Aspiring professional opera singers and concert soloists can now receive highly specialized post-master's degree training at the University of Colorado at Â鶹¹ÙÍø's College of Music.
The professional certificate in opera and solo voice performance, which officially began this fall at CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø, is one of only a few such programs in the country, according to the university's director of opera studies William Gustafson.
"Not many universities have the resources, faculty and performance opportunities to offer a certificate like this one," Gustafson said. "Our students will be able to get the stage time, foreign-language skills and other specialized training to really polish their craft and prepare them for a career in the highly competitive world of opera."
Candidates for the program must have a master's degree in vocal performance and pass a 20-minute live audition that demonstrates skill with a variety of musical styles and languages. Only six participants will be trained in the program at the same time.
Once accepted, the vocalists receive intensive private instruction, career management training through the College of Music's entrepreneurship center and consideration for major roles in university opera productions. Two students are currently taking advantage of the program, Gustafson said, and they already are performing professionally in the United States and abroad during breaks from classes.
The certificate program differs from existing graduate programs at CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø in that it specifically focuses on professional performance. "This program is for young artists with the talent and potential to perform at the highest levels," said voice faculty member Patrick Mason, who directs the certificate program. "The certificate is a path to a career in solo vocal performance."
Organizers believe the program will benefit the entire vocal program. "The addition of stronger performers to the voice area will raise the overall level of our students, will enable us to present advanced repertoire in the fields of opera, recital and concert that will enhance the musical experience of the entire university, and will more adequately prepare all our graduates for the professional workplace," Mason said.
CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø opera was designated a program of excellence in 1994 by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and has benefited from funding through the Quality for Colorado initiative. In addition to five yearly main-stage productions, the opera program offers a community outreach program.
For more information on CU-Â鶹¹ÙÍø opera, visit .