BOA accepts musicians at many stages of development. We do not expect 'finished products'. We have undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate applicants. We accept musicians that demonstrate developing vocal technique, positive work ethic and potential. Our primary goal is to help each in their own journey to an operatic career by giving them the necessary tools to succeed.

Yes, all operas will be performed with chamber orchestra.

Our operas will be triple cast. We place a high value on learning by doing, so singers are expected to be actively learning in rehearsals at all times. We coordinate rehearsals to provide singers with as much individual instruction with faculty as possible.

Accommodation and food are not included in the tuition fee. Fortunately, Berlin is a very affordable city compared to other world capitals when it comes to accommodation, supermarkets and restaurants. To make planning easier, we've gathered a list of accommodation recommendations ">here.

Yes, we offer tuition-support opportunities designed to assist artists where it can make the greatest impact.

- Country-based consideration: Highest priority is given to participants from conflict zones and low-income countries.
- Role-based consideration: Undersubscribed roles may come with additional tuition support.
- Erasmus+ participation: Eligible participants may also take part with Erasmus+ funding through their home institutions, where applicable.

Yes, many alumni have successfully raised their tuition through grants, community support, and small fundraising efforts.

A collection of fundraising ideas and strategies that others have found effective can be found here.

Yes. BOA faculty are active professionals working in opera houses, orchestras, and as private instructors throughout Europe and internationally. They bring real-world experience and industry connections to their teaching.

Most staging rehearsals are at Mörikestraße 13, 12437 Berlin and at the Joseph-Schmidt-Musikschule, Hans-Schmidt-Straße 6-8, 12489 Berlin. Most orchestral rehearsals are at Freiheit 15, 12555 Berlin. From the 4th week, all rehearsals are in the theater at Gustav-Adolf-Straße 2, 13086 Berlin.

Yes. Each session we bring in well known artist managers and agents of reputation and high standard. You will not only have the opportunity to present yourself, they will also give a masterclass, workshop or individualized coaching. They will explain what will best improve your chances of being hired by a company in Germany.

Yes. BOA connects singers each summer to agencies, which regularly results in further employment auditions. BOA Alumni have been successful in securing engagements in German-speaking houses and many major international houses.

BOA has partnered with local accommodation companies to offer BOA students competitive monthly rental options for their study periods in Berlin.

Students registered for full-time courses at BOA, coming from a 'third country' (outside the EU), must apply for a residence permit to live in Germany. Based on the Act on residence, Economic Activity and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory Residence Act, students may apply for a "residence permit for educational purposes" (Section 16b Par 1).

Yes, singers will perform 2 roles per year, 1 role per semester.

This course is for students wanting an immersive training and language experience to help launch them into the auditioning period of their professional beginnings.

No, there is a large focus on chamber music training and performance as well as individual repertoire for masterclasses and audition preparation.

2.5 hours, 2 times a day

German and movement classes are offered five times per week, along with several masterclasses given by local industry-leaders.

Yes, there are 20 practice rooms in one music school and an additional 20 in the other music school available Monday-Saturday for the musicians.

This entirely depends on the position. Production-based apprentices such as Stage Managers or Assistant Directors are typically focused on staging rehearsals which happen in two blocks a day, each for three hours. There will be preparatory work prior, notes following and miscellaneous tasks interspersed through the week such as prop-sourcing, rehearsal room preparations and score study.

Individuals who have study or hobby experience in the area of interest and are looking for more practical experience to add to their repertoire. Some positions require rather advanced training prior to a successful placement such as Assistant Conducting and Repetiteurs.

Apprentices and Interns are either working as part of a team (i.e. Costume, Production, Admin) or directly with one individual (i.e. Conductor, Director, Stage Designer). Faculty changes each year, please email BOA to inquire about your direct contact inquiries.

You do not, but the better you speak, the more you will get from your experience. All BOA instruction is conducted in English. German language classes are an integral part of the BOA experience. This will best prepare you for audition tours in Germany. Berlin is very friendly to international visitors and most signs are in English. Most Germans in Berlin also speak English fluently.

BOA participants are typically between the ages of 19-36, but there are no age limits. We accept musicians on the basis of potential and employability.

All tuition payments are non-refundable. We strongly recommend "cancel for any reason insurance" to protect your investment. Not only can this serve to help should you need to cancel your participation, it can also reimburse your planned travel costs. "Cancel for any reason insurance" providers vary by country of residence, so ask locally for more information.