Repetiteurs

Course Content

Learning to coach singers
Initially, trainee repetiteurs are coached by experienced members of the music staff during music calls with singers. Later in the course they have their own sessions working with singers on the preperation of music. Repetiteurs also receive language coaching and occasional singing tuition.

Training in conducting
Sessions are arranged with visiting conductors on conducting technique. There is also the opportunity to conduct in production rehearsals.

Residencies with opera companies
During these residencies repetiteurs are given the chance to work with the music staff and music director of the opera company, as well as attending rehearsals. The repetiteurs also prepare singers for the public concert given at the end of the residency. Repetiteurs may also be given the opportunity to perform keyboard parts with the companies’ orchestras.

Observer with an opera company
During the course, a period is set aside for repetiteurs to work with the Heads of Music of the main opera companies and observe rehearsals and performances at a London based company.

Auditions with opera companies
These are arranged during the course with the Heads of Music and music staffs with the majority of the main opera companies.

Repetiteur auditions

Preliminary auditions take place the morning of 28 and 29 January 2010. This audition will consist of playing one scene from two contrasting operas, singing the vocal lines as you play. Both scenes should involve at least two characters, and at least one scene should be in a foreign language. There will also be a sight-reading test and an interview with the audition panel.

Final round auditions will take place on 15 March 2010. If you are awarded a final audition you will be notified two weeks beforehand of specific pieces to prepare.