Who is OAM aimed at? For some sessions the singers will be working in groups, according to experience. What sets Opera and More apart from other courses available? Unlike other courses we do not focus on one single aspect of the singers’ art, we embrace the complete field of vocal arts; concert repertoire, art song, opera and oratorio, and during the year you will get to take part in concerts enco
mpassing all these art forms. Our students study interpretation, communication, language skills, stagecraft, and every skill needed for the full development of young singers. In the near future our goal is to create a full-time evening/weekend degree course for the talented young singer who wishes to pursue a career as a performing artist and who cannot afford to go to music college. Our part-time course is based on that ethos. Is this a term length or a year-long course? The course is planned in such a way that each term will be dedicated to the development of the full range of skills required for the challenging and exciting world of the vocal arts. A participant could attend for one term, however to get the maximum benefit of the course, it is advisable to take all three terms, but this is not obligatory. How long is each term? Each term is 10 weeks long. What can I expect from the course? During the course you will have tuition from some of the best professionals in the field London has to offer, who are dedicated to help each and every singer on the course to realise their personal goals. Each term will culminate in two performances: a concert recital and an operatic scenes show. What will classes comprise of? There will be classes to explore movement, stage and recital techniques, audition skills, diction & language skills, presentation, style & interpretation, communication, text analysis, role preparation. The weekday class will be dedicated to solo pieces and the Sunday class to operatic scenes, and the participants will get the chance to perform this repertoire at the end of each term at least once. Is there an age limit for enrolling at OAM? Yes, 30 for women, 35 for men. Do I need to have had any previous musical experience to enrol at OAM? No tertiary musical education needed, however musicianship skills, some musical experience, and certainly talent, vocal ability and much enthusiasm are essential! Examples of previous singing experience might include singing as a soloist with choirs, recitals, shared recitals, operatic productions at any level, competitions, participation at summer programmes or any type of workshops. How will the participants be selected? Participants will be selected by audition. The audition panel will include the Artistic and Musical Directors and other members of staff. When and where are the auditions? Auditions will take place on Sunday the 22 of November 2015, at the Austrian Cultural Forum, 28 Rutland Gate, London SW7 1PQ. What will the auditions consist of? You will be expected to have 3 pieces, 2 operatic arias and one art song. You will be given the choice of which piece to sing first, and a second piece will be chosen by the panel. A short interview will then take place. You might be asked about what made you want to be a part of OAM, your musical experience and singing aspirations. How do I apply for the course? Please go to the “our course” page and scroll down. When is term time and on what day will the classes be? Winter term: 13th January to the 19th of March 2016
Classes: Wednesdays from 6.30-9.30, Sundays from 2.30-5.30
Shows: Lunchtime concert Saturday 12th of March, Evening Operatic Scene show Saturday 19th of March. Further concert/show dates TBC. Summer term: 6th of April to 11th of June 2016
Classes: Wednesdays from 6.30-9.30, Sundays from 2.30-5.30
Shows: Evening concert Saturday 4th of June, Evening Operatic Scene show Saturday 11th of June. Autumn term: 5th October to 10th of December 2016
Classes: Wednesdays from 6.30-9.30, Sundays from 2.30-5.30
Shows: Evening concert Saturday 3rd of December, Evening Operatic Scene show Saturday 10th of December. How much does it cost, and will there be any extra charges or expenses to pay during the course?
£750 per 10 week term, consisting of 6 hours per week, and a minimum of two concerts. Students will be expected to cover the cost of their sheet music, travel expenses, simple black clothes for theatre work & concert attire. What do I need to bring with me to class? Students will be expected to supply their own music (scenes and editions chosen by artistic & musical directors) and a notebook for notes from the music/theatre staff. For theatre work:
Women: a loose full-length black rehearsal skirt and character shoes (or low-heeled lace up or buckle shoes), black tights or long black socks, long-sleeved white shirt or blouse which can be buttoned up. Men: black trousers, black lace up or buckle shoes, long-sleeved white shirt which can be buttoned up and black socks. Occasionally you may be asked to provide simple additions to costume such as tights or a T-shirt. Does the course have aspects I should know about (workload, level of fitness, stamina etc)? Rehearsals will run at a pace to get the best results out of all students. There may be some exercises at the beginning of classes and movement given by the Stage Director. If you are concerned about any mobility issues, simply contact the tutor in question to discuss a suitable variation. Who are the professionals who will be working with the participants? All the faculty members are listed on the "Our staff" page. What extracurricular work will I have to do during the course? You will be expected to learn your music in order to get the maximum benefit of the tuition offered. Will I have to know my music by heart before the first session? For the concert & song class – yes. For the operatic scenes class you may use your music in the first 4 sessions only, however you must have a good working knowledge of the music before the first session. By the fifth session you must know all the music from memory. Do I need to be having regular singing lessons to be a part of this course? It is advisable that participants do. Should any of the participants wish, singing lessons and coaching are offered at a special rate to all participants by the Artistic and Musical Directors. Where will the classes take place? All classes take place in Highgate, in north London. The concert and song classes will take place in the studio of the Artistic Director, and the operatic scenes classes and the concerts will take place in Jackson’s Lane Creative Space http://www.jacksonslane.org.uk/
Where will performances take place? Two of the performances will take place in Jacksons Lane, and the rest in different venues each term, in and around London. My job is freelance/shift work – how flexible is the course at OAM regarding scheduling? Scheduling requirements mean that unfortunately there is no flexibility in terms of class times or shows, and since some of the work is done in ensembles, you must be present in all classes. N/As can be accommodated if the Artistic director is informed in advance, however no refunds will be available. What kind of feedback will I get? In order to ensure that you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular and detailed feedback from your tutors, in a constructive and supportive environment. At the end of each term the Artistic and Musical Directors will be happy to discuss any matters concerning your singing/singing career & future you wish to have their input on. If I leave the course early, are my fees refundable? When is payment due? Payment is due 6 weeks before the beginning of each term:
Winter term: 2nd December
Spring term: 3rd February
Autumn term: 6th of August
Paying in two separate instalments can be discussed, but both instalments must be paid in before the beginning of course. How many people will be on the course with me? The course will not have less than 10 or more than 12 singers. Is there any accreditation at the end of the course? Not at this stage, however attendance at OAM will count for experience and be a worthwhile addition on your CV. Does the course cover jazz/music theatre/rock/pop music as well as classical? What next, once the course is finished? Guidance and advice will be offered on all aspects of your future career and the next stage of your life as a singer, and a support network will be provided if you wish for it. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to write to us at: [email protected]
Opera and more is a registered charity
