POR 1. Preparing Operatic Roles

Methodology: Improvisation, Movement, Vocality, and E-Motion Arousal as a Body and Vocal approach to Opera Singing and Opera Making

 

Period of the EOA module in 2025 – 2026: 

08 October 2025 to 28 January 2026

Open for:

1-3 vocal students

Description of the module: 

a. Vocal Performance with Technical Supervision 

This section of the module aims to facilitate vocal improvement through improvisation, movement, emotional arousal, and accurate vocal technique by preparing and performing specialized operatic repertoire (from Baroque to Contemporary repertoire). Special attention will be given to technical problems, vocal characterization, style and interpretation, and performance practices. This module will also focus on vocal improvement and vocal technique within the preparation and performance of operatic roles. The emphasis is on artistry and the process of vocal training through preparing operatic roles). Other genres of vocal repertoire, such as Lied, Song, and Chanson, may also be part of a specialized vocal study. This module aims to enable student autonomy, both in achieving methodological processes and consolidating a vocal and artistic identity.

Names of the professors of this module:

  • António Salgado
  • Rui Taveira

B. Acting for Singers in the Preparation of Operatic Roles 

This section of the module aims to facilitate the student’s artistic autonomy in methodological processes and the consolidation of an artistic identity. By organizing their knowledge and skills (creative, sensory, and cognitive), the student will be able to develop interpretative operatic roles, taking into account previous dramaturgic assumptions for live performance.

  • Master a variety of techniques of movement and acting.
  • Develop somatic and emotional body-mind approaches to performance practice
  • Increase awareness of the poetic universe of the performer
  • Develop the singular nature of each opera singer during live performances and collective interaction.

This module’s primary purpose is to consolidate the performer’s skills, focusing on the work on stage and interactions with the director and maestro. Issues of scenic presence on the scene/stage will also be explored. Scenic experimentation through body movement, improvisation, vocality, and emotional arousing will give the student a new approach to Opera and Opera making. This module will enable the student to experience a live performance in front of an audience.

Names of the professors of this module:

  • Claire Bynion
  • António Salgado
  • Claudia Marisa
  • António Durães

Minimum and maximum number of EOA students

1-3 vocal students

Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module

10-12 hours of individual tuition & 45 hours of group work

Number of ECTS within master accreditation

20 ECTS

Entrance examination

Video recording or link to video recording

Description of the final examination

Public performance on stage with piano

Teaching language

English – level 3

  • This module is only available within Erasmus exchange (Master´s level), during the academic year 2025/26.
  • Students must provide their accommodation, meals, and traveling cost

PAR 3. Piano Accompaniment in Opera (Pianists, Traineeship for pianists)

Period of the EOA module in 2025 – 2026:

ERASMUS students (STT) may choose mobility within one or two semesters in 2025-2026: 

  • Winter Semester: 1 October 2025 – 2nd week of February 2026
  • Spring Semester: 3rd week of February 2025 – 30 June 2026

Content:

This module guides the student to master the complex and challenging art of piano accompaniment in opera.

  • Performance practice and repertoire (individual lessons on specific operas according to student’s needs and choices, main opera repertoire, analysis, study and practice on chosen opera scores, different (vocal) accompaniment techniques according to different music styles)
  • Répétiteur and coach techniques (theoretical and practical lessons on the basso continuo, as a stage-rehearsal accompanist, how to play under direction)
  • Specialized practice (vocal repertoire: chamber music and opera scores)
  • Score playing (reading piano- and orchestra opera scores)
  • Little practical internship in Singing lessons and Scenic Art lessons (different needs, different skills)
  • Possible participation in Masterclass(es), rehearsals, and concerts as a piano accompanist.

Classes will be held in Italian and English.

ERASMUS students might have to choose other courses among those annually proposed by the Conservatory, to reach the total number of required credits.

The specialty of this module, in comparison with other courses in Europe

This module represents a perfect opportunity to get to know and experience the tools to become an Opera accompanist in a welcoming atmosphere of exchange and collaboration with other Conservatory students worldwide.

A unique chance to fully immerse themselves in the rich operatic music culture of the territory, attending places of exceptional musical interest within the Conservatory (Musical Section of Libreria Palatina, Boito’s Studio, and Toscanini’s Studio) or the immediately nearby it (the Library of the Istituto Nazionale di Studi Verdiani, specialized in 19th-century opera and music in general, with particular emphasis on the life and work of Giuseppe Verdi, the Museo dell’Opera, the Casa della Musica, Teatro Regio, etc).

Name(s) of the professor(s) of this module:

  • Nicola Mottaran (Coordinator of Piano accompaniment)
  • Fabio Ferrucci (Tutor)
  • Teaching staff  (Piano Accompaniment Teachers)  from the Conservatory’s Singing and Music Theatre Department.

Possible extras in addition to this module:

Upon request, a little tour of the main “music treasures” of Verdi’s land: the birthplace of Verdi and Villa Sant’Agata, the Toscanini Museum, the world-renowned Teatro Regio, the beautiful Teatro Farnese (17th century), the Casa del Suono, etc. Opportunity to join Italian Course lev. A2+B1 in the first semester or English Course level B1 or B2 in the second semester. October is the month of the Parma Verdi Festival. Facilities are offered to enrolled students who want to experience a show at the Teatro Regio and/or other planned locations.

Minimum and maximum number of EOA students

1-5 (no max limit)

Number of teaching/production hours of the EOA module

  • 200 hours per semester (about 10 hours per week)

Number of ECTS within master accreditation

Depending on the number of hours done

Entrance examination:

Online examination through the Application, which needs to include

  • CV
  • Repertoire
  • Videos
  • Motivational letter (optional)

Final examination:

30-minute performance in piano accompaniment of voice (and/or opera scenes) 

Teaching language/Required level of language

Italian (min A2 to be improved) and English (B2)

Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included/excluded in this price

Erasmus students (STT) only. No extra fees.

Deadline for applications:

  • 1st deadline: 08 May 2025
  • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2025

Date for expected answers:

  • 1st deadline: 30 June 2025
  • 2nd deadline: 15 December 2025

PAR 2. Opera buffa in the 18th Century (singers)

Period of the EOA module in 2025-2026:

ERASMUS students (SMS only!*) may choose a mobility within one semester (or both)

  • Winter Semester: 1 October 2025 – 2nd week of February 2026
  • Spring Semester: 3rd week of February 2026 – 30 of June 2026

*SMS only means that this module is not available for Recent Graduates. 

Description of the EOA Module

This module guides the student through a path of vocal and scenic interpretation of one or more scenes from eighteenth-century Opera Buffa’s repertoire: Pergolesi, Cimarosa, Paisiello, or Rossini (preferably his “Farces in one act”)

  • Analysis, study and full understanding of the libretto(s) and character(s) chosen. 
  • Vocal technique and style coaching in Opera Buffa repertoire. 
  • Advanced Italian pronunciation and diction classes. 
  • Specific lessons on Recitativo. 
  • Individual coaching and group work: vocal and score lessons and group work on Scenic Art (Training of the actor’s body, physical and gestural laboratory). 
  • Preparation for final exam and concert(s).

Lessons will be held in Italian and English.

ERASMUS students have to choose other courses (e.g., Opera History, Poetic and Dramatic Literature, etc.) among those annually proposed by the Conservatory to reach the total number of required credits.

Special attention will be given to studying proper Italian diction and pronunciation with native Italian teachers to build the chosen Opera Buffa character (both scenic and vocal) with a complete linguistic and stylistic background, focusing on Recitativo.

Kind of voice and role

All kinds of voices suited for Opera Buffa’s repertoire.

The specialty of this module, in comparison with other courses in Europe

A complete immersion into Italian opera and the opportunity to develop the best practice in the Italian language applied to opera. Choose the repertoire (title and characters) according to the student’s needs. Exchange and collaboration with other students of the Conservatory (from all over the world) working on the same repertoire.

 A unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the rich operatic music culture of the territory, attending places of exceptional musical interest within the Conservatory (Musical Section of Libreria Palatina, Boito’s Studio, and Toscanini’s Studio) or in the immediately nearby it (the Library of the Istituto Nazionale di Studi Verdiani, the Museo dell’Opera, the Casa della Musica etc).

Possible extras in addition to this module:

Upon request, a little tour of the main “music treasures” of Verdi’s land: the birthplace of Verdi and Villa Sant’Agata, the Toscanini Museum, the world-renowned Teatro Regio, the beautiful Teatro Farnese (17th century), the Casa del Suono, etc. Opportunity to join English Course level B1 or B2 in the second semester. 

Open for:

Max 5

Name(s) of the professor(s) of this module:

  • Romano Franceschetto, Lucetta Bizzi, and Teaching staff (Vocal coach) from the Singing and Music Theatre Department of the Conservatory
  • Roberta Faroldi (diction and actor’s work)
  • Riccardo Mascia (Recitativo coach, Score and Repertoire)
  • Claudia Rondelli, Roberta Ropa, Laura Soracco, Luca Sabatino (Score and Repertoire)

Description of final examination:

Performance of an operatic full    Opera Buffa scene in front of a jury.    The examination may coincide with a public concert.

Number of teaching/teaching hours

60h of teaching (individual lessons + group lessons) per semester

Number of ECTS within master accreditation

Min 24 ECTS/semester (possibly increasing according to the Learning Agreement).

Entrance examination

Online examination through the Application needs to include the following:

  • CV
  • Repertoire
  • Videos
  • Motivational letter (optional)

Teaching language/Required level of language

Italian (min A2 to be improved) and English (B2).

Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included/excluded in this price

Erasmus students (SMS) only. No extra fees.

Deadline for applications

  • 1st deadline: 30 April 2025
  • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2025

Date for expected answers

  • 1st deadline: 30 June 2025
  • 2nd deadline: 15 December 2025

OSL 2. French baroque opera

Period of the EOA module in 2025-2026:

24 November 2025 – 01 February 2026

Content:

A fully staged performance with orchestra and dancers at the National Norwegian Opera. 

Names of the professors:

  • Jacopo Spirei
  • Luca de Marchi
  • Olesya Tutova
  • Markus Kvits
  • Anne Sofie von Otter
  • Bengt Forsberg
  • Solveig Kringelborn
  • Toril Carlsen

Open for:

1 Baryton

Number of teaching / production hours of the EOA module:

Preparation 180 hours

Production 200 hours

Number of ECTS:

12

Description of the final examination:

  • CV
  • Repertoire
  • Two videos 

Description of the final Examination.

  • Public performance

Deadline for applications: 

  • 1st deadline: 08 May 2025

Deadline for expected answers: 

  • 1st deadline: 01 June 2025

OSL 1. Italian bel canto project

Period of the EOA module in 2025-2026

20 October – 28 November 2025

Description of the Module

  • 5 weeks of stage rehearsals
  • Performances at KHiO, Mainstage 
  • A staged Italian bel canto project with director Jacopo Spirei and musical director Luca de Marchi and a baroque orchestra.

Names of the professors:

  • Director: Jacopo Spirei
  • Musical director: Luca de Marchi

Possible extras in addition to this module:

Vocal lessons, coaching, acting class, movement class

Open for:

  • 1 singers

Number of teaching / production hours of the EOA module:

  • Preparation 180 hours
  • Production 200 hours

Number of ECTs:

12 ECTs

Description of the final examination:

Performances dates TBA at KHiO, Mainstage

Entrance examination:

  • CV
  • Repertoire
  • Two videos (it can be a link to YouTube or any other platform)

Teaching language

English

Deadline for applications: 

  • 1st deadline: 08 May 2025

Deadline for expected answers: 

  • 1st deadline: 01 June 2025

MAA 1. Performance of a role in a fully staged opera with orchestra

Period of the EOA module in 2025-2026:

05 January – 13 February 2026

Period of production: 
  • Opera: “La prova di un’opera seria”  by Francesco Gnecco.
  • Location: Opera Zuid (Maastricht)
  • Conductor: Federico Santi
  • Director: TBA
  • Ensemble of musicians of Conservatorium Maastricht

Description of the EOA module:

Perform a leading role in an opera. A complete opera production, starting with comprehensive musical rehearsals led by maestro Federico Santi, followed by an intensive staging period, resulting in performances of the complete work with orchestra.

This module will focus on the cohesion between musical style and stagecraft, allowing for character development from two different perspectives. The final performance should result in a fully realised character, both vocally and acting-wise.

Open for:

  • Max 1 singer from the EOA can participate, next to our own singing and acting students.

Kind of voice and role:

  • Tenor. Role to be performed: Federico 

The module includes:

  • working with a (professional) conductor
  • a professional stage director
  • First 6 weeks include 15 hours of training by main subject teachers and opera coach.
  • Next 6 weeks working on the production

Names of the professors of this module:

  • Musical Director: Federico Santi
  • Conductor: Federico Santi
  • Stage director: TBC
  • Vocal coaches: Yvonne Schiffelers, Susanne Schimmack, Axel Everaert.

Possible extras besides the module:

  • individual vocal coaching on style, interpretation and applied technique by our vocal staff.
  • workshop dealing with artistic entrepreneurship, self-promotion via social media and branding will be offered. This will give young artists the tools and skills to develop their artistic careers and bring classical music to the core of society.

 

Number of teaching / production hours of the EOA module:

  • 20-30 hours of production rehearsals per week

Application:

Via application form in EOA website. Keep in mind you will need to include:

  • CV
  • Repertoire list
  • 2 Videos. NOTE: Repertoire for the application upon your choice.

Final Examination:

Permanent Artistic Evaluation + Public performance

Teaching language and Required level of language:

Working language will be English; the ability to work and rehearse with ease in English is required.

B2 level according to CEFR.

Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included / excluded in this price

Available through Erasmus. Living costs to be covered by applicant.

Deadline for applications:

  • 1st deadline: 08 May 2025
  • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2025

Deadline for expected answers: 

  • 1st deadline: 01 June 2025
  • 2nd deadline: 15 October 2025

LOD 2. Early Music Workshop

Period of the EOA module in 2025-2026:

Autumn Semester 2025: October – November 2025

NOTE: This module is a continuation of LOD 1, and it is planned to happen in the first semester of the academic year 2025-2026. Check with your International Officer whether you will be eligible for Erasmus Grants in the academic year 2025-2026.

Description of the module:

Perform a role in a fully staged opera production “L’Egisto” by Francesco Cavalli. Professional training and preparations finalised with complete public performance with orchestra. Considering a short time of training we prefer students with high awarness of a baroque style and very good knowledge of musical material.

This includes:

  • Vocal coaching (theory of the affects, rhetoric, parlar cantando, performance practices of 17th century, early Italian ornamentation)
  • Acting
  • Language coaching
  • Musical rehearsals with the conductor/harpsichordist and orchestra
  • Stage rehearsals with the stage director.

Kind of voice and role:

  • Tenor – Egisto
  • Tenor – Hipparco
  • Soprano – Climene
  • Soprano – Clori
  • Soprano –  L’Aurora/Amore/Ora prima
  • Soprano – Bellezza/Semele/Ora seconda
  • Soprano – Voluptia/Fedra/Ora terza
  • Soprano – Venere/Hero/Ora quarta
  • Mezzosoprano – Dema
  • Mezzosoprano – La Notte/Didone
  • Bass – Lidio
  • Bass – Apollo

Specialty of this module in comparison with other courses in Europe

  • The module gives the possibility of acquiring specialized training in the area of early baroque music.

Possible extras beside the module:

  • Baroque Program – supplementary seminars devoted to Theory of the Affects and Ornamentation
  • All concerts and events produced by University of Music in Lodz (free admission for EOA students)
  • Participation in selected concerts and activities of Vocal Department (upon your choice) 

Number of teaching / production hours of the EOA module:

From 20-40 hours of production rehearsals per week

Teaching:

  • Working with the vocal coaches
  • Working with the conductor
  • Working with the stage director

Production:

  • Ensemble rehearsals with singers and the conductor
  • Ensemble rehearsals with singers and the stage director

Ensemble rehearsals with singers, orchestra, the conductor and the stage director

Number of ECTS:

25 ECTS

Minimum and maximum number of students:

1 – 12  max

Entrance examination:

Contact the coordinator:

Anna Werecka

anna.werecka-gryc@amuz.lodz.pl

The following attachments shall be submitted with the application:

  • CV
  • Repertoire list
  • Two videos (for example via YouTube)
  • Repertoire for the application:
  1. one fragment of Cavalli’s Egisto or any piece from the early 17th century (Caccini, Monteverdi etc.)
  2. one aria upon your choice.

Description of the final Examination

Public performance of a fully staged opera at the Concert Hall of the University of Music in Łódź. The premiere and the following performances will take place during the renowned AŻ Festival. 

Deadline for application and requirements:

  • 1st deadline: 30 April 2024
  • 2nd deadline 15 September 2024

Date for expected answers:

  • 1st deadline: 15 May 2024
  • 2nd deadline: 30 September 2024

Total expenses of the EOA module per student and what is included/excluded in this price

  • Module is available within an Erasmus exchange.

Note! Please, contact your Erasmus office as early as possible in order to be qualified in time for Erasmus

scholarship. All qualified Erasmus candidates must be first nominated by the Erasmus office of the sending institution – international@amuz.lodz.pl

  • Module could be also available as postgraduate studies. The fee is then approx. 2000 EUR (travel and living costs not included).

Language: 

English, Italian

Activity: 

Training / Operatic practice / Performance

Module type: 

Opera performance

HAM 1. Singing and acting, German/Italian Repertoire

Period of the EOA module in 2025-2026:

  • April – May – June 2026 (summer semester)

Open for:

1-3 vocal students

Content:

  • German Repertoire (Lortzing – Mozart – Wagner) and Italian Repertoire (Monteverdi – Mozart – Bellini)
  • Role studies, ensemble studies; work on recitatives, accurate understanding of texts and sheet music, discussion of style and musical Gestus (gestures/attitude).
  • Theatrical and musical performance
  • Phonetics, dialogue training

At the end of the summer semester, a big opera production is staged with a professional orchestra and conductor, with a total of 9 performances at the academy’s theatre (450 seats)

The theatrical and musical performance subject is taught jointly by the theatrical performance lecturer and the lecturer for role studies. Exchange of views on key issues in music and staging. Interpretation of roles (character development), physical training.

Important dates related to the production:

  • April 1st, 2026: Rehearsals start
  • Rest of the dates To BE Announced

Name(s) of the professor(s) of this module:

  • Willem Wentzel (Head of Music)
  • Siegfried Schwab (German Repertoire)
  • Fausto Nardi (Italian Repertoire)

Possible extras:

  • Possible participation in modern music theatre productions
  • A course in MusikTheaterRegie (MTR, music theatre direction)
  • Exchange and collaboration with MTR students

Number of ECTS:

9-14 teaching hours per week

20 ECTS (Approx.)

Description of the final examination:

Theatrical-musical performance of two music theatre scenes (aria and ensemble)

Participation in opera production

Communication language:

German and English