Course Descriptions

"I have never had a better coaching that I did with Louis -- absolutely wonderful! I have also never met a person who could elicit such beautifully expressive sounds from the piano."
--- Drew Watson, '05

"Carol renewed my passion for opera and reminded me why I chose this path. I am inspired and I am excited to continue using my right brain!"
-- Molly Mustonen, '05

"Nico's support and critical help were essential to my ability to perform at a high level."
--- Kevin Hanek, '05

More testimonials >>

Singer Showcase
with Louis Menendez
Aptly described as performance experience, these weekly classes offer singers the opportunity to sing repertoire in a "recital-like" environment. Test out new as well as old repertoire, practice your performance skills, track your progress, hear a variety of repertoire and network with other singers. The best bargain in NYC!

Co-OPERA Role Study and Performance
I think we've finally done it!! We've found a way to give singers what they have always wanted: a way to study roles with some of the best musical experts in the business, have the opportunity to perform the work AND in the end get reimbursed for a majority of the fee! Here's how it will work: At the first meeting of each role-study class each participant will receive tickets for their performance. Singers will keep all the monies they receive from the sale of their tickets allowing them to recuperate the cost of the class. Funds received from sales of tickets at the door the day of the performances will go directly to the NYOS.

Past Classes:
COSI FAN TUTTE, by Mozart with musical director, Louis Menendez
(2004)
LA CLEMENZA DI TITO by Mozart with musical director, Louis Menendez (2005)
LA TRAVIATA by Verdi with musical director, Louis Menendez (2006)
XERXES by Handel with musical director, Kenneth Cooper.(2006)

Self-Healing for Singers and Performers
with Natalie Wilson
In this unique workshop, professional opera singer and Reiki Master Natalie Wilson teams with a yoga instructor and an acupuncturist/herbalist who are also artists to provide performers of all types with techniques for maintaining their health in demanding environments. The workshop will include basic yoga postures that prime the body for singing and performing, important information on herbal and western medicines for treating illnesses and maintaining vocal and physical health, and energy work you can do on your own to revitalize and rejuvenate yourself for auditions and performances.

Acting, Artistry and the Creative Process
with Carol Castel
Join us for a day of play and inspiration. Unleash your own personal creative power while learning the tools and skills needed to integrate vocal technique, artistic instincts and ideas to achieve compelling performances. Subjects explored include: identifying the artist within the singer; harnessing creative energy and applying it to vocal technique; interpretation and development of text, character and musical line; development of imagination and overcoming negative performance issues. Singers, teachers, coaches and pianists are welcome to participate.

I.P.A. - DEMYSTIFIED!
with Nico Castel
The I.P.A. (the "International Phonetic Alphabet") is a must for singers and coaches with ambitions of a professional career in the classical singing business. Mr. Castel will dispel the mystery and provide detailed instruction of this valuable tool and its application to the lyric diction of the core singing languages: Italian, French and German.

Private sessions or small groups will be scheduled for those interested for a fee of $100 per hour (an additional fee of $50 per hour will be added for each additional person for small groups). Materials are included.

Singing in Russian
with Violetta Zabbi
Learn basic or advanced Russian lyric diction and coach your Russian repertoire with pianist and coach Violetta Zabbi. Explore this vast and beautiful repertoire with ease and confidence. Working with the I.P.A., Ms. Zabbi will clarify each sound and symbol of the language and coach its practice in your repertoire.

Private sessions are available for $75 per hour.

Singing in Spanish
with Nico Castel
Learn how to pronounce and perform arias and songs in this exotic and diverse repertoire with one of the world's most recognized authorities in Spanish vocal music. Explore the pronunciation and performance of repertoire of all ages from Iberia to Mexico and Latin America.

Private sessions or small groups will be scheduled for those interested for a fee of $100 per hour for private sessions (an additional fee of $50 per hour will be added for each additional person for small groups).

Singer's Guide to Musical Interpretation
with Elizabeth Hastings
Tired of being considered a poor musician just because you are a singer? Elizabeth Hastings shares her wizardry to make intimidation disappear and reveal the magic in the musical printed page. Singers will learn how to make intelligent and distinctive musical interpretation while remaining true to composers' intentions. An excellent opportunity to examine your pieces from a conductor's perspective.

Aria Ready – The Business of Singing
with Carol Kirkpatrick
Based on Carol Kirkpatrick's recent book, this practical and intensive 2-day workshop focuses on four important career aspects: Branding (define and better represent who you truly are), Rapport & Communication Skills, Creating a Plan of Action and Business Strategies; the necessary tools to establish and maintain the business aspects of a successful singing career.

Special Master Class on the NEGRO SPIRITUAL
with Barbara Conrad
Miss Barbara Conrad, recognized as one of this country's foremost authorities on the American Negro Sprirtual, will work with young singers in a master class format as well as present historical and cultural information pertinent to the authentic interpretation of this specialized musical form.

New York Opera Studio at VASSAR!
We are very disappointed to announce that no NYOS at VASSAR will be held this summer - 2008. Due to construction and renovations on the Skinner Music Building the music building is unavailable for the entire summer. However, we are already underway with our plans for the summer of 2009! If you are interested in participating in NYOS at VASSAR 2009 you may apply for early acceptance by completing the 2009 Application Form and sending it with the requested materials to NYOS, 214 West 92nd Street, #77E, New York, NY 10025. Early acceptances will be decided in September of 2008.

In the summer of 2009 plan to spend 10 days at prestigious Vassar College with the NYOS. The program is specifically designed for singers interested in exploring the craft and artistry of operatic performance. Singers will receive individual attention from our distinguished faculty, including: Carol Castel, Nico Castel, Violetta Zabbi, Josh Greene, Catherine Burnett, Carol Kirkpatrick, Barbara Conrad, as well as other world-renowned opera professionals. Work will focus on the integration of vocal and musical skills with artistic ideas and development; language and diction; movement and artistry and will culminate in a performance. Participants will live on campus as a group in a private residence house, receive three meals a day plus the use of all campus facilities. More information...

For more information, please contact NYOS by phone at 212-721-5290 or by e-mail at