The Voice and Opera Program at Northwestern University has a long and illustrious history. Today, program alumni fill the ranks of opera houses and university faculties worldwide.  Recent graduates include Met Grand Finals Winner Paul Corona, (BM06), Tucker Foundation Grant Winner Amanda Majeski, (BM06), and Met Finalist and San Francisco Opera Merola participant, Matt Hanscom (BM07).

The Voice and Opera faculty collaborates to offer students a wide variety of course offerings that promote a strong technical and pedagogical foundation. Students receive weekly vocal instruction and, in addition, upperclassmen participate in weekly musical preparation sessions with the coaching staff. 

Students have access to a wide variety of performing opportunities including opera, recital, vocal solo class, master classes, studio classes and musical theater.  All students are welcome to audition for the operas, two of which are fully staged, subtitled, and accompanied by full orchestra. The thriving music scene in downtown Chicago, only twelve miles from campus, offers many other performance possibilities.

The School of Music offers a number of special programs. All entering Doctor of Music students received full tuition funding. Undergraduates may pursue double degrees (music plus an outside field) or an Ad Hoc (self-designed) major.  The faculty encourages and supports students interested in these opportunities. Select students may take advantage throughout the year of the many on-campus auditions offered by visiting opera companies and elite summer programs.

Should you have questions about the Voice and Opera program, please feel free to contact any faculty member or the admission office.

Download 2007-08 Voice, Opera & Choral Information Booklet (PDF, last updated 10/24/07)

This document includes important dates, course offerings, and information on:

• the 2007-08 opera season
• opera and choral audition information
• master classes
• Lyric Opera Circle, Freshman Musicale, and Fresh Vocal Perspectives

Campus Visits

To learn more about voice and opera at Northwestern, please schedule a campus visit. Visitors may sit in on voice and opera classes, lessons with various voice teachers and vocal coaches, opera and choral rehearsals, and weekly vocal solo class.

Music Admission Office

847-491-3141
Information on application and audition materials, financial aid, visiting campus, audition scheduling.

Operas

Master Classes

(Previous master clinicians have included: Mignon Dunn, Renee Fleming, Elly Ameling, Regine Crespin, Ricky Ian Gordon, Grace Bumbry, Diana Soviero, Julius Rudel, Renata Scotto, Tito Capobianco, Tony Randall, Richard Pearlman)

Other Performing Outlets

• Musical theater productions
• Vocal solo class
• Studio classes
• Concerto competition
• Oratorio and concert repertoire with various choral, orchestral, and other instrumental organizations who perform frequently
• Freshman Musicale, organized by the freshman class

Special Opportunities

LYRIC'S COLLEGE OPERA CIRCLE - Up to fifty students may attend selected dress rehearsals at Lyric Opera, free of charge.