Help Me Study Opera in Italy!

Shalandra Royal Start Date: Mar 8, 2016 - End Date: Dec 7, 2016
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Verona, Italy

My Travel Story

by: Shalandra Royal Start Date: Mar 8, 2016 - End Date: Dec 7, 2016
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Study/Degree Abroad
Currently, I am a college student majoring in Music and minoring in Theatre and I am almost done!

I am in my junior year and I am trying to prepare for life after college. I aspire to sing Opera and find a prosperous career in music, whether that is becoming an Opera Singer or finding another path such as teaching, but I truly desire to be an Opera Singer.

Recently, I participated in an open audition that was held at my college with a director from Opera Viva! Opera Viva! offers young singers, pianist, and stage directors the opportunity to experience the musical and cultural riches of Italian opera through study and performance in Verona, Italy. I was told that during the audition we would be provided constructive vocal feed back and that is all I expected. The feed back was very helpful, perfect for what to expect for Grad school and Opera Company Auditions.

With all the positive and constructive advice that was given to me, I decided I would really love to learn more from them by attending Opera Viva, this summer! The director also vocalized that my dream of singing Opera and being successful is well within my reach. The director really enjoyed my performance and thinks they can take my vocals to the next level.

I am far from a perfect singer, but Opera is my passion. I want to learn as much as I possibly can. I never dreamed that people would think I am good enough to want to work with and fine tune my instrument but someone believes in me.

If granted this opportunity, I will have a chance to have private voice lessons and coaching, group language, recitative and concert rep classes, Alexander Technique, opera scenes, recitals, and attending the operas at the famed L'Arena di Verona. I will get to work with an amazing faculty with voice professors from Universities such as Julliard, University of Cincinnati (Music Conservatory), and many more. Also, I will be able to work with successful vocalist such as, Julie Jordan Gunn and more.

This experience can truly be the platform that helps me step into the Operatic world and could possibly launch a very successful career. I want nothing more than to sing and be able to reach people with my voice and I love doing so through Opera.

Please help me reach my goal. It is my dream! I am not a perfect singer, and I know my technique needs a lot of work, but I am willing to do the hard work!

Yes, this experience is very costly, but it is worth a try. 
  • Verona, Italy

Updates

2

  • Almost There!!! Lets Keep It Up!

    Many people have donated outside of this online platform! We are almost there!!

  • Doing Well, Everyone!!

    Though the number of donation on this website seem scary, do not be alarmed. There have been a number of people giving my donations in person! So we actually have a lot more saved up than what is listed on this website!

    Let us continue to keep going strong! Thank you all for your contributions!

More Travel Information