K-12 Education Programs

Austin Opera shares the magic of opera with thousands of children in the Central Texas region every year. Our programs give students a rare opportunity to experience one of the theater’s most creative and engaging art forms, in the classroom and on the stage.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Email Debra Erck, Director of Education at derck@austinopera.org

Opera Treasure Chest

Recommended for grades K-5 (free)

Opera Treasure Chest is a free program that includes TEKS-aligned interactive lesson plans culminating in a live opera performance for students in grades K-5. Each lesson comes with the materials teachers need to help students experience opera while reinforcing writing skills, critical thinking and creativity. Teachers at participating schools “check out” treasure chests full of opera-related materials— including printed lesson plans, DVDs, books, and puppets. TEKs areas addressed by the Opera Treasure Chest include music, theatre, art, language arts and health education. Contact Debra Erck, Director of Education at derck@austinopera.org to schedule this program for your school.

Opera Treasure Chest Materials

What is Opera, Anyway? PowerPoint: This PowerPoint is provided to accompany LESSON 1: What is Opera, Anyway? From the Opera Treasure Chest Binder. It features illustrations from the book Bravo! Bravo! A Night at the Opera. This PowerPoint introduces students to opera vocabulary and the many different careers associated with the art form.

– Christopher Koenig, Herrington Elementary, Round Rock ISD

“The Opera Treasure Chest was a great ‘hook’ for getting kids past their preconceived notions about opera. Knowing that opera tells a story, that both boys and girls can participate, that there are lots of people doing so many artistic things to get ready for a performance, these were all invaluable lessons for my kids.”

– Janett Cavasos, Ridgetop Elementary, AISD

“My kids absolutely loved the twists to some of the operas that we read and learned about. Great resource!”

– Nathalie Schiele, Bryker Woods, AISD

“The Opera Treasure chest has been fun! My 2nd graders won’t stop talking about opera in the halls. I think they’re going to be disappointed that it’s gone next time they come to music!”

Mindful Music Moments

Mindful Music Moments, a collaboration between City Silence and Austin Opera, combines classical music and mindfulness to calm and focus the mind while creating a lasting relationship with music. Every day, students and teachers listen to excerpts of classical music curated by Austin Opera and City Silence and are led through a mindful meditation.

After an initial pilot this Spring at select schools in AISD, plans are underway for additional schools in the Austin area to participate in the 2018-2019 school year. For more information about how to bring this program to your school or organization, contact Stacy Sims – truestacy@gmail.com, or Debra Erck – derck@austinopera.org.

Mindful Music Moments: Daily Mindfulness and Music

Mindful Music Moments Flyer

MORE ABOUT MINDFUL MUSIC

Starting the School Day With Calm and Classical Music

Mindful Music Facebook page

Access Opera

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. Go to the ACCESS OPERA page for more information and to register online.

ACCESS OPERA PRODUCTIONS AND DATES

All performances will take place at the Long Center and begin at 7:00 PM

Otello – Thursday, November 8, 2018

Silent Night – Thursday, January 24, 2019

La bohème – Thursday, April 25, 2019

– Michelle Escuder, Kirby Hall School

“Exposing children to opera at a young age is essential to creating a lifelong appreciation for the art form. Making it accessible to them in their own city is invaluable. We had a wonderful time. This is one of the greatest programs available in Austin and I am thrilled we found it!”

– John Garcia, Casey Elementary, Austin ISD

“This was an amazing opportunity to introduce younger students to opera! Thank you for providing us with this valuable program! Please continue ACCESS OPERA! We would love to participate again in the future.”

Master Class Series

Recommended for high school students and older (free, but reservation required)

Join Austin Opera for a masterclass presented in partnership with the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas. The masterclass allows UT students to work with an internationally recognized performer.

While participation is limited to selected UT students and Austin Opera chorus members, the general public is invited to attend and see a Master of the voice work with singers, touching on subjects of musicality, the mechanics of singing, and what it is like to perform on stage. This is a great opportunity for anyone who has ever wondered how our singers do what they do.

Spotlight Artist Program

Recommended for Middle School and High School students (free)

Austin Opera’s Spotlight Artist program provides students with a close up opportunity to engage with an opera singer performing in the 2018-2019 season for Austin Opera. Our Spotlight Artist is available to visit school music programs in the Austin area for a class period. During this time, they will perform a recital of selections from opera, art songs and musical theatre. Afterwards, the Spotlight Artist will discuss their career path and experiences, as well engage in a Q & A with participating students. This year we are thrilled to have Austin Seibert, baritone, as our Spotlight Artist. A limited number of Spotlight Artist visits are available throughout the school year. Contact Debra Erck at derck@austinopera.org to schedule a visit to your school.