Washington National Opera's Opera Institute at American University is a young and vibrant program located in the heart of the nation's capital. Amid the classic Americana and history of Washington, DC, Opera Institute has been making its own history for 18 years by working with talented young singers who dream of professional careers in opera. The program has gained a reputation as one of the top pre-professional programs for high school musicians in the United States. It is the only program of its kind under the leadership of a world-class opera company!
Home for this three-week program is one of the country's leading educational institutions, American University. The AU environment provides a professional and studious context in the relaxed, informal atmosphere of a college campus.
The Opera Institute curriculum is designed to prepare students for college music programs by giving them a taste of life as a music student. Students are presented with challenging musical and academic demands and supported at every turn by caring faculty and staff. Classes at the Opera Institute are deliberately small; about 30 students are selected each year. This permits participants plenty of individual time with faculty members, and encourages students to get to know each other. For many of them, this may be their first time around other teenagers who love classical singing as much as they do. Life-long relationships are built every year, and participants become a family of mutual support and learning.
This exciting and challenging program is for students who long to develop their musical gifts and explore the professional world of this historic art form. The Opera Institute offers an unforgettable summer experience that prepares students for college, builds confidence, and trains the opera professionals of tomorrow.
Program Application
All students are required to complete the online application form by February 5, 2016. The 2016 WNO Opera Institute application will be available in late fall of 2015.
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 February 5, 2016. Please call early as space is limited.
Video Auditions
Students should only submit a video audition if they are not able to attend 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 February 5, 2016.
Audition Dates
Please contact us at operainstitute@kennedy-center.org or 202-416-8846 to schedule an audition by February 5, 2016.
Live auditions: The Kennedy Center:
Saturdays, February 13 and 20, 2016
The John F. Kennedy Center
2700 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20566
Video auditions:
Must be uploaded as part of the application and received by February 5, 2016
Tuition & Scholarships
The costs below are for the three weeks of the 2016 WNO Opera Institute:
Tuition $2,000
Housing $1,200
Total $3,200
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 19, 2016. 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
Opera Institute Class
Students applying for scholarships must provide:
A statement of need
Proof of annual parent/guardian income (IRS 1040/1040A), and
Completed Scholarship Form.
For more details, please visit the WNO Institute website.
