Opera Memphis Artists-in-Residence and the
University of Memphis Artist Diploma in Voice
Fall 2013 Entry Information

NEW! Announcing the addition of two new positions!
Beginning in Fall, 2013
Opera Memphis and the University of Memphis will offer:

Artist-in-Residence / Artist Diploma in Opera Coaching

Artist-in-Residence / Artist Diploma in Opera Direction

For further information about applying for these two new positions, please contact: Mark Ensley at mensley@memphis.edu about Opera Coaching or Copeland Woodruff at jcwdruff@memphis.edu for Opera Direction. Pending curricular approval, both positions have specific application procedures that differ from those described below for interested singers.

Singer Applicants

Opera Memphis offers a two-year Artist-in-Residence program in partnership with the University of Memphis. This program is designed for those who may have already embarked on performing careers, or may be on the brink of such careers. It offers opportunities to perform with a professional company, while performing with a strong, performance-oriented training program.

Auditions will be held for the following voice types: soprano, mezzo, tenor, baritone/bass. Auditions will be held for applicants who have been invited to audition after participating in a screening process conducted by Opera Memphis.

Currently, there is one opening for a tenor beginning Fall, 2013 however, all voice parts will be heard as positions could become available.

Opera Memphis presents three mainstage productions annually. Artists-in-Residence work with General Director Ned Canty and with nationally recognized singers, conductors and directors.

Performance opportunities for Artist-in-Residence at Opera Memphis include:

• At least one main stage role in a production, generally supporting or comprimario
• Covering principal roles
• Roles in education and outreach concerts and touring programs
• Option for singing in the chorus

Performance opportunities with the University of Memphis Opera include at least one principal role with orchestra per year.  There are at least two fully staged opera productions with orchestra each academic year.

Artists-in-Residence pursuing the Artist Diploma work with Co-Directors of Opera Studies at the University of Memphis, Mark Ensley and Copeland Woodruff.

Students enrolled in this program work toward an Artist Diploma in Voice from the University of Memphis where they receive a full tuition waiver and a $6,000 stipend.

The Artist Diploma curriculum offers considerable flexibility to the individual student. In addition to studio voice lessons, students receive vocal coaching including coaching specific to preparation for his or her role in a production, as well as the opportunity to take electives. Artist Diploma students may enroll in any graduate or undergraduate class to best meet their individual needs. For more information about the curriculum, please consult the School of Music Graduate Handbook.

Admission to the program is based upon live audition before a panel consisting of representatives of the University of Memphis Opera Division and Voice Area, and Opera Memphis as well as acceptance by the University of Memphis Graduate School. Audition days are:

Saturday, December 1, 2012 in Memphis
Friday, December 7, 2012 in New York
Saturday, February 9, 2013 in Memphis
Saturday, February 16, 2013 in Memphis

Auditionees must have passed a screening process with Opera Memphis.

Audition requirements are: four arias and two art songs of contrasting styles and languages and an age-appropriate monologue.

To participate in the Opera Memphis screening, submit a resume and repertoire lists (roles, aria, oratorio, art songs), two letters of recommendation, a headshot and a CD or DVD demonstrating the audition requirements above by Tuesday, November 13, 2012  to: ATTN:  AIR Auditions, Opera Memphis, 6745 Wolf River Parkway, Memphis, TN 38120.

There is a screening fee of $25 payable to Opera Memphis that must be included in your screening package.  For information, call Opera Memphis at 901-257-3100.

Timetable

• Applicants submit screening package to Opera Memphis by November 13.
• Applicants invited to audition receive notice from Opera Memphis by November 15.
• Applicants invited to audition contact Kay Yager at kayyager@memphis.edu, 901-678-3766 on Friday, November 16 regarding their audition day and application to the School of Music and the University of Memphis.
• Applicants audition live on Saturday, December 1, 2012 in Memphis; Friday, December 7, 2012 in New York; Saturday, February 9, 2013 in Memphis or Saturday, February 16, 2013 in Memphis.