Master of Music in opera
Philadelphia, USA
Master degree
DURATION
LANGUAGES
PACE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: Curtis's Master of Music in opera requires 32 graduate credits and typically takes two years; a third year is optional with approval. Students get at least two weekly vocal coaching sessions, individualized voice-teacher placement, and faculty support to strengthen theory, aural, and language skills. The programme emphasizes performance; Curtis Opera Theatre mounts three productions a year with orchestra. Curtis pays tuition for admitted students.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue careers as opera singers, soloists, ensemble members, vocal coaches, repetiteurs, accompanists, voice teachers, or work with opera companies, orchestras, and conservatories. They may pursue concert, recital, academic, or teaching roles.
The Master of Music degree in opera requires a minimum of thirty-two graduate credits (g.c.). The program typically takes two years to complete, but a student may stay an optional third year at the discretion of the dean of vocal studies and the Curtis president. Each student receives at least two vocal coaching sessions per week. A Bachelor of Music degree or equivalent is required for degree candidacy. In the last semester, the dean of vocal studies, dean, and the president will evaluate each student's progress and research course.
Incoming students will be counseled by the department faculty, who will suggest ways of remedying any weakness in theoretical, aural, or language skills. The student will make voice teacher selection with the dean's approval of vocal studies and the president. The emphasis in the opera program is on performing and developing performance skills. Typically the Curtis Opera Theatre performs three productions each year with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra or Curtis Chamber Orchestra.
