Houston Grand Opera Young Artists Vocal Academy (YAVA)

HGO’s Young Artists' Vocal Academy was established in 2011 to work specifically with singers at the undergraduate level. Our aim is to take the most talented young singers and help them on the path to artistry by introducing them to the breadth of information required for this career and the nature of excellent training. Singers will leave the week with a clearer understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and how to find the help they need. They will also have made contacts at HGO which will last their whole career.

The week-long course is held on-site at HGO, and all fees, room and board is covered by the opera company. As well as a variety of group classes in subjects such as characterization, how to prepare a score, diction and movement, participants will receive individual training in the form of daily voice lessons with HGO's Director of Vocal Instruction, Stephen King, daily coachings with members of HGO's music staff, and dramatic coachings.

The Young Artists Vocal Academy (YAVA) is generously underwritten by Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Wakefield and the HGO Guild. Additional support for YAVA is provided by Mr. Patrick Carfizzi, and Dr. David and Mrs. Norine Gill. HGO thanks Magnolia Houston for generous support of the HGO Studio and YAVA programs.