
The Professional Diploma (PED) in Opera, presented in collaboration with Chicago Opera Theater, is a career-focused training program for singers and pianists who demonstrate exceptional career promise. This two-year program provides weekly lessons (voice or piano), vocal coachings, and dramatic coachings with CCPA's acclaimed Voice and Opera faculty. As Young Artists with Chicago Opera Theater, Professional Diploma students participate in outreach and professional-development events, engage with the development of innovative new works, and have the opportunity to perform ensemble, cover, and comprimario roles throughout Chicago Opera Theater's performance season.
Professional Diploma students receive a full-tuition waiver and monthly stipends during the academic year.
The Professional Diploma in Opera nurtures young artists in a rigorous, yet supportive conservatory environment and provides real-world professional experience through its partnership with Chicago Opera Theater.
As COT Young Artists, Professional Diploma students perform in the ensemble, are involved with the development of new works, regularly participate in outreach and professional development activities, and have the opportunity to cover and perform roles.
The Professional Diploma in Opera is a unique opportunity for developing young artists to focus on all areas of their technical, musical, and dramatic growth, while gaining professional experience and career support as Chicago Opera Theater Young Artists.
Diplomatists receive weekly voice or piano lessons, dramatic coachings, and vocal coachings with CCPA Voice and Opera faculty. The scholarship award for the Professional Diploma in Opera grants a full tuition waiver, excluding the Graduate General Fee, Student Activity Fee, and CTA Ventra U-Pass Fee.
Pre-Screening Application and Audition: Due December 1
*All materials must be uploaded to Acceptd. DO NOT mail recordings or documents to CCPA.
*A pianist will be provided for live auditions.
Four contrasting operatic arias (no oratorio) in the original language, performed from memory. Selections from the pre-screening audition are permitted.
Singers will be asked to present an aria of their choice and should be prepared to sing additional selections from their repertoire list, as requested. Singers may be asked to participate in a working session with members of the audition panel.
*All excerpts must be played and sung in the original language.
Pianists will be asked to present their solo selection as well as all of the required audition material. Pianists also may be asked to participate in a working session with members of the audition panel.