NYOA is summer opera academy where high school singers perform a complete, fully staged opera with orchestra.
Over the course of the Academy students will:
1. Perform in The Tinker of Tivoli
2. Attend a performance of The Barber of Seville at Santa Fe Opera starring Sun-Ly Pierce3. Learn from Santa Fe and Metropolitan Opera Principal Artists through a series of Masterclasses
4. Partake in Industry Insight Sessions covering topics such as artist marketing, career development, and the business side of the music business
5. Rehearse everyday in an environment that mimics what students can expect at the collegiate level
6. Take acting classes and gain familiarity with stage craft and character development
7. Prepare for college and conservatory auditions
The next stage of a singer's education comes with new expectations. The more familiar with an environemnt an artist is, the more freedom they have to delve into their craft.
By learning how rehearsals evolve, how conductors and directors communicate, and how staging takes shape, students become comfortable with the process while still being in high school. When they enter college, conservatory, or another advanced program, thay are already ahead of the curve and able to stand out in a crowd. That early advantage of walking into an environment in which they know they belong compounds throughout their careers.
NYOA is a strong fit for high school vocalists who:
1. Want to experience but being in a complete opera rehearsal and production process culminating with performance on stage in front of an audience feels like.
2. Are interested in vocal performance and classical singing
3. Want to learn how to work effectively with conductors and directors.
4. Want to learn from mainstage artists in the profession.
5. Already to collaborate with a company of colleagues
6. Want coaching on interpretation and performance
7. Want a college audition panel to see someone who is ready for what comes next.
Prior performance experience is preferred but is not the only measure of readiness. NYOA also values artistic potential, curiosity, preparation, and an eagerness to learn.
Every member of the NYOA team is currently active in the professional opera and performing arts field. Vocal Fellows learn from people who bring current rehearsal, production, performance, teaching, and career experience into the Academy. Guest Masterclass Instructors include Kevin Burdette, Sun-Ly Pierce, and Justin Austin.
Artistic Director Johnathan McCullough has modeled the curriculum based on his time at the Curtis Institute of Music and a career as a professional opera singer in Germany, the United States, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
"The candid feedback and personal experiences from the opera professionals was priceless." - NYOA Parent
Student accommodations are included in tuition at the Drury Plaza, one of Santa Fe’s premier hotels, located steps from the historic downtown. Ranked as Travel + Leisure’s #1 2025 U.S. destination, Santa Fe provides a vibrant backdrop for the NYOA experience, combining art, culture, and community.
