Five-Week Collaborative Pianist Program
May 17- June 28, 2026
Applications for 2026 are now Open on YAP Tracker!
Intensive study will focus on developing tools that pianists with advanced training are required to become accomplished répétiteurs and coaches. Practical training will emphasize skills in coaching diction, cueing the singer, conducting, and prompting during rehearsals, learning to accompany recitative, and understanding musical and vocal traditions. In tandem with this training, pianists will have a professional experience of performing the duties of an operatic répétiteur. Each day, pianists will receive a group Piano Class, Alexander Technique sessions, diction classes, recitative classes, and weekly master classes focusing on song or aria repertoire.
Upon completion of the Collaborative Pianist Program, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion. Students may receive course credit depending on their institution and should discuss course credit with their faculty representative.
Pianists in this program will also play integral roles in the NUOVA Festival’s mainstage production in the pit, in the wings, and with subtitles.
Audition Requirements
Coach/Collaborative Pianist 3-Week (June 1 – 21, 2026)
The following is to be performed in a collaborative performance WITH A SINGER. Please prepare:
- 1 Opera arias
- 1 art-song
- 1 music theatre selection
Please note: Pianists must provide their own singers.
Repetiteur Development 5-Week (Così fan Tutte, May 17 – June 21)
The following is to be performed in a collaborative performance WITH A SINGER. Please prepare:
- 2 contrasting Opera arias
- Prepare an operatic quartet from Così fan Tutte and sing cues!
Please note: Pianists must provide their own singers.
Music Director Development 5-Week (Brigadoon, May 20-June 28)
The following is to be performed in a collaborative performance WITH A SINGER. Please prepare:
- 2 contrasting Musical Theatre selections
- Prepare an ensemble (trio or quartet)selection from a musical (of your choice). Play and sing cues!
Please note: Pianists must provide their own singers.
Assistant Director Development (Opera/Music Theatre)
The following is to be performed in a collaborative performance WITH A SINGER. Please prepare:
- 2 contrasting Musical Theatre selections
- Prepare an ensemble (trio or quartet)selection from a musical (of your choice). Play and sing cues!
Please note: Pianists must provide their own singers.
Applications for Assistant Director Development are due January 1, 2026.
Live Audition Tour:
Toronto – Nov 12-13
London – Nov 14
Montreal – Nov 15
Ottawa – Nov 16
Winnipeg – Nov 17
Victoria/Vancouver – Nov 22-23
Edmonton – Nov 24-25
Calgary – Nov 30
Exact locations and audition times will be assigned and sent once we receive your application.
Application Deadlines
In-person audition deadline:
November 1, 2025
Video Audition Submission Deadline:
November 10, 2025
Tuition
Please see the Tuition page for additional information regarding Tuition, Fees and Accommodations.
Reminder – If you wish to apply for a bursary or a scholarship, the application MUST be included with your audition package.
NUOVA Vocal Arts is an intense program that will help propel you into the professional world.
It is an amazing program and will EXCEED all your expectations!
NUOVA is different because of the amount of facetime you receive.
There are so many hours of individual or group instruction that one gets, and such a variety of instructors and disciplines. Its diverse, unique, immersive, and dynamic. No two days are alike!