The Opera School motto in Latin is ‘Nihil tumultus tantum opera’ which translated is ‘Minimum fuss, maximum work’ and the New Zealand Kokako is chosen for the logo because it has beautiful, clear, organ-like song. It can carry over great distances. Every Kokako population has its own distinctive song a phenomenon which many consider analogous to human dialects Students of the NZ Opera School perform NZ's first Flash Opera at the Whanganui River Traders Market
 

Students at the School

This is where you will find the answers to many questions about the New Zealand Opera School

This page provides details of the Opera School basics. More details can be found on the Daily Schedule; Tutors and Coaches and The Campus pages. Please browse the points below and then click "Application Form" if you are a prospective student

Where is the School held?

The New Zealand Opera School is housed in GODWIN HOUSE at Wanganui Collegiate School

Who is the School for?

Singers eligible for the School are ideally 20 years of age or over and are serious about pursuing an opera career. We provide tuition for graduate, post-graduate level and working singers.

When is the School held?

The School runs each January from the 3rd to the 15th, irrespective of when those dates fall in the calendar week.

How do I get there and when should I arrive?

Wanganui is serviced by national flights and a bus service. The Collegiate grounds have secure parking if you wish to arrive by car. If you arrive by bus or fly in, a member of the management team will meet you and bring you to the Collegiate campus.

And what does it cost?

The fee for the 2012 School is $1,350.00 which covers the following costs for the period students are living in the School :-

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon teas)
  • Accommodation (including bedding)
  • Use of the Collegiate facilities including gym, swimming pool and practice studios.

The tuition at the NZ Opera School is provided for no charge to the students. It is our valued sponsors that provide the funding for all tutors and pianists; individual tuition, coaching and masterclasses.

We have held our prices to an absolute minimum for the past 15 years; current fees will be set by June the year before so that everyone knows the savings target!
We have a policy of preferential offering of tuition to New Zealand singers, however international singers are still encouraged to apply understanding the fee structure will be different. For our international students the fees will be by negotiation but will not be less than the standard fee.

If I'm successful in enrolling what do I bring?

  • Three copies of music as set or agreed by the Directors
  • Other operatic music which you may wish to work on
  • A recording device such as an MP3 or iPod to record your individual sessions and masterclasses
  • Your clothing, suitable for exercise and movement classes, individual lessons, public masterclasses and evening wear for a public Opera School Concert
  • Toiletries and personal medication
  • You will be provided with a full list closer to the time of the School

Enrolment Form for Prespective Students >>> (Enrolment now closed for the Current School)


See a list of the students for the 2012 School >>>

 

What about visitors?

Visitors are welcome at the School, there is a fee to cover administration and catering costs. If you would like to observe classes there is an additional fee. Visitors can contact the School for information here >>>

NB: ALL VISITORS MUST REGISTER WITH THE OPERA SCHOOL OFFICE UPON ARRIVAL