Program Description

The Opera Minor provides students with focused training in the study and performance of opera. The program develops skills in vocal performance, stagecraft, movement, diction, and ensemble collaboration. Students gain practical experience through participation in opera workshop productions, scenes programs, and fully staged performances, while exploring the history, literature, and evolving practices of the operatic tradition. The minor offers an excellent complement to degrees in music, theatre, and related disciplines, equipping students with performance versatility and a deeper understanding of opera’s role in contemporary culture and the performing arts.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate healthy, stylistically appropriate vocal production for operatic repertoire, including breath management, resonance, registration, and diction at a level consistent with a focused minor. 
2. Apply accurate lyric diction (IPA-based) in English and at least two of Italian, German, and French, showing intelligibility, prosody, and basic translation skills in aria and ensemble contexts. 
3. Analyze and interpret operatic scores with attention to form, harmony, style, historical context, and composer-specific performance practices, and incorporate those insights into rehearsal and performance. 
4. Integrate acting technique, stage movement, and character analysis to create credible, text-driven performances that respond to music, libretto, and directorial guidance. 
5. Collaborate effectively in scenes and ensembles, demonstrating preparation, musical independence, punctuality, score marking, and constructive responsiveness to feedback in rehearsals. 
6. Apply foundational knowledge of stagecraft (blocking, stage geography, safety, and basic technical elements such as costumes/props/lighting) to support efficient, safe, and professional productions.

This program is a part of the Richard S. Geer Family College of the Arts. 

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Admissions, Enrollment, & Graduation Criteria

Admissions Criteria

In addition to meeting the general admissions requirements to Kennesaw State University, students must also meet the following criteria: 

1. Eligibility Requirements

   • Open to undergraduate students in the Dance, B.A., Music, B.M., Music Education, B.M., or Theatre and Performance Studies, B.A programs.

2. Prerequisite Coursework/Experience

   • Prior enrollment in diction and language courses is recommended.

   • Basic piano skills and music theory proficiency (as determined by placement or coursework) are expected.

3. Application Requirements

   • Interested students must submit an application form (available through the BSOM office) by the end of their sophomore year.

   • Applications must include a short personal statement outlining interest in opera study and performance goals.

   • Admission decisions are made by the Opera/Voice faculty committee.

4. Audition Requirements
   • Admission to the Opera Minor is limited by audition.The auditioning pool is limited to established/declared music majors.
   • Entrance to the Opera Minor requires a successful audition before the Voice/Opera faculty.
   • Auditions assess vocal ability, diction, musical preparation, stage presence, and potential for operatic study.
   • Students must present two contrasting art songs or arias (in at least two different languages).

Enrollment Criteria

In addition to meeting the requirements of Academic Policy 4.0 ACADEMIC STANDING, DISMISSAL, & REINSTATEMENT , students are expected to meet the following enrollment criteria: 

1. Academic Standing

   • Students must maintain at least a 2.75 GPA in their major coursework and a 3.0 GPA in music courses to remain in the minor.

   • Continuation in the program is contingent upon satisfactory progress in applied voice lessons and opera performance courses.

2. Participation Requirement

   • Students must commit to regular participation in opera workshop, opera scenes, or full opera productions as assigned by faculty.

   • Attendance at rehearsals, coachings, and production activities is mandatory.

Graduation Criteria

Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in Academic Policy 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION  .

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Program Course Requirements