Program Overview

Study Vocal and Opera Studies

Stretch your singing capability beyond your imagination. The Sydney Conservatorium of Music has a long tradition of producing singers of exceptional quality for concert and opera stages in Australia and worldwide. Your development as a singer and performer will be mentored and supported to reach your potential by teaching staff who are internationally experienced, active performers, and researchers.

Program Overview

At both an undergraduate and graduate level, your focus will be on thorough technical and stylistic preparation for imaginative and engaged performance. Interpretative skills are supported by expert tuition in lyric diction as well as separate language classes. We offer performance opportunities in solo and ensemble concerts and operas, as well as weekly performance feedback from expert performers and teachers.

Why Study Vocal and Opera Studies with Us?

• Receive guidance from remarkably experienced teaching staff. Many of our teachers actively perform as concert and operatic artists with repertoire interests ranging from the early Renaissance to contemporary classical music.
• Coaching and language instruction from our Piano Accompaniment and language staff will complement your vocal lessons.
• Gain constant performance opportunities and exposure. The Conservatorium Opera School showcases talent in regular public opera productions, so you can take your first bow in practical preparation for the opera profession. Weekly performance workshops, masterclasses, and opera performance classes also provide additional performance opportunities.
• Join the likes of many successful graduates who have been employed as full-time artists by the national company, Opera Australia; in state opera companies; and young artist programs of opera companies, such as those in Zurich, Cologne, Vienna, and Rome.
• Benefit from the rich cultural life of Sydney and industry association through resident and visiting performers and coaches from companies such as Opera Australia, Musica Viva, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and Pinchgut Opera.
• At the graduate level, you will have opportunities to connect with the international opera community through competitive scholarship support for international Opera Summer Schools.

Who Can I Study Vocal and Opera Studies with?

• Professor Deborah Cheetham Fraillon, Elizabeth Todd Chair of Vocal Studies
• Associate Professor Stephen Mould, ARC DECRA Fellow
• Associate Professor Narelle Yeo
• Dr. Rowena Cowley, Senior Lecturer
• Dr. David Greco, Lecturer
• Dr. Anke Hoeppner-Ryan, Lecturer
• Dr. Simon Lobelson, Lecturer
• Mr. Barry Ryan OAM, Lecturer
• Mr. Alan Hicks, Associate Lecturer
• Ms. Donna Balson, Casual Lecturer
• Ms. Amelia Farrugia, Casual Lecturer
• Mr. Andrew Goodwin, Casual Lecturer
• Mr. Russell Harcourt, Casual Lecturer
• Ms. Maree Ryan AM, Casual Lecturer
• Ms. Christina Wilson, Casual Lecturer
• Honorary Associate Professor Michael Halliwell

Where Can Vocal and Opera Studies Take You?

While establishing and refining your vocal, musical, and artistic skills, the vocal and opera studies program helps you to develop the personal attributes needed for a career in performance, teaching, or other fields.

• Opera singer
• Concert and oratorio singer
• Professional ensemble singer
• Professional opera chorus singer
• Singing teacher (primary, secondary, tertiary, and/or private)
• Music research/academia
• Broadcaster
• Music writer/blogger/critic
• Artist agent
• Arts administrator

What Are My Study Options with Vocal and Opera Studies?

Undergraduate Courses

• Bachelor of Music (Performance)
• Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Performance)
• Bachelor of Music (Music Education)
• Bachelor of Music Studies (Honours)
• Diploma of Music

Postgraduate Courses

• Master of Music Studies (Opera Performance)
• Master of Music Studies (Performance)
• Graduate Diploma in Music (Performance)

Postgraduate Research

• Master of Music (Performance)
• Doctor of Musical Arts
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)