The National Opera Studio plays an essential role at the heart of British opera by providing professional training of the highest quality for singers and répétiteurs who have the potential to become the leading artists of their generation.

The NOS works with the UK’s leading opera companies - English National Opera, Glyndebourne, Opera North, the Royal Opera House, Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera – and the intensity of the training programme is designed to create a working environment that closely reflects the professional opera world.

The Royal Opera House works very closely with the NOS, both providing financial support and through representation on the NOS Board. Members of The Royal Opera also regularly provide coaching on the NOS programme, help select trainees, and closely monitor the trainees throughout the training programme.

NOS alumni consistently win places on the ROH Jette Parker Young Artists Programme.  ROH Education also work closely with the NOS on a variety of projects, and each year hosts a public masterclass with NOS trainees.

Susan Bullock, 1984/85 Trainee, said:

"My year at the NOS was invaluable as a stepping stone between post graduate studies at the RAM and fully entering the profession. I was able to concentrate on thoroughly preparing roles for auditions, improving my language and movement skills and taking part in Master Classes and working sessions with eminent artists, conductors and directors. It was a wonderful grounding and instilled a discipline and work ethic that has remained with me throughout my career."

The training programmes are individually designed to meet the needs and aspirations of each artist. Tuition is provided by coaches who are the leaders in their disciplines, and trainees work closely with top directors and conductors to prepare opera scenes for performance.

The successful candidates are selected by the opera companies from hundreds of applicants. Many NOS-trained singers have gone on to build successful careers at an international level. Similarly, many NOS-trained répétiteurs now work on the music staff of opera companies.

For the programme of NOS recitals and other information, please visit the National Opera Studio website or call 020 8874 8811.