Discover the Music Within You
Sunday, June 16–Saturday, June 29, 2019
Do you want to be a professional singer?
Learn what it really takes to embark on an opera career. This program, led by the artistic director of the Curtis Opera Theatre, Mikael Eliasen, is designed primarily for young singers who are considering entering conservatory, and is open to students of high school and undergraduate age.
Singers in this select program pursue activities focused on vocal artistry, surrounded by elite faculty from Curtis’s renowned vocal studies department.
- Study privately in voice lessons and private coachings
- Benefit from daily master classes
- Perform for peers at the Sing-In, and for family and friends at the Sing-Out
- Learn the basics of the Alexander technique
- Practice in studios with Steinway pianos
- Learn from professionals working in the opera field
Delve more deeply into your existing repertoire, with the space and time to follow your curiosity. Singers in the program are largely self-directed, coming together as a group midday to observe those selected to perform in a daily master class. Faculty offer immense insight in each private session, and are looking for marked improvement between sessions. All participants should bring songs and/or arias you already know as well as music you would like to learn during the program; and should be open to additional repertoire suggestions from faculty.
You’ll have the opportunity for personal instruction through the following:
- two private voice lessons; assigned from voice faculty members.
- private coachings; assigned from vocal coaches, including Mikael Eliasen, artistic director of the Curtis Opera Theatre.
On the first morning, you’ll begin your musical exchange by performing for one another and the faculty in a Sing-In. Prepare at least one song or aria for this introductory performance. (You will have scheduled preparation time with a pianist on the evening before the Sing-In.)
Sing in a master class led by Curtis faculty members or guest artists. All participants attend every master class to benefit from training on a range of repertoire. The faculty will select participants to sing in each master class after the Sing-In. Be prepared to sing in a master class on any given day, since your master class date is determined once the program has started.
On the last day of the program, you’ll perform in a culminating Sing-Out to share your growth and artistry with your fellow students, family, and friends. With guidance from the faculty, each singer selects one song or aria to perform. Please refer to the program schedule for details of time and location.
All performance repertoire, which you select with your private instructor before arrival, must be memorized. Faculty may also suggest additional repertoire for you to learn while at the program.
Alexander Technique teaches you wellness methods that improve your sound and help prevent injury.
Enjoy an inspiring faculty recital. This ticketed event is free to Mikael Eliasen Voice Program participants. Details to be announced.
Evening panel discussions bring you together with faculty and Curtis alumni in frank conversation. Ask questions and gain exclusive insight on auditions, life as a Curtis student, professional singing careers in voice, and the field of opera today.
In 2017, panelists included:
- Mikael Eliasen, artistic director of the Curtis Opera Theatre
- Julia Faulkner, adjunct voice faculty at Curtis Institute of Music
- Jonathan Beyer, (Opera ’07) national finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Competition
- Rachel Sterrenberg, (Opera ’15) Opera Philadelphia Emerging Artist 2014–2016
- Ashley Robillard, fifth year voice student at Curtis Institute of Music
- Patrick Wilhelm, third year voice student at Curtis Institute of Music
Join your new friends for two screenings of fully staged productions by the Curtis Opera Theatre in HD video. When not practicing or in lessons, many participants also enjoy watching operas together in Lenfest Hall’s student lounge.
- October 2018: Applications available
- January 25, noon EST: Applications due. An additional $60 late fee will be assessed on applications submitted after this date.
- February: Notification of admission and financial aid status provided to all who submitted by January 25
- March 1: Payment due*
- March 29, noon EST: Final deadline for all applications. Applications submitted between January 26 and March 29 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
*Accepted applicants may inquire about installment plans.
Application Fee: $65 / $125*
Tuition: $3,010
Housing and Dining: $1,698
*Application fee: $65 before January 25, 2019 at noon EST; $125 (January 25–March 29). Applicants also submit a $25 transaction fee.
Applications close Friday, March 29, 2019 at noon EST.
Acceptance to the Mikael Eliasen Voice Program is need-blind. Limited financial assistance from Curtis Summerfest may be available, but is not guaranteed. Notice of financial assistance awards will be included in the acceptance status e-mail.
Students and parents are also urged to seek financial assistance from local sources: self-organized fundraisers; school music organizations; county, state, or national music education organizations; music clubs; service clubs (Rotary, Kiwanas, etc.); businesses; local churches; and foundations.
Merit-based financial assistance
To apply for merit-based financial assistance, see section 4 (Scholarship) of the online application. Answer “Yes” to the first question in this section (“Are you applying for merit-based financial assistance?”).
No further action is required to be considered for merit-based financial assistance.
Need-based financial assistance
To apply for need-based financial assistance, upload the following to section 4 (Scholarship) of the online application.
U.S. citizens:
- The Mikael Eliasen Voice Program 2019 Financial Assistance Application, on section 4 of the online application (Scholarship).
- All parent/guardian 2017 tax returns
- All parent/guardian 2018 W2 forms (2017 W2 if 2018 not available)
International applicants:
- The Mikael Eliasen Voice Program 2019 Financial Assistance Application, on section 4 of the online application (Scholarship).
- Copies of all parent/guardians’ most recent bank statements, in English or with translation provided
- Letters, in English or with translation provided, from all parent/guardian employers stating total wages earned from January 2017–December 2017.
The majority of applicants are dependent upon parent or guardians. If you are an older applicant and are financially independent, income documentation should be your own.
