Summer Program at Vassar College

"It changed me, in powerful ways. All the lessons... were so important, but the lesson that I unearthed myself as a result of the week's teachings and my own discovery was the most important. I can never go back to my old ways. I know my life forever has been changed and it's because of the week I spent at Vassar."

- Kim Giordano, '04

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NEW YORK OPERA STUDIO at VASSAR COLLEGE
We regret that the NYOS at VASSAR Program will not be held in 2008. Due to construction and renovations of the Skinner Music Building the music building is not available at any time throughout the summer of 2008. However we are already making plans for the program in 2009.

If you are interested in participating in the NYOS at VASSAR program the summer of 2009 please complete the 2009 Application Form and mail 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.

Join the NYOS at Vassar College in the summer of 2009 for an intensive ten-day program designed to guide singers through the process of integrating musical ideas, language skills, body language and acting craft in a highly creative and personally artistic way. This inspiring and creative program will change the way you approach your singing and performing forever.

Lyric Language: Create music from the printed page with Dr.Violetta Zabbi and Metropolitan Opera Asst. Conductor, Josh Greene, beginning with respect for the details and ending with freedom of expression. Take the guesswork out of operatic traditions and find musical confidence.

Verbal Language: With Nico Castel, gain better knowledge of the "International Phonetic Alphabet" (IPA) and explore text beyond word-for-word translation to learn how cultural considerations and language create style. Work with Mr. Castel on French, Italian and German as well as on Russian with Violetta Zabbi.

Body Language: Explore how the body expresses with breath and how expression supports your singing with Catherine Burnett. Learn how to teach your body choreography with some of the basic steps for the most common opera dances from the minuet to the polonaise.

Acting, Artistry and Creative Process: Reveal and unleash your inner artist with Carol Castel -- learn what you need to process information and boost your creativity to its maximum. Learn how to integrate all areas of performance using theater games, improvisation and mask work.

Aria Ready - the Business of Singing: Also included is this special workshop, guaranteed to inspire and guide singers through the steps for successful career building: Branding, Communication Skills and Business Strategy.

The NYOS at Vassar intensive program explores all areas of operatic performance through classes, rehearsals, discussion, exploration of artistry, mask work and theater games. The program includes three master classes and concludes with a public performance of scenes, arias and dance, highlighting the creative work of each singer.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE
Singers with a background of strong vocal training and some performance experience are encouraged to apply. Participants are accepted from a variety of experience levels. Although there is no age restriction the program high school students are not encouraged to apply.

• AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
  Applications will be accepted until the program is fully subscribed. Decisions of acceptance will be made as applications are received
  
  Applications include:
  a completed audition application (PDF, 150K)* plus:
• a $25 audition fee (which will be refunded if an audition is not granted)
• two letters of recommendation
• a current resume
• a short biography
• a 8 x 10 black and white headshot

Auditions will be held in New York throughout the winter and continue until the program is fully subscribed. A tape or CD may serve as an audition for singers who cannot travel to NYC.

Please send materials to Carol Castel at:

New York Opera Studio
214 West 92nd Street, #77E
New York, NY 10025

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DATES
Dates will be announced once they are confirmed.

FEE
The fee will be announced once it is confirmed. It will be all-inclusive & include dormitory housing, three meals a day, tuition and use of campus facilities.

THE PROGRAM FOR PIANISTS:
Four pianists interested in training and experience as vocal coach/pianists are accepted into the program. They will attend classes on the craft of collaboration and coaching singers with Violetta Zabbi and Josh Greene as well as all group classes offered to the singers. Each pianist will be assigned scenes and arias/songs and follow their preparation through all coachings and rehearsals with the entire faculty. There is no fee for pianists. Although there is no pay all expenses (full course, room and t hre meals a day) are covered. Interested pianists should send a letter of interest along with a current resume and 8 x 10 headshot to Carol Castel at the NYOS office:

New York Opera Studio
214 West 92nd Street, #77E
New York, NY 10025

For more information, please contact Carol Castel at (212) 721-5290 or by e-mail at