Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the difference between a graduate opera major and a voice major?

• Opera Majors must take Opera Workshop four semesters, while only two semesters are required for Voice Majors.
• Aria Repertoire is the literature class for Opera Majors, while Vocal Literature, which focuses on art song, is required for the Voice Majors.
• Opera Majors are required to take Opera History for two terms.
• Opera Majors must take an advanced diction course called Opera Diction.
• Opera Majors do not have to do a Masters recital, unlike Voice Majors.
• Opera Majors are required to learn at least two major roles.

Are the audition requirements different for the two programs?

Not really, because the faculty may feel one of the programs is more suited for you than the other. For both programs, we need to hear the four principal languages, a variety of styles, and both opera and art song. Those auditioning for the Opera Major should have at least three arias on their list.

Are my chances of getting a major role better as an Opera Major than a Voice Major?

Every role is open to everyone in any program. Roles are rarely pre-cast. The faculty chooses operas based on the singers they know will be available. However, returning students are naturally in mind when shows are selected for the upcoming year to ensure that the major roles can be covered. But, based on the auditions, there are sometimes several students who are capable of performing a specific role. If an Opera Major has not fulfilled their opera role requirement, then, if all other things are equal, they may be cast over a Voice Major of equal readiness. Double casting and covering is used to provide as many opportunities to as many singers as possible, based on ability, not program.

Does my entrance audition apply to the operas or is there a separate audition?

You audition separately for the operas. The Fall Opera Auditions are usually the first Tuesday of the first week of classes. For major roles, three selections are usually required, all opera arias, one in English, one in the language of the upcoming opera, and the third of any language. If additional auditions are needed for the Spring Opera, they usually occur near the end of the Fall semester.

Are there performance opportunities outside the operas?

Our opera scenes program is quite elaborate each semester. We usually perform run-out concerts on area concert series. Often, Temple Opera mounts a third production during the winter. Sometimes, a One-Act Opera is incorporated into the Opera Workshop. Furthermore, solo opportunities exist for some of the Choral Concerts. Many of our singers sing in the Opera Company of Philadelphia Chorus, or with one of the professional choirs in town. There are also many church jobs available in the Philadelphia region. For that reason, we do not rehearse on Thursday nights, a popular church choir rehearsal evening.

Can Opera Majors give recitals?

Yes. It will not count toward graduation, however.

How many operas does Temple perform annually?

The pattern for many years has been for us to perform a Fall full production the weekend before Thanksgiving in November. The Spring full production is in late April. Some years, we will do a chamber opera as an additional project in the winter, usually in February. This has often been a world premiere.

How much coaching will I receive?

Opera Coaching is not required, but recommended as an elective. After an Opera Major has had two semesters of Coaching, they are allowed additional semesters if there is room on the coaching faculty’s load. There is much coaching incorporated into the opera and voice curricula via classes. Opera Workshop, Opera Diction, and Aria Repertoire involve coaching. We also train coaches at Temple, so they are often available to work with you.

What is Professional Studies?

Professional Studies roughly equates to an Artist Diploma. It is a non-matriculating, one-year program that is designed for a student who already has their Masters, but is one year away from really being ready to enter the professional world. The curriculum for Professional Studies is quite flexible. It includes private lessons and participation in the operas. The flexibility makes it possible to include all or parts of a wide variety of courses, not just in the department. Programs exist in both Opera and Voice.

Do DMA (doctoral) students perform in the operas?

DMA students have a series of performance requirements for that program. One of them may be satisfied by performing a major role in an opera.