Opera Studies

The Artist Diploma in Opera Studies is a highly selective, individualized non-degree training program for pre-professional singers. These artists will demonstrate technical proficiency, a grasp of the major singing languages and styles, and overall artistic excellence. This program requires a residence of two years.

Admission to the program will involve a comprehensive evaluation of materials and a final round of audition review. Applicants must audition live in San Francisco to be considered for this program. All Artist Diploma candidates are considered for a full tuition scholarship and are eligible for a Bowes Center housing stipend.

Current offerings of the Artist Diploma curriculum include one (1) major role guarantee during the two-year program, weekly voice lessons, weekly coachings from both the Head of Music and an extensive roster of SFCM and SF Opera coaches, one-on-one acting training, language study, and a weekly symposium on score and libretto analysis in alternation with masterclasses with major artists of the operatic stage. There is also frequent casting in Opera Scenes performances and other ancillary Department concerts and events.

Past guests have included Patricia Racette, Amina Edris, Irene Roberts, John Churchwell (HGO, Music Academy of the West), Dominic Domingo (Askonas Holt), Matthew Piatt (SF Opera, Metropolitan Opera) John Keene (SF Opera), Omer Ben Seadia, Carrie-Ann Matheson (Adler Fellowship, Merola Opera Program), diction coaches Patricia Kristof Moy (French) and Anja Burmeister (German), and distinguished alumni of SFCM Voice and Opera programs.