Opera Scenes Intensive

May 10th to May 24th, 2026

Professional Training Rooted in the Bel Canto Tradition

The Nashville Bel Canto Foundation offers young opera singers the opportunity to refine their artistry through immersive, fully-funded training rooted in the Italian operatic tradition.

Apply to the program

Our programs are designed to support singers during the crucial transition from student to professional, providing personalized guidance, hands-on experience, and meaningful performance opportunities.

Bel Canto Opera Scenes Intensive

Duration: Two weeks (May 10th to May 24th, 2026) | Cost: Tuition-free

Location: Nashville, TN | Participants: 8 carefully selected singers

This program focuses on practical, high-level artistic development. Singers receive daily coaching in voice, Italian diction, acting, and interpretation—all led by native Italian coaches and distinguished faculty with experience at top conservatories and opera companies.

The intensive culminates in a fully staged public performance, offering singers valuable stage experience and exposure to local audiences.

What makes this program unique

Immersive Coaching

One-on-one and group sessions in vocal technique, diction, stagecraft, and style.

Performance-Driven

The course concludes with a public concert featuring staged opera scenes.

Career Support

Participants receive professional headshots, audition training, and guidance on building a compelling artistic profile.

Completely Funded

All training and materials are covered by the Foundation at no cost to the singer.

Designed for the emerging artist

This program is ideal for:
• Singers completing or recently out of graduate-level vocal study.
• Artists ready to refine their craft and build stage experience.
• Performers looking to grow artistically in a collaborative, supportive, and intensive environment.

We help talented singers bridge the gap between training and performance, offering a space where they can grow in both confidence and artistry.

Our Faculty

The program is led by native Italian coaches and experienced professionals committed to the bel canto tradition.

Faculty members have held teaching and performance roles at major conservatories and opera institutions in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Our Track Record

• Our inaugural 2025 edition featured 10 promising singers selected through a competitive process
• Participants trained daily and performed for a live audience in Nashville
• The program was praised for its high level of instruction, warmth, and professional focus

2026 Bel Canto Opera Scenes Intensive

Interested in Applying?

Eligibility
Prior stage experience, a voice degree (or nearing graduation) with demonstrated technical proficiency, and authorization to work in the United States.

Age Limit:
30 years old.

Application Deadline:
January 31st, 2026.

Required Materials:

Two Italian arias in contrasting styles (including one by Mozart), recorded with high quality audio.
One Italian art song (excluding selections from the 24 Italian Songs and Arias collection).
One recommendation letter from a professional in the opera industry.
Submissions must be shared as YouTube or Vimeo links; full video files will not be accepted.