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• 2024 Fall
• Bienen School of Music
• Voice & Opera
• Repertoire Studies

Repertoire Studies (393-0-1)

Topic

Opera Audition Workshop

Instructors

Roger Golden Pines

Meeting Info

Regenstein Hall of Music MCR: Mon 9:00AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

The course will help to prepare students for the professional world by examining one of the most essential and challenging elements of professional singing - the audition process. Every aspect of auditions will be considered, from the résumé to the creation of repertoire lists, the research regarding the particular organization and personnel for which a singer is auditioning, and the audition itself, from entrance onstage to introduction, performance, and exit. Also important will be the discussion of every possible circumstance a singer may face within the audition venue.

Registration Requirements

• The student should have the understanding that prior to the beginning of the course, students will be asked by the instructor to send a list of every operatic aria they have already learned, any operatic aria they are working on at that time, and any operatic aria they would be interested in learning. From these lists, the instructor will prepare a schedule of what each student will sing in class, and when. Any aria that a student sings in class will be evaluated as a possible aria for inclusion in an audition "package" for that student.
• STUDENTS CANNOT UNDERTAKE THIS COURSE WITHOUT AT LEAST FOUR ARIAS THAT ARE READY TO PERFORM.

Learning Objectives

• The course will confront every factor that can sabotage auditions and give students the tools to conquer those obstacles.
• The hope is for students to finish the course with a thorough understanding of how they should proceed in all aspects of the actual audition process, both in terms of the materials the singer presents to audition judges, the singer's entrance and exit, communication with the pianist as well as with the auditions judges, and the performance itself.
• Significant attention will be devoted to priorities in choosing audition repertoire.
• Each student will meet with the instructor regarding repertoire, in a one-on-one conference via Zoom. As a result, students will finish the course having created wo suitable lists of appropriate audition arias (five to offer in the audition, and five to have "in reserve" for that audition should other selections be requested).
• The ultimate goal of the course is to help students actually enjoy auditioning, rather than dreading it or being intimidated by it.

Teaching Method

In class sessions:
• Students will engage with the instructor in very extensive discussions of each element of the audition process.
• With the limitless resource of YouTube, it will be possible for the class as a group to watch individuals and critique them, by way of witnessing both the right way and the wrong way to audition.
• It is anticipated that there will be a written assignment, in which students will compare and contrast auditions viewed on YouTube.
• Each class session will involve the students' own singing - most probably four students per session. The feedback students receive will be given in the most constructive way possible and with maximum conskderation for each student, whether coming from the instructor or from fellow students.
• Up to three guest teachers from the world of professional opera (names TBA) will attend one class session each, and every student will have the opportunity to coach in class with one of the guest teachers.
• For the final, each student will perform an aria as if in a professional audition.

Evaluation Method

Students will be evaluated on:
• their class participation, which should be extensive;
• the degree of thoroughness and attention they to detail in their resumé and audition lists;
• the seriousness with which they address audition feedback, whether receiving it themselves or offering it to a colleague;
• the thoroughness of their preparation and execution of everything they perform in class - including, above all, the mock audition that will be the final for the course. They will be expected to handle the final exactly as they would a professional audition, in terms of not only their performance but also the materials they present and the way they comport themselves in every moment of the audition.

Class Materials (Required)

None at this time.

Class Materials (Suggested)

None at this time.

Class Notes

In the business of opera, auditions are one of the most sensitive subjects for all singers at all stages of a career. With this in mind, the class should be regarded by students at all times as a safe space, in which any comment or opinion must be expressed with thoughtfulness and maturity.