Course Overview
The course is based on individual, bespoke tuition provided by a team of distinguished coaches, including Dennis O'Neill, the Academy Director, Nuccia Focile, Jane Samuel, and a number of visiting consultants, such as Dame Kiri te Kanawa (WIAV's honorary president), Ryland Davies, Anne Murray, Richard Bonynge, Joseph Rouleau, and so on. There are also master classes, group teaching classes and participation in public events and professional placement.
Key Features
The programme provides the highest possible level of tuition for singers, either already in the profession or about to enter it. WIAV targets those students who have normally completed a postgraduate course (or equivalent) at a conservatoire. The programme is inherently vocational, essentially practical and designed to enhance already established abilities.
Modules
There are four modules in Part 1 - Vocal Technique, Operatic Repertoire and Performance, Art Song and Performance, History and Understanding of opera Tradition in relation to the Vocal Performer. Part 2 contains one module: Professional Development in Practice and Application.
Course Tutor(s)
The admission/ audition process is managed entirely by Dennis O'Neill. The Course Director is Euros Rhys Evans.
Assessment
Part 1
80% Recital
20% Academic Interview (Vivas)
One Portfolio Module
Part 2
70% Recital
20% Process portfolio
10% Action Plan
Career Opportunities
Graduates from the programme will have significantly enhanced employment prospects. This is demonstrated by the destinations of graduates from pre-cursor progress and WIAV alumni.
Further Information
Taught in English with concentrated coaching in Italian, French, German and Russian.