Ensemble credit is given for participation in Opera Studio. It is open to all students, regardless of major. Auditions are held periodically for casting purposes, however, audition is not required for participation in Opera Studio. A minimum of 4 semesters is required for all BM Vocal Performance majors. It is also required for students enrolled in MUSI 60162, Techniques for the Singer Actor, and is highly recommended for music education students, as they are likely to be required to present musicals and other staged presentations in their teaching careers.

Opera Studio is a combination of fundamental training in stage movement, text analysis, and audition preparation as well as performance opportunities in productions of chamber opera, full-length opera, and scene study presentations. Individual coaching sessions are given by highly qualified professional coach/accompanists.

TCU Opera Studio presents two productions per year in historic Ed Landreth Auditorium, former home of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the site of concert appearances by the world's foremost artists. Typically one small scale and one full production of standard operatic repertoire are presented. TCU Opera Studio enjoys a formal relationship with the Fort Worth Opera which includes opportunities to perform with the Fort Worth Opera Chorus, shared productions in the Fort Worth Opera Young Artist Program, master classes with Fort Worth Opera Artists and professional advice from Fort Worth Opera professionals. While many universities offer opera training and experience, TCU offers this training and experience with a decided advantage to the undergraduate student. Larger schools cast predominantly graduate students in major roles. Most major roles at TCU are assigned to undergraduate singers.

At TCU, casting is open to all students. Music majors in the Vocal Performance degree program are required to take 4 semesters of opera, but many choose to participate for 8 semesters. In addition, TCU offers Opera Literature and Techniques for the Singer/Actor.

See the slideshow from the April, 2005 performances of Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte.

See a Quicktime movie from the April, 2005 performances of Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte.

For further information about TCU Opera Studio, contact:

Richard Estes
Director, Opera Studio
Texas Christian University
School of Music
TCU Box 297500 - Fort Worth, Texas 76129
1.800.TCU.FROG
817.257.7602 Fax: 817.257.7344
music@tcu.edu