Artist Diploma in Opera Studies

Deepen your expertise and refine your artistry.

The Artist Diploma is a highly selective, individualized non-degree program designed for the artist on the path to a professional performance career. Artist Diploma students represent our highest standards of artistic excellence, and demonstrate an exceptional level of performance and musical achievement.

This program requires a minimum residence of two years, with an expected completion of the program within three years. Based on an apprenticeship model, these students receive professional development and management support individually from faculty and guest artists.

Admission to the program will involve a comprehensive evaluation of materials and two rounds of audition review, including a live interview. All Artist Diploma candidates are considered for a full tuition scholarship and are eligible for a Bowes Center housing stipend.

The Artist Diploma is currently offered for Piano, Opera Studies, and String and Piano Chamber Music students.

Opera Studies

Required Courses

Curriculum: Artist Diploma in Opera Studies
Credit Total: 48

The Artist Diploma in Opera Studies is a highly selective, individualized non-degree training program for pre-professional singers. These artists will demonstrate technical proficiency, a grasp of the major singing languages and styles, and overall artistic excellence. This program requires a residence of two years.

Admission to the program will involve a comprehensive evaluation of materials and a final round of audition review. Applicants must audition live in San Francisco to be considered for this program. All Artist Diploma candidates are considered for a full tuition scholarship and are eligible for a Bowes Center housing stipend.

Current offerings of the Artist Diploma curriculum include one (1) major role guarantee during the two-year program, weekly voice lessons, weekly coachings from both the Head of Music and an extensive roster of SFCM and SF Opera coaches, one-on-one acting training, language study, and a weekly symposium on score and libretto analysis in alternation with masterclasses with major artists of the operatic stage. There is also frequent casting in Opera Scenes performances and other ancillary Department concerts and events.

Past guests have included Patricia Racette, Amina Edris, Irene Roberts, John Churchwell (HGO, Music Academy of the West), Dominic Domingo (Askonas Holt), Matthew Piatt (SF Opera, Metropolitan Opera) John Keene (SF Opera), Omer Ben Seadia, Carrie-Ann Matheson (Adler Fellowship, Merola Opera Program), diction coaches Patricia Kristof Moy (French) and Anja Burmeister (German), and distinguished alumni of SFCM Voice and Opera programs.