Interested in Vocal Training?
The Vocal Institute is the leading source to develop artists of impact and prepare them for a 21st century career in voice and vocal piano. Expert teaching artists collaborate and mentor participants to prepare them for on-stage performances— from a fully-staged opera production to public masterclasses — while also providing abundant training and dynamic opportunities to support both the on and off-stage experience.
20 singers , 5 vocal pianists & 1 directing fellow enrolled per summer
Training & Performance Opportunities
Peter Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin
The fully-staged production will be conducted by Daniela Candillari. Offering lead roles for soprano, mezzo, tenor, baritone, and bass.
Marilyn Horne Song Competition
Compete for a $5,000 cash award per winner (1 singer / 1 pianist); a Santa Barbara recital in 2023 featuring a commissioned work, and more.
Private Lessons & Masterclasses
Study one-on-one with pedagogues from our world-class faculty roster including John Churchwell, Gerald Martin Moore, Nino Sanikidze, Tamara Sanikidze, and Bill Schuman.
Additional Opportunities
- Vocal Chamber Concerts
- Vocal Institute Recital
- Train with Acting and Performance Coach Sara E. Widzer
- Work with Mosher guest artist soprano Susanna Phillips
Creative Project
Work with James Darrah for two weeks on a new creative venture.
Industry Day
Singers and pianists will be heard by and receive critical feedback from prominent artist managers and casting directors.
NEW! Directing Fellow
Collaborate with expert teaching artists to prepare for a professional career as a stage director. Serve as Assistant Director of a new production of Eugene Onegin alongside Matthew Ozawa and Daniela Candillari, and collaborate with and assist Sara E. Widzer and James Darrah on staged projects.
Innovation Institute
Offering seminars & entrepreneurial competitions. View fellow-crafted multimedia content in the 2021 DIGITAL CHALLENGE.
Vocal Institute Faculty & Teaching Artists








Application Form, Audition Process & Repertoire Requirements
- Mozart, recitative and aria "Temerari...Come scoglio" (from Cosi fan tutte)
- Mozart, recitative and aria “Crudele…Non mi dir” (from Don Giovanni)
- Mozart, recitative and aria "Tutto è disposto...Aprite un po quegli occhi" (from Le nozze di Figaro)
- “Donizetti, L’elisir d’amore, “Una parola, O Adina…Chiedi all’ aura”
- Verdi, quartet "Un dì, se ben rammentomi... Bella figlia dell'amore" (from Rigoletto)
VOCAL PIANO INVITATION-ONLY VIRTUAL LIVE ROUND AUDITION REPERTOIRE Four Selections: 1. Choose ONE of the following arias to play and sing:
- Mozart, recitative and aria "Temerari...Come scoglio" (from Cosi fan tutte)
- Mozart, recitative and aria “Crudele…Non mi dir” (from Don Giovanni)
- Mozart, recitative and aria "Tutto è disposto...Aprite un po quegli occhi" (from Le nozze di Figaro)
- Tchaikovsky, “Lensky’s Aria” (from Eugene Onegin)
- Stravinsky, "No word from Tom...I go to Him" (from The Rake’s Progress)
- Puccini, “Recondita armonia” (from Tosca)
- “Donizetti, L’elisir d’amore, “Una parola, O Adina…Chiedi all’ aura”
- Verdi, quartet "Un dì, se ben rammentomi... Bella figlia dell'amore" (from Rigoletto)
- Strauss, "Allerseelen" in E flat Major
- Barber, "St. Ita’s Vision" in high key
- Fauré, "Clair de lune" in B flat Minor
- 1 opera aria
- 1 art song
INVITATION-ONLY VIRTUAL LIVE AUDITION ROUND The following four selections:
- 2 contrasting opera arias
- 2 art songs
Online Application & Pre-Screening Round followed by an Invitation-only Live Virtual Interview
Applicants will be notified by email by mid-January if they have advanced to the Virtual Interview Round
Virtual Interview Process Applicants will be asked to discuss:
- Applicant’s general approach to directing, including why they wish to direct opera in today's climate and outlining what they bring to the world of opera and storytelling.
- Personal portfolio including production photos (as available) and set and costume design concepts.
- General conversation about the following operatic titles:
- Eugene Onegin
- Le nozze di Figaro
- A third title of the applicant's choice (this can be a production applicant has already worked on, or a production applicant wishes to do in the future)
- Friday, December 3, 2021
- Saturday, December 4, 2021
- Sunday, December 5, 2021
- Late January 2022
The Music Academy requires all administration, faculty, fellows, and other constituents on campus to provide proof of COVID vaccination.