WNO Opera Institute at American University for singers ages 15-18
June 22 - July 11, 2015
This inspiring three-week summer program brings passionate, talented young musicians together in the nation's capital to experience opera in a professional and nurturing environment that only a world-class opera company can provide. Dedicated classical singers thrive from Opera Institute's intense and focused curriculum, which prepares students for college performance programs and beyond.
Program Application
All students are required to complete the online application form by January 16, 2015. The application will be available in late fall.
Application requirements include an essay, letter of recommendation (1), and photo. Resumés are optional.
Audition Information
Opera Institute accepts live and video auditions. Students eligible to audition should be 15-18 years old and already engaged in in-depth vocal study with an interest in pursuing a musical career in opera. Singers currently should be studying Italian Art Songs.
Audition Requirements
Please prepare two art songs; one must be in Italian. Arias from the standard opera and operetta repertoire are not permitted. Art songs such as those in the 24 Italian Songs and Arias and similar are suggested. If attending a live audition, please bring two copies of your music with you. An accompanist will be provided.
Live Auditions
Live auditions are strongly preferred by the judging panel for students who live within a 3-4 hour drive from Washington, DC. Applicants wishing to schedule a live audition should do so by calling (202) 416-8846 or emailing operainstitute@kennedy-center.org prior to submitting an online application and no later than January 16, 2015. Please call early as space is limited.
Video Auditions
This applies only to students who are not able to make a live audition. Students must announce their name, the name of their selection, and the composer of their selection at the beginning of the video; be dressed for an audition; and have the camera set to show a full-length shot of them for the entirety of their performance. Videos must be uploaded as part of the online application by January 16, 2015. MP4, M4V, WMV, and AVI files are accepted.
Audition Dates
(Please contact us to schedule an audition by January 16, 2015.)
The Kennedy Center:
Saturdays, January 24 & 31, 2015.
The John F. Kennedy Center
2700 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20566
Video auditions:
must be received by January 16, 2015
Tuition & Scholarships
The costs below are for the three weeks of the 2015 Opera Institute:
Tuition $2,000
Housing $1,100
Total $3,100
Opera Institute has partial and full tuition scholarships available for students with financial need. However, all students are encouraged to find additional funding through businesses in their community, their schools, and local music societies. Some students even have created their own benefit concerts!
Scholarship applications are separate from the online application, and must be received by February 2, 2015, via mail. Please do not fax or email scholarship applications. Completed applications should be mailed to:
Education/Opera Institute
ATTN: Scholarships
The Kennedy Center
P.O. Box 101510
Arlington, VA 22210
Students applying for scholarships must provide:
A statement of need
Proof of annual parent/guardian income (IRS 1040/1040A), and
Completed Scholarship Form (download here).
For more information, visit the WNO Institute website.
