MA Opera Performance

Course Overview

Student performing in opera

Two Year Programme

The new MA in Opera Performance builds on the college’s well established and respected vocal training provision, and its track record in nurturing young singers. Recent graduates have gone on to pursue successful careers in opera both at home and abroad with organisations including National Opera Studio, Glyndebourne, Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera. The new programme also draws on the other specialist training delivered in acting, theatre design and stage management, making the college particularly well placed to deliver a training experience modelled on the professional industry.

The programme provides extensive training relevant to the requirements and demands of professional opera companies, addressing important employability issues that will become increasingly significant in the coming decade.

Students receive one-to-one singing lessons and coaching, specialist language tuition and fully integrated classes in stagecraft including movement and dance. Through a professional operatic process, the programme supports the development of the student's understanding, imagination and powers of expression.

In addition to a significant role in at least one fully staged opera production, students work with professional repetiteurs and directos over the two years in the preparation of opera scenes presentations, which typically include baroque and contemporary works as well as standard repertoire.

The college's active association with Welsh National Opera has evolved over recent years and will offer advanced students on this programme vital access to, and experience of, one the UK’s leading professional companies. Students will benefit from the strong relationship between RWCMD and Welsh National Opera in several ways:

  • Access to designated company rehearsals and also to dress rehearsals where appropriate.
  • Students will be able to closely observe and potentially take part in WNO Max projects and concert party events.
  • In their final year, students will learn an entire operatic role, and WNO’s Casting team will advise students on professional audition technique and provide feedback.
  • Students may be assigned an individual mentor from within WNO and will have a working session with senior members of the WNO artistic team where advice will be given on repertoire and the profession in general.

There may be a limited number of places available on the MA Opera Performance starting in September 2010. Contact the Admissions Team directly Tel: 029 2039 1361 Email: admissions@rwcmd.ac.uk for further information.

Learn More...

WNO and RWCMD Extend Collaboration
25 Jun 2010

Royal Welsh College and Welsh National Opera work together for new MA Opera Performance course.
From Chorus to Solo
8 Jun 2010

WNO Opera Singer, Alison Dunne, talks about studying at RWCMD for a PgDip Music (Opera Pathway) and her career so far.
My Royal Performance
11 May 2010

Postgraduate opera sudent, Justina Grinyte, talks about performing at Buckingham Palace.
National Opera Studio place for Justina
31 Mar 2010

Music Performance student Justina Gringyte wins a place at the prestigious National Opera Studio.
A Trio of Appointments
5 Jan 2010

The Royal Welsh College is delighted to announce three significant new appointments to its staff.
Five New International Chairs in Music at RWCMD
23 Jun 2009

Royal Welsh College announces five new International Chairs in Music supported by the Jane Hodge Foundation.