theater Young Artist Program
- Lessons with CCPA Artist Faculty
- Specialized Coursework
Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) and Chicago Opera Theater (COT) offer a two-year Professional Diploma Program that couples advanced training with full scholarship support at CCPA and professional experience as a Young Artist at COT.
Singers and pianists (next piano class 2011) selected for the program receive full scholarships from the college, plus a weekly stipend from COT during its season. The program is designed for post-graduate students specializing in opera, but may include some post-undergraduate students of exceptional ability. The program runs concurrently with the fall and spring semesters at CCPA, extending into the COT season.
Singers admitted to the program will receive four semesters of weekly individual voice lessons and twice-weekly coaching with CCPA's professional faculty. Pianists will accompany lessons and rehearsals, and also receive weekly coaching. Additional seminars on various topics concerning the profession are conducted throughout the year, and both master classes and performance classes are scheduled to help singers prepare for auditions. There is also the possibility of singing a role in a fully-staged performance with orchestra in CCPA's spring semester opera. Other recital, outreach and concert opportunities throughout the year are on a professional basis.
At the end of the spring semester, participants become Young Artists at COT. They will cover roles, sing in the mainstage ensemble, participate in performances with piano of each opera, master classes, recitals, and outreach presentations. Pianists will play some rehearsals, master classes, and assist in various capacities.
Application Procedure
Admission to the program is based on a live audition. The auditions for the 2010-2011 year will be held in Chicago at CCPA on Friday, January 29th, 2010.
Note: CCPA is currently accepting applications for singers only (all voice parts will be considered). The next piano auditions will be held for Fall 2011 consideration in January 2011.
All applicants must submit an application by December 1, 2009.
Along with the application, applicants must submit
- two letters of recommendation, one from their current voice teacher, and one from a coach, conductor, or director recognized in the profession.
- a paragraph as to why they seek admission to this particular program, and what they hope to achieve.
- a cd recording of two contrasting arias. No audio/video tapes or dvds will be accepted.
Send all paper materials to:
CCPA: Professional Diploma in OperaAttn: Admissions
430 S Michigan, Room 918
Chicago, IL 60605
Invitations to the January live audition will be sent in December. Please contact music@roosevelt.edu with questions.
Note: A Master of Music Degree in Voice is preferred for entrance to this program. A Bachelor of Music Degree in Voice is required for entrance into this Diploma program.
Chicago Opera Theater
Founded in 1974 by Alan Stone, Chicago Opera Theater has carved a significant place for itself in the operatic life of Chicago and has reached an audience of hundreds of thousands through its main stage performances, outreach, education and young artist programs. With its innovative productions, COT has helped launch the opera careers of singers and directors such as Robert Orth, Nancy Gustafson, Richard Leech, Mary Zimmerman, and Frank Galati, who now work with opera and theater companies around the world. In 1999, COT appointed Brian Dickie as General Director. Mr. Dickie came to Chicago Opera Theater with more than thirty years of experience in the opera field, including five years as General Director of the Canadian Opera Company and seven years as General Director of the world-renowned Glyndebourne Festival Opera in England. The 2004 season opener, L'incoronazione di Poppea, marked COT's debut performance in the 1,400-seat Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chicago's Millennium Park.
The Young Artist Program at Chicago Opera Theater was established in 2000 to develop young artists by providing a performance-based training program to talented singers at the beginning of their careers. Young artists are chosen by auditions held throughout the U.S. In addition to being members of the company, taking on small roles, understudies and ensemble work in COT's mainstage productions, Young Artists participate in masterclasses, community outreach, and have the opportunity to prepare and perform a recital program. Distinguished accompanist and coach Craig Rutenberg is an annual guest and undertakes detailed work on the song repertoire with each Young Artist. In 2006, Susanne Mentzer, COT's star of Dido and Aeneas, presented master classes with COT's Young Artists.
For more information about Chicago Opera Theater, visit: www.chicagooperatheater.org
Courses
Year One
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Voice 451 | 4 | Fall | |
| COT Seminar | 2 | Fall | |
| Applied Voice 452 | 4 | Spring | |
| COT Apprenticeship | 2 | Spring |
Year Two
| Course ID | Course Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Voice 453 | 4 | Fall | |
| COT Seminar | 2 | Fall | |
| Applied Voice 454 | 4 | Spring | |
| COT Apprenticeship | 2 | Spring |
All information is for illustrative purposes only. Please see the Associate Dean of the Music Conservatory for actual degree plans.