Taos Opera Institute 2026: Apply now!
Taos Opera Institute (TOI) was established in 2007 as an intensively holistic program designed to bridge the gap between academia and apprenticeships. Our philosophy focuses on integrating and improving your technique, your physical well being, and your artistry.
TOI takes place in the beautiful Taos Ski Valley, NM, at 9500ft, where 28 Young Artists spend 5 weeks working with our esteemed faculty. Singers receive lessons 4 days per week, totaling an entire semester of lessons in just one month! Each singer will work on a new piece in 4 different language groups, rotating to the next language the following week (French or Spanish, German, Italian, and English). Young Artists perform their new arias at 2 public performances every week (for a total of 8 aria performances).
2026 Faculty includes: Elizabeth Futral (Soprano), Olga Perez Flora (Mezzo), James Flora (Tenor), Dimitri Pittas (Tenor), Taylor Flowers (Coach), Margaret Halbig (Coach), Bethany Self (Coach), Natasha Stojanovska (Coach), Janice Fehlauer (Coach), and Leah Edwards (Yoga).
Singers will work one on one with TOI Composer In Residence, Michael Ching, in preparation for an all-Ching Concert Performance.
Singers take part in one Masterclass (8 total Masterclasses) with an esteemed visiting Guest Artist.
Throughout the program, Guest Faculty present sessions on various topics such as: how to navigate the business of singing, media, branding and marketing, dealing with performance Anxiety and dramatic interpretation, general wellbeing/health and more.
2026 Guest Artists include: Amanda Majeski, Beth Clayton, Chandler Johnson, Luke Frazier, Cheryl Lindquist, Hilary Morrow, and more!
TOI Singers take part in Yoga 3 days a week, as well as group hiking in the area (students with health related issues are excused from these activities). A major focus of the program is to become more aware of one's natural surroundings and allow that to inform their artistic endeavors.
All 28 Young Artists will venture to Santa Fe to see the Final Dress Rehearsal of Madame Butterfly at the Santa Fe Opera and stay overnight (included in tuition).
A Finale Showcase Performance will take place during the final week of the program, featuring opera scenes, arias, musical theatre selections, and more.
Total tuition for 5 weeks (includes luxury accommodations with private bedroom, overnight trip to Santa Fe and much more): $5400
All applicants considered for Scholarship assistance. Travel is the responsibility of the artist.