Bachelor of Fine Arts in Opera
Summary
The programme is designed for you with foundational experience in classical singing and want to study to become an opera singer. Vocal training is the base of the curriculum, but dramatic performance and movement also feature prominently. You will study in an international environment and complete at least one drama project per academic year. The programme involves a great deal of individual coaching in everything you need in order to prepare for a career as an opera singer. Instruction is given in English.
About
The opera programme at the University of Gothenburg challenges you to develop vocally, dramatically and physically! The programme focuses on vocal development, with advanced training in acting and movement – all to prepare you fully for the professional career ahead. With a small class of students each year, the opera programme offers a curriculum tailored to the individual. As a student, you will have unique opportunities to apply for a large number of scholarships.
At the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg, you will be part of a community of students from all over the world, with graduate programmes in both opera and music. This programme is open to international students and taught in English. We also have a network of internationally active guest teachers. As of the autumn 2024, the world famous singer Anne Sofie von Otter is artist in residence and affiliated with the opera programme. .Join us for a unique opera programme in an international environment!
View the opera programme's video playlist
What is included in the programme?
Vocal Performance and Interpretation (90 credits)
You take part in individual singing lessons, master classes, repertory classes and musical rehearsal, and you receive training in languages, ensemble singing and chamber music.
Theory and Learning (22.5 credits)
This area includes music theory, ear training, opera history, freelancing skills and artistic process. Most of the instruction is given in a group setting, but you also receive individual coaching and advising.
Dramatic Performance and Interpretation (52.5 credits)
This subject includes basic physical training, improvisational movement, dance, acting training, musical drama performance with individual instruction, and musical drama projects and productions.
The progression of these drama projects is an important part of your development: in the first year you take part in and present an opera collage, in the second year a chamber opera, and in the third year a final production – a full-scale opera produced in collaboration with students in the international graduate programme in orchestra performance, a director and a complete artistic team.More about: Final production 2023 – Così fan tutte
Independent Work (15 credits)
During the final two academic terms, you work on your thesis project with individual guidance from an advisor, while also participating in group instruction.
Instruction language
This programme is taught in English, Swedish language skills not required.
Programme structure and content
Vocal training makes up the largest part of the education, but stage performance is also a significant part of the programme. In addition to this, you will work on your independent degree project and participate in at least one stage production per academic year. The education involves a great deal of individual coaching.
Who should apply?
Do you have basic experience in classical singing? Do you want to train as an opera singer?Are you interested in studying in an international environment alongside students of classical music, musical theatre, or composition? Then apply for the bachelor’s programme in Opera.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
General entrance requirements for university studies. Special qualifications in the form of musical knowledge and skills is assessed at the admission test. The admission test is also the basis for the selection of eligible applicants
Entrance test
Find detailed information about the admission tests for our Bachelor's Programme in Opera.
More information about Entrance test
Selection
Selection of eligible applicants is based upon admission tests. Information about the admission tests can be found at the home page of the Academy of Music and Drama.
After graduation
Graduates of the programme receive the degree Bachelor of Fine Arts in Opera. You will be prepared to pursue a professional career as a singer or opera performer, or you may also choose to apply for further studies at the master’s level.
Facilities
The Academy of Music and Drama operates from four locations in Gothenburg: Eklandagatan 86, Åvägen 24 (Brewhouse), Vasagatan 50 (HDK-Valand) and Triörgatan 1 (Andra stället).
