High School Programs

The Young Voices of the Santa Fe Opera was created in January of 2008 to encourage, nurture and guide high school students exhibiting talent, desire and potential for singing classical music. Program participants receive voice lessons and musical coaching by the Santa Fe Opera’s music staff as well as training in diction, music theory and basic acting. Students also participate in master classes by visiting guest artists, attend cultural events and have multiple opportunities to gain performance experience through studio classes, community engagement activities and public performances.

The program follows the school year (September-May, with an orientation at the Santa Fe Opera in late-August) and culminates with a public recital. Since the inception of the Young Voices, over 100 students have participated in the program, and many are now pursuing further studies in music. Participation in this program is free of charge.

Application Information

• A maximum of 18 students will be selected for the program.
• Students should be highly motivated and have demonstrated a high level of interest in studying classical singing.
• Students must be entering the ninth through twelfth grade in August 2025. Preference is given to those who can participate for 2 years in the program.
• Students should be able to commit to regular weekly lessons and designated weekend studio classes, master classes and performances. The program begins with an orientation in August and runs through May 2026.
• Auditions are held by appointment in person or online in Spring 2025. Please prepare one song. Finalists will be notified via email. Each finalist must participate in a 20-minute interview.
• Once invited to join the program, the applicant will have one week to confirm participation.

The Young Technicians program is designed to introduce high school students to the many aspects of technical theater employed in opera productions and the process used by creative teams to take a score/libretto from the page to the stage.

Areas addressed include scenic construction and painting, lighting and projections, properties, costuming and stage management along with the understanding of aesthetic issues in performance planning, design, preparation, realization and management of the production.

The studio and production program consists of after school workshops, weekend intensives, and summer opportunities taught by opera staff, and visiting technical professionals.

Application Information

• This program is open to high school students and is free to those who are accepted.
• Apply early as enrollment is limited.

Principal Education Sponsor

The Young Voices of the Santa Fe Opera are sponsored by