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Education

Welcome to the World of Opera!

Austin Opera’s education programs present a variety of performances, activities, and resources to enhance the lives of Central Texans through opera. Join us in celebrating a diverse, inclusive, and timeless art form. Whether it’s the music, the stunning visual production, or the timeless storytelling that draws you in, our commitment is to open pathways for you to experience it all. We work directly with educators, community leaders, students, and parents to make our offerings relevant, educational, and entertaining. Opera enriches lives and learning at every age.

Opera on the spot (virtual)

K-5th grades. 30 minutes.

This fun and interactive online program, launched in May 2020, actively engages young students in the creative process as they learn about opera.
FILL OUT AN EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUEST FORM NOW!

Opera on the Spot really sparked the students’ interests as they heard their own stories come to life in song…and has made this artform approachable, understandable, and accessible for kids. When I work with Austin Opera, I’m confident that we will have a quality event. Thank you!”

– Michelle Chan-Thomson, Program Specialist, Girl Scouts of Central Texas

WATCH AN OPERA ON THE SPOT VIDEO

READ MORE ABOUT OPERA ON THE SPOT

opera treasure chest

K-5th grades.

Check out Austin Opera’s flagship elementary program, easily adapted to support educators provide quality fine arts instruction and engage students in a variety of formats and settings.

opera storytime (virtual)

Pre-K-2nd grades. 20-30 minutes.

Invite an Austin Opera teaching artist into your classroom to read a “musical” story – complete with an operatic singing demonstration and a sing-a-long opportunity for the students!

FIND OUT MORE! FILL OUT AN EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUEST FORM NOW!

Online video resources

Austin Opera’s library of video resources has something for everyone! from Opera Brain Breaks to Vocal Pedagogy Videos, check out the variety of options and enter the magical world of opera with us!

click here and start watching

Animated listening maps and access opera library

For all ages.

Enjoy some of opera’s greatest music with Austin Opera’s ACCESS OPERA Animated Listening Maps! These videos feature beautiful recordings and provide for mindful & engaging listening while students are introduced to themes, melodic contour, rhythms, instrumentation, and form through the art of animation. Unit Plans (including PowerPoints and Lesson plans) are also provided for educators and learning at home.

access opera

Access Opera: The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs—coming soon!

Recommended for grades 5-12, depending on production (free).

Thousands of students and educators attend Austin Opera mainstage dress rehearsals through Access Opera. Prior to each event, online resources are made available, as well as live docent presentations, to prepare students for the experience of attending the opera. Docent programs and select study materials are also available in Spanish, on request.

Click here to register for Access Opera, and for more info

teen opera club of texas

Calling all teens aged 13-19!

Join the Teen Opera Club of Texas, the biggest opera club for teens hosted by 5 of the Lone Star State’s leading opera companies: Austin Opera, The Dallas Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and OPERA San Antonio! Each month teens from all over the world will have a chance to socialize with each other over their love of the arts as each company hosts online events.

FIND OUT MORE OR JOIN TODAY!

Sarah & Ernest Butler Masterclass Series

Attend our Sarah & Ernest Butler Masterclass Series for college aged and chorus singers OR schedule a Masterclass for your rising stars to sing and receive coaching from one of our artists on your campus.

We can also coordinate a “meet and greet” with Austin Opera staff and opera industry colleagues on request.

FIND OUT MORE! FILL OUT AN EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUEST FORM NOW!

vocal pedagogy videos

Austin Opera teaching artists share best practices for singing, specifically for young singers at the middle school and high levels. These short videos present topics for skill development, including vocal warm-ups and information to address specific challenges that singers face in the choral rehearsal and beyond. Perfect for practicing a new technique or warming up your voice for a ZOOM choir class or private voice lesson!

WATCH VOCAL PEDAGOGY VIDEOS HERE

Live from indy terrace

For all ages.

Austin Opera’s weekly series is a great way to celebrate the end of the week – or the beginning of a new one! New episodes stream most Friday afternoons at 3:00 P.M., but you can view past performances at any time.

WATCH AND READ NOW!

more opera learning resources

For all ages.

Find a variety of opera learning resources on topics ranging from voice types, careers in the arts, costume design, opera history, and more, including Opera Snapshot activities based on archival clips from some of our most celebrated productions!

Lead Education and Community Engagement Sponsor