A mezzo in a class by herself
(New York Times)

Institute

In 2006, Dolora Zajick created the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices to address the lack of training for large, dramatic voices required for the great roles of the Verdi, Strauss and Wagner repertoire. The goal of the Institute is to rectify this situation by finding, developing, and inspiring the next generation of these unique talents so they may reach the world’s great opera stages. The Institute offers an innovative 3-week intensive summer program to singers with large or unusual voices ages 15-36 at varying levels of vocal development. Students study one-on-one with leading coaches and voice teachers who understand the nature of an adolescent voice unfolding in a growing body. The Institute’s carefully selected experts from across the industry work in close collaboration not only with the students, but with each other, to provide a solid foundation of skills a professional singer really needs to embark on and survive a successful operatic career. In addition to technical and interpretive vocal coachings, students learn about language, body movement, stage presence, nutrition, fitness, and professionalism. Classes include voice lessons, music fundamentals, Italian, German and English diction, and acting. It is Dolora’s strong belief that admittance to the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices be based solely on merit and musical potential – regardless of ability to pay. Thanks to the extraordinarily generous support of donors and sponsors, the program is offered free of tuition to participants except for the Discovery Program, which has a $300 tuition fee. For more information on the Institute, please visit: www.instituteforyoungdramaticvoices.org