How the Opera Making and Writing MA at Guildhall School of Music and Drama Can

How the Opera Making and Writing MA at Guildhall School of Music and Drama Can Benefit Your Career

Introduction

Situated in the heart of London’s vibrant cultural scene, Guildhall School of Music & Drama is one of the world’s leading conservatoires.

The Opera Making and Writing MA offers a uniquely innovative combination of practical training in composition, libretto writing and dramaturgy, with specialist classes in vocal coaching andAlexander Technique, independent study and performance opportunities.

The course is designed for ambitious creative artists who want to develop as opera makers and writers, and who are seeking to expand their skillset in order to create original work for the operatic stage.

Through a mix of practical workshops, independent learning and performance opportunities, you will develop your skills as an opera composer, librettist or dramaturg. You will also have the opportunity to take modules in vocal coaching and Alexander Technique, which will enhance your understanding of the operatic voice.

The course culminates in the creation of an original opera, which will be performed by professional singers at a leading London venue.

What is the Opera Making and Writing MA at Guildhall School of Music and Drama?

The Opera Making and Writing MA at Guildhall School of Music and Drama is a two-year course that offers students the opportunity to create their own operas. The course is designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to write librettos, compose music, and stage productions. TheMA also provides students with the chance to work with professional opera singers, directors, and conductors.

Why Should You Study the Opera Making and Writing MA at Guildhall School of Music and Drama?

Opera is a unique and demanding art form, which requires a shared commitment from creators, performers and audiences. It is also an art form which has the potential to change lives.

The MA in Opera Making and Writing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama offers an intensive programme of study for those who wish to pursue a career in opera. The course will develop your creative skills and knowledge, as well as your understanding of the business and practicalities of working in opera.

You will have the opportunity to work with some of the leading figures in opera today, including composer Stuart Humphryes, director Richard Jones and Members of the Guildhall School’s internationally renowned Opera Course. The course culminates in the creation of a new work, which will be performed at a major London venue.

This MA is for you if you are a composer, librettist, singer, director or designer who wants to:

-Create new operatic works
-Develop your creative skills
-Gain insight into the business and practicalities of working in opera
-Work with some of the leading figures in opera today

What Will You Learn on the Opera Making and Writing MA at Guildhall School of Music and Drama?

On our Opera Making and Writing MA, you will develop your skills as an opera maker and writer, through a series of practical projects and workshops. You will work collaboratively with other students on a number of operatic projects, including the development and workshop performance of a new piece of chamber opera.

What’s more, you will have the opportunity to take part in masterclasses with some of the world’s leading opera makers and writers, including Opera North’s Director of Education, Simon Phipps.

At the end of the course, you will showcase your work to industry professionals at our end-of-year Showcase. Previous Showcases have been attended by representatives from major UK opera companies, including English National Opera, Royal Opera House and Glyndebourne Festival Opera.

How Will You Be Taught on the Opera Making and Writing MA at Guildhall School of Music and Drama?

The Opera Making and Writing MA at Guildhall School of Music and Drama is a full-time, one-year course. You will be expected to undertake research, write proposals, attend lectures and seminars, and take part in group work and individual tutorials.

The course comprises four modules: Opera Making, Opera Writing, Research Methods, and a Dissertation. You will be required to complete a practice-based project in either opera making or writing, as well as a research project leading to the submission of a 15,000-word dissertation.

You will have the opportunity to work with professional opera companies and other arts organizations, both in the UK and abroad. There are also numerous performance opportunities available throughout the year.

What Are the Entry Requirements for the Opera Making and Writing MA at Guildhall School of Music and Drama?

In order to be eligible to apply for the Opera Making and Writing MA at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, you will need to have the equivalent of a UK first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject. You will also need to have experience of writing for the stage, either through plays, musicals, or opera. If you do not have this experience, you may be able to take an introductory course at another institution before applying.

What Are the Career Prospects After Graduating from the Opera Making and Writing MA at Guildhall School of Music and Drama?

There are a number of career prospects available to those who have completed the Opera Making and Writing MA at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. These include working as an opera singer, an opera director, an opera coach, an opera composer, or an opera critic. There are also opportunities to work in arts administration, music education, or to pursue a PhD in musicology.

Conclusion

This MA is for composers, lyricists and librettists who want to develop their skills in opera making and writing. The course is designed to give students the opportunity to work with a variety of performers and directors, and to develop their skills in composition, orchestration, dramaturgy and libretto writing. The course is also suitable for those who want to pursue a career in opera direction, stage management or production.