Opera Caledonia Vocal Studio Course 2026: apply now!
Opera Caledonia Vocal Studio Course 29th June - 7th July 2026
An intensive vocal studio course providing the opportunity for a small group of vocal artists and répétiteurs performing at conservatoire level or beyond to work with leading professionals from the opera industry – taking place amidst the Victorian splendour of the Edinburgh Society of Musicians in the heart of Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
FACULTY: David Gowland (Artistic Director: Jette Parker Artists Programme, Royal Opera House) • Darrell Babidge (Chair of Voice Faculty: The Juilliard School & Faculty Member: The Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artists Program) • Amanda Roocroft (soprano) • David Cowan (Head of Music: Opera North) • Judith Howarth (soprano) • Derek Clark (Conductor, Pianist, Vocal Coach, Répétiteur and Former Head of Music: Scottish Opera) • Susannah Wapshott (Chorus Director: Scottish Opera) • Ingrid Sawers (Pianist & Vocal Coach) • Roxana Cole (Stage Director incl. The Metropolitan Opera & Welsh National Opera) • Marianna Abrahamyan (Pianist & Repertoire Coach) • Siân Winstanley (Mindfulness Practitioner).
No specific repertoire is required - singers are welcome to bring either operatic, song or oratorio repertoire. Our faculty of leading vocal coaches, voice teachers, répétiteurs and conductors will accommodate the artistic goal of each individual whether they are learning new repertoire, preparing a role or refining audition repertoire etc.
The personal development of each participant is integral to the ethos of Opera Caledonia's Vocal Studio Course, which will provide a safe environment to develop artistically.
There is a focus on intensive, one-to-one learning. Participants will work with all of our faculty members and will benefit from a range of activities during the week:
SINGERS: Vocal Coachings • Performance Classes • Amanda Roocroft Individual Lesson • David Gowland Masterclass • Darrell Babidge Materclass • Amanda Roocroft Masterclass • Judith Howarth Masterclass • Recitative Workshop • Acting Workshops • Chorus Coaching • “Working with Conductor” Session • Public & Closed Performance Opportunities • Mindfulness Workshop • Recording Opportunities • Faculty Q&A & Discussions • Mock Audition Opportunities.
RÉPÉTITEURS: Vocal Coaching Observation/Participation • Répétiteur Sessions • Recitative/Continuo Sessions • Language Session • Mindfulness Workshop • Recording Opportunities • Faculty Q&A & Discussions • Mock Audition Opportunities • Playing with singers in Performance Classes, Amanda Roocroft Individual Lessons, David Gowland Masterclass, Darrell Babidge Masterclass, Amanda Roocroft Masterclass, Judith Howarth Masterclass, Recitative Workshop, Chorus Coaching, "Working with Conductor" Sessions, Public & Closed Performances.
Stage Director Roxana Cole, who's recent engagements include The Metropolitan Opera New York, Detroit Opera and Welsh National Opera, will deliver two Acting Workshops for singers: "Page To Stage Preparation" and "Introduction to Acting Technique" .
With a firm focus on the wellbeing of musicians, Mindfulness Practitioner Siân Winstanley will deliver an interactive workshop exploring topics such as mindfulness and MPA (Musical Performance Anxiety).
There will be both public and closed performance opportunities throughout the week open to all participants as well as informal sharing of work. All participants are invited to perform in a public Lunchtime Concert, taking place in the beautiful St. Giles' Cathedral (built in 1124) as part of the St. Giles' Afternoon Concert Series.
Unless by prior arrangement, all sessions are “open” and course participants are encouraged to observe sessions to learn from their colleagues. Practice rooms will be available, all equipped with pianos.
Limited participant numbers will ensure maximum time with our faculty. This is a fantastic opportunity not only to benefit from scheduled activities but through active discussion and conversation with our professionals.
The Edinburgh Society of Musicians is the perfect venue for exploring both the beautiful New Town and historic Old Town of Edinburgh, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights within walking distance include Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens, The Scott Monument, The Royal Mile, St. Giles' Cathedral and The Palace of Holyroodhouse amongst others. There will be time to explore the local area for those who wish to do so.
Participants are responsible for their own accommodation. From hotels to hostels, airbnbs to guest houses; the city centre of Edinburgh has something for everyone. Meals are not provided. Limited kitchen facilities are available. There are many restaurants, cafes and bars within walking distance offering a range of cuisine including traditional Scottish fare. Complimentary tea & coffee is provided.
Throughout the week, optional social events will be organised in the evenings for participants to enjoy should they choose to do so.
Participants should arrive at the Edinburgh Society of Musicians ready to attend a Welcome Meeting at 10.00am on Monday 29th June 2026. The course will end on Sunday 5th July 2026 at 6.00pm following a final sharing and farewell reception at the Edinburgh Society of Musicians.
Fees of £780.00 are inclusive of all tuition, masterclasses, performance/recording opportunities and unlimited tea/coffee. Participants are responsible for their own travel to and from Edinburgh.
Opera Caledonia's Vocal Studio Course is suitable for vocal artists/répétiteurs (18yo+) performing at conservatoire level or beyond and does not discriminate against artists based on race, nationality, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability and/or age.
Payment plans are available to spread the cost of tuition fees over several months. Please specify your interest in a payment plan on application. Fees must be paid in full as per the agreed payment schedule.
Singers are required to accompany their online application form with two recent audio/video recordings and a letter of recommendation. If you are unable to provide recent recordings, please send us any recordings that best demonstrate your ability.
Répétiteurs are required to accompany their online application form with two video recordings of scenes (ensembles) from contrasting operas, at least one in a language other than English, singing in all cues, and a copy of their CV. If you are unable to provide this, please send us any recordings that best demonstrate your current ability.
Places are allocated to artists of the appropriate level on a first come, first served basis. You will have a response within two weeks of submitting your application.
Application Deadline: Monday 1st June 2026.
Places are strictly limited so early application is advised. Depending on availability, late applications may be accepted at the discretion of Opera Caledonia.
Participants of the Vocal Studio Course are also welcome to apply/participate in Opera Caledonia's Performance Project: Dido & Aeneas running from 7th - 12th July 2026. Full details can be found at www.operacaledonia.co.uk/performance-project/
Full details and application are available at www.operacaledonia.co.uk
