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Northwestern University's voice and opera program boasts a distinguished legacy, with graduates performing in prestigious opera companies and teaching at universities across the globe.
Notable alumni feature Madison Leonard (16 MMus), a Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions champion; Paul Corona (06), another Metropolitan Opera winner and Lyric Opera of Chicago Ryan Opera Center graduate; Amanda Majeski (06), recipient of the Richard Tucker Foundation Grant and Ryan Opera Center alumna; Matt Hanscom (05, 07 MMus), San Francisco Merola Opera Program participant and Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions finalist; along with David Govertsen (10 MMus) and Evan Boyer (07), both Ryan Opera Center alumni.
The program's faculty provides diverse courses that build robust technical and pedagogical skills. Weekly voice lessons are complemented by performance opportunities such as opera workshops, solo vocal classes, masterclasses, studio sessions, and recitals. Advanced undergraduates and graduate students also engage in weekly musical coaching sessions.
Annually, voice students can audition for three fully-produced operas, gaining critical experience with both classic and contemporary repertoire. The vibrant Chicago music scene, just 12 miles from campus, presents further performance avenues.
Admitted students must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a comparable non-U.S. degree from a regionally accredited institution.
TOEFL or IELTS test scores are required of most international applicants.