Opera Caledonia Vocal Studio Course 2025: apply now!
Opera Caledonia Vocal Studio Course 30th June - 6th July 2025
An intensive vocal studio course providing the opportunity for a small group of vocal artists and répétiteurs performing at conservatoire level or beyond to work with leading professionals from the opera industry – taking place amidst the Victorian splendour of the Edinburgh Society of Musicians in the heart of Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
FACULTY: David Gowland (Artistic Director: Jette Parker Artists Programme, Royal Opera House) • Amanda Roocroft (soprano) • Elizabeth Rowe (Senior Staff Coach: National Opera Studio) • Derek Clark (Conductor, Pianist, Vocal Coach, Répétiteur and Former Head of Music: Scottish Opera) • Oliver Rundell (Staff Conductor & Répétiteur: Opera North) • Susannah Wapshott (Chorus Director: Scottish Opera) • Siân Winstanley (Mindfulness Practitioner).
No specific repertoire is required – singers are welcome to bring either operatic, song or oratorio repertoire. Our faculty of leading vocal coaches, répétiteurs and conductors will accommodate the artistic goal of each individual whether they are learning new repertoire, preparing a role or refining audition repertoire etc.
The personal development of each singer is integral to the ethos of Opera Caledonia’s Vocal Studio Course, which will provide a safe environment to develop artistically.
There is a focus on intensive, one-to-one learning. Participants will work with all of our faculty members and will benefit from a range of activities during the week:
SINGERS: Vocal Coachings • Performance Classes • Amanda Roocroft Individual Lesson • David Gowland Masterclass • Amanda Roocroft Masterclass • Recitative Workshop • Acting Workshop • Staging Session • Chorus Coaching • “Working with Conductor” Session • Public & Closed Performance Opportunities • Performance Coaching • Recording Opportunities • Faculty Q&A & Discussions • Mock Audition Opportunities
RÉPÉTITEURS: Vocal Coaching Observation/Participation • Recitative/Continuo Sessions • Playing with singers in Performance Classes, Amanda Roocroft Individual Lessons, David Gowland Masterclass, Amanda Roocroft Masterclass, Recitative Workshop, Acting Workshop, Staging Session, Chorus Coaching, "Working with Conductor" Sessions, Public & Closed Performances • Language Sessions • Performance Coaching • Recording Opportunities • Faculty Q&A & Discussions • Mock Audition Opportunities
With a firm focus on the wellbeing of musicians, Mindfulness Practitioner Siân Winstanley will deliver an interactive workshop exploring topics such as mindfulness and MPA (Musical Performance Anxiety).
There will be both public and closed performance opportunities throughout the week open to all singers as well as informal sharing of work. All participants are invited to sing in a public Lunchtime Concert, taking place in the beautiful St. Giles’ Cathedral (built in 1124) as part of the St. Giles’ Afternoon Concert Series. Participants are welcome to record their performances with the permission of their collaborative pianist.
Unless by prior arrangement, all coachings are “open” and course participants are expected to observe coaching sessions to learn from their colleagues. Practice rooms will be available, all equipped with pianos.
Limited participant numbers will ensure maximum time with our faculty. This is a fantastic opportunity not only to benefit from scheduled activities but through active discussion and conversation with our professionals.
The Edinburgh Society of Musicians is the perfect venue for exploring both the beautiful New Town and historic Old Town of Edinburgh, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights within walking distance include Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens, The Scott Monument, The Royal Mile, St. Giles’ Cathedral and The Palace of Holyroodhouse amongst others. There will be time to explore the local area for those who wish to do so.
Participants are responsible for their own accommodation. From hotels to hostels, airbnbs to guest houses; the city centre of Edinburgh has something for everyone. Meals are not provided. Limited kitchen facilities are available. There are many restaurants, cafes and bars within walking distance offering a range of cuisine including traditional Scottish fare. Complimentary tea & coffee is provided.
Throughout the week, optional social events will be organised in the evenings for participants to enjoy should they choose to do so.
Participants should arrive at the Edinburgh Society of Musicians ready to attend a Welcome Meeting at 10.00am on Monday 30th June. The course will end on Sunday 6th July at 6.00pm following a final sharing and farewell reception at the Edinburgh Society of Musicians.
Fees of £780.00 are inclusive of all tuition, masterclasses, performance/recording opportunities and unlimited tea/coffee. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from Edinburgh.
Opera Caledonia’s Vocal Studio Course is suitable for vocal artists and répétiteurs (18yo+) performing at conservatoire level or beyond and does not discriminate against artists based on race, nationality, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability and/or age.
Payment plans are available to spread the cost of tuition fees over several months. Please specify your interest in a payment plan on application. Fees must be paid in full in advance of the start of the course.
Singers are required to accompany their online application form with two recent audio/video recordings and a letter of recommendation. If you are unable to provide recent recordings, please send us any recordings that best demonstrate your ability.
Répétiteurs are required to accompany their online application form with two video recordings of scenes (ensembles) from contrasting operas, at least one in a language other than English, singing in all cues and a copy of their CV. If you are unable to provide this, please send us any recordings that best demonstrate your current ability.
Places are allocated to artists of the appropriate level on a first come, first served basis. You will have a response within two weeks of submitting your application.
Application Deadline: Monday 2nd June 2025.
Places are strictly limited so early application is advised. Depending on availability, late applications may be accepted at the discretion of Opera Caledonia.
Full details and application are available at www.operacaledonia.co.uk
