¡CANTEMOS ZARZUELA!

Musical Gems from Spain and the Americas

The OPERA San Antonio-Classical Music Institute Young Artist Program is an intensive training program focusing on classical solo and chamber vocal music. We offer three different tiers for singers and one for collaborative vocal pianists during our summer festival.

The 2024 program will feature performances of zarzuela and Spanish-language repertoire led by guest music director Pablo Zinger in addition to our regular audition preparation and performance opportunities with the OSA and CMI faculty. Performances will take place at the Mexican Cultural Institute of San Antonio, The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, and the Edgewood Fine Arts Academy.

All participants will take part in individual coaching, solo and ensemble performances, master classes, and career seminars with members of the OSA Artistic Staff and CMI Artist-Faculty.

Applicants may apply for consideration for multiple programs.

Program Types

Studio Artist Program (June 5 - June 22)

The Studio Artist Program caters to undergraduate and masters-level singers looking to hone their craft with professionals in the field. Participants will have the opportunity to partake in lessons, coachings, rehearsals, and performances in San Antonio. Scholarships are available.
(~30 positions)

  • Ideal Candidate
    • Pursuing or recently earned an undergraduate or masters degree in Vocal Performance or Pedagogy.
    • Artists of any age are welcome to apply.
  • Cost & Compensation
    Participants will be responsible for their own housing, transportation to San Antonio, and any associated expenses.
    • Cost:
      • Total Cost: $1950
        • Tuition: $600.
        • Housing: $75 per night single occupancy ($1350 for 18 nights) at the Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza (425 Bonham, San Antonio, TX 78205.) Parking and breakfast are included.
          • A 50% down payment is due May 3, 2024 with the remainder due May 31, 2024.
            • Tuition Only$300 due May 3, 2024. $300 due May 31, 2024.
            • Tuition & Housing$975 due May 3, 2024. $975 due May 31, 2024.
        • Travel to San Antonio: Not provided
    • Compensation:
      • Lunch will be provided during the days we’re in residence at Edgewood Fine Arts Academy (June 10-14, 17-18, & 20).
      • Local Transportation will be provided for out of town artists.
      • Artists with a vehicle may be asked to help out with transportation needs. Any mileage deemed valid as CMI business by faculty or staff will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate of $.625 per mile.
  • Dates
    • June 5: Arrival
    • June 6: Activities Start
    • June 21: Final Concert
    • June 22: Departure
  • Participation Requirements
    • Artists may be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid test prior to their departure for San Antonio and again 3 days after their arrival. Symptomatic artists may be required to quarantine for at least five days and present a negative rapid COVID-19 test to return to the festival. Any tests during the festival dates will be at the artist’s expense.

Apprentice Artist Program (June 3 - June 28)

The Apprentice Artist Program is designed for advanced singers looking for copious performance experience singing for multiple community venues around the San Antonio area. Repertoire will likely be drawn from the 2024-2025 OPERA San Antonio main stage season. Tuition scholarship ($600) and a $1000 stipend are provided. Housing and flight are not covered, local transportation is covered.

Finalists are required to audition live and in-person in San Antonio on April 3, 2024.
(4 positions)

The Apprentice Artist Program requires a longer residency than the other programs.
Participants must be available in San Antonio June 3 – June 28, 2024

Finalists for the Apprentice Artist Program are required to audition live and in-person in San Antonio on April 3, 2024.

  • Ideal Candidate
    • Artists with, or in pursuit of, a Masters or Artist Diploma in Vocal Performance are preferred. Students in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in voice or recent graduates at the time of application may also apply.
    • Artists of any age are welcome to apply.
  • Cost & Compensation
    • Participants responsible for their own housing, transportation, and any associated expenses for the duration of the program.
    • Compensation
      • Stipend: $1000
        • Participants selected for this program will receive a $750 stipend from the Opera Guild of San Antonio Margaret King Stanley Vocal Scholarship Fund to help supplement housing and travel expenses. An additional $250 stipend will be paid to each artist at the conclusion of the program.
      • Tuition: None
      • Lunch will be provided during the days we’re in residence at Edgewood Fine Arts Academy (June 10-14, 17-18, & 20).
      • Local Transportation: Transportation will be provided for out of town artists.
        • *Artists with a vehicle may be asked to help out with transportation needs. Any mileage deemed valid as CMI business by faculty or staff will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate of $.625 per mile.
    • Cost
      • Housing is not provided
        • Housing: $75 per night single occupancy (~$1725 for 23 nights, dates may change slightly depending on tour to Laredo, TX) at the Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza (425 Bonham, San Antonio, TX 78205.) Parking and breakfast are included.
          • A 50% down payment is due May 3, 2024 with the remainder due May 31, 2023.
            • Tuition & Housing$862.50 due May 3, 2024. $862.50 due May 31, 2024.
            • When on tour to Laredo, TX the artists will have housing provided.
      • Travel to San Antonio: Not provided

Teaching-Artist Fellowship Program
(June 5 - June 22)

The Teaching-Artist Fellowship Program is designed for performers with a strong interest in teaching. Participants will perform chamber music alongside other Teaching-Artists and CMI faculty, teach lessons, and participate in one-on-one professional development opportunities. Tuition scholarship ($600), $1000 stipend, up to $500 in travel reimbursement, and housing/local transportation are provided. (3 positions)

  • Ideal Candidate
    • Pursuing a graduate degree or are early-career professional vocalists with a strong interest in vocal pedagogy.
    • Artists of any age are welcome to apply.
  • Cost & Compensation
    • Compensation
      • Stipend: $1000
      • Travel Reimbursement: Up to $500
      • Tuition: None
      • Housing is provided
        • Housing is at the Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza (425 Bonham, San Antonio, TX 78205.) Parking and breakfast are included.
    • Lunch will be provided during the days we’re in residence at Edgewood Fine Arts Academy (June 10-14, 17-18, & 20).
      • Local Transportation: Provided
        • *Artists with a vehicle may be asked to help out with transportation needs. Any mileage deemed valid as CMI business by faculty or staff will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate of $.625 per mile.
    • Cost: None
  • Dates
    • June 5: Arrival
    • June 6: Activities Start
    • June 21: Final Concert
    • June 22: Departure
  • Interview
    • Select candidates will be asked to do a virtual interview during the week of March 18-22.
  • Participation Requirements
    • Artists may be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid test prior to their departure for San Antonio and again 3 days after their arrival. Symptomatic artists will be required to quarantine for at least five days and present a negative rapid COVID-19 test to return to the festival. Any tests during the festival dates will be at the artist’s expense.

Vocal Collaborative Piano Fellowship
(June 3 - June 28)

The Vocal Collaborative Piano Fellowship is geared towards up-and-coming vocal pianist-coaches. They will perform both with the Teaching-Artist Fellows and the Apprentice Artists. The artist will also take part in the touring program which visits different locations in San Antonio. A $1000 stipend, up to $500 in travel reimbursement, and housing/local transportation are provided. (1 position)

The Vocal Collaborative Piano Fellowship requires a longer residency than the other programs. Participants must be available in San Antonio June 3 – June 28, 2024.

  • Ideal Candidate
    • Pianists who are strongly interested in pursuing vocal collaborative arts. Students who are pursuing (or have recently completed) a degree in Piano Performance or Collaborative Piano are welcome to apply.
    • Artists of any age are welcome to apply.
  • Cost & Compensation
    • Compensation
      • Stipend: $1000
      • Travel Reimbursement: Up to $500
      • Tuition: None
      • Housing is provided
        • Housing is at the Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza (425 Bonham, San Antonio, TX 78205.) Parking and breakfast are included.
    • Lunch will be provided during the days we’re in residence at Edgewood Fine Arts Academy (June 10-14, 17-18, & 20).
      • Local Transportation: Provided
        • *Artists with a vehicle may be asked to help out with transportation needs. Any mileage deemed valid as CMI business by faculty or staff will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate of $.625 per mile.
    • Cost: None
  • Dates
    • June 3: Arrival
    • June 4: Activities Start
    • June 21: Final Concert in San Antonio
    • June 24: Departure on Tour
    • June 28: Return to San Antonio from Tour
      • Exact tour dates are still TBD
  • Interview
    • Virtual Interview
      • Select candidates will be asked to do a virtual interview during the week of March 18-22.
      • Candidates will be asked to perform a brief sight-reading excerpt as part of the interview.
  • Participation Requirements
    • Artists may be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid test prior to their departure for San Antonio and again 3 days after their arrival. Symptomatic artists will be required to quarantine for at least five days and present a negative rapid COVID-19 test to return to the festival. Any tests during the festival dates will be at the artist’s expense.
ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE:
  • Individual Lessons
  • Vocal Coachings
  • Masterclasses
  • Repertoire dependent on enrollment, but my include:
    - Solo Songs
    -Chamber Music Performances
    -Opera Scenes & Arias
  • Diction & Song Literature Coaching
  • Artistic Leadership & Career Seminars
  • Free Admission to Festival Cocerts & Events
  • Headshots with a professional photographer for an additional fee of $100 for a session producing 4 edited & publishable photos

Apply Now

Application Requirements
  • Headshot
  • Resume
  • Two recent video performances of contrasting repertoire. Live accompaniment preferred. Videos made with pre-recorded audio tracks are also acceptable. Apprentice Artist applicants should submit operatic selections. Selections in Spanish are highly recommended.
  • Repertoire or list of works you have recently studied/performed. Please include arias, ensembles, and musical theater.
  • Voice Teaching-Artist Fellowship applicants need to submit a 1-page maximum statement on their philosophy of teaching (not applicable for pianists.)

Please contact Christopher Besch (voice@cmi-sa.org) with any questions.

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