opera San antonio/classical music institute

Young artist program

The OPERA San Antonio–Classical Music Institute Young Artist Program is an intensive training program focusing on classical solo and chamber vocal music. We offer three different tiers for singers and one for collaborative vocal pianists during our summer festival.

Our 2025 program focuses on standard operatic and chamber music repertoire with a focus on audition preparation and performance opportunities with the OSA and CMI faculty. Performances will take place at the The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and the Edgewood Fine Arts Academy, with others to be announced. The OSA–CMI Young Artist Program strives to be affordable, artist-focused, and transparent. We offer quality training with experts in the field for undergrads, graduates, and post-graduate singers at an affordable rate with the well-being of our singers as our number one priority. Performance repertoire is drawn from the 2025-2026 OPERA San Antonio season or picked to suit the participants. We do not choose the repertoire ahead of time and cast accordingly, instead we find pieces that best suit the attendees.

Program Types

Studio Artist Program (June 5 - June 21, 2025)

The Studio Artist Program caters to undergraduate and masters-level singers looking to hone their craft with professionals in the field. Participants will have the opportunity to partake in lessons, coachings, rehearsals, and performances in San Antonio. Tuition cost is $600, limited scholarships are available. (~30 positions)

  • Ideal Candidate
    • Pursuing or recently earned an undergraduate or masters degree in Vocal Performance or Pedagogy.
    • Artists of any age are welcome to apply.
  • Dates
    • June 4: Arrival
    • June 5: Activities Start
    • June 21: Final Concert
    • June 22: Departure
  • Cost & Compensation
    • Participants will be responsible for their own housing, transportation to San Antonio, and any associated expenses.
    • Cost:some text
      • Total Cost without Housing: $600
        • $300 non-refundable down payment du May 9, 2025. 
        • Final $300 due May 30, 2025.
      • Total Cost with Housing: $1982.94
        • Housing: $76.83 per night single occupancy ($1382.94 for 18 nights) at the Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza (425 Bonham, San Antonio, TX 78205.) Parking and breakfast are included.some text
          • Tuition & Housing - $991.47 due May 9, 2024. $991.47 due May 30, 2023.
      • Transportation in San Antonio for festival events is provided for those staying in the festival housing.
    • Compensation
      • Lunch will be provided during the days we’re in residence at Edgewood Fine Arts Academy.
      • Artists with a vehicle may be asked to help out with transportation needs. Any mileage deemed valid as CMI business by staff will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate of $0.655 per mile.
    • Travel to San Antonio: Not provided

Apprentice Artist Program (June 2 - June 25, 2025)

The Apprentice Artist Program is designed for advanced singers looking for copious performance experience singing for multiple community venues around the San Antonio area and take part in the OSA South Texas Tour upon completion of the program. Repertoire will be drawn from the 2024-2025 OPERA San Antonio main stage season and other traditional opera classics. Tuition scholarship ($600), $1,000 stipend, and housing/local transportation are provided. Travel to San Antonio is not covered.

Finalists selected for this program are required to audition live and in-person in San Antonio on April 9, 2025 6-8pm. (4 positions)

The Apprentice Artist Program requires a longer residency than the other programs.

 Finalists for the Apprentice Artist Program are required to audition live and in-person in San Antonio on April 9, 2025.

  • Ideal Candidate
    • Artists with, or in pursuit of, a Masters or Artist Diploma in Vocal Performance are preferred. Students in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in voice or recent graduates at the time of application may also apply.
    • Artists of any age are welcome to apply.
  • Dates
    • June 1: Arrival
    • June 2: Activities Start
    • June 21: Final Concert in San Antonio
    • June 23-25: South Texas Toursome text
      • Exact tour dates are still TBD
    • June 25: Return to San Antonio
    • June 26: Depart
  • Cost & Compensation
    • Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to San Antonio, and any associated expenses.
    • Costsome text
      • Travel to San Antonio: Not provided
    • Compensation
      • Stipend: $1000some text
        • Participants selected for this program will receive a $750 stipend from the Opera Guild of San Antonio Margaret King Stanley Vocal Scholarship Fund to help supplement travel and living expenses. An additional $250 stipend will be paid to each artist at the conclusion of the program.
      • Tuition: Fee of $600 waived
      • Lunch will be provided during the days we’re in residence at Edgewood Fine Arts Academy.
      • Local Transportation: Providedsome text
        • Artists with a vehicle may be asked to help out with transportation needs. Any mileage deemed valid as CMI business by faculty or staff will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate of $0.655 per mile.
      • Housing: Providedsome text
        • Housing is at the Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza (425 Bonham, San Antonio, TX 78205.) Parking and breakfast are included.
  • Live Audition
    • After the first round of documentation is received, materials will be reviewed and selected artists will be invited to a live audition in San Antonio on April 9, 2025.

Teaching-Artist Fellowship Program
(June 2 - June 21, 2025)

The Teaching-Artist Fellowship is an opportunity for performers with a strong interest in teaching. Participants will perform chamber music alongside other Teaching-Artists and CMI faculty, teach lessons, and participate in one-on-one professional development opportunities. Tuition scholarship ($600), $1,500 stipend, up to $500 in travel reimbursement, and housing/local transportation are provided. Finalists selected for this program are required to participate in an online interview, submit a statement of teaching philosophy, and a video recording of the applicant teaching a 20-30 minute voice lesson. (3 positions)

  • Ideal Candidate
    • Pursuing a graduate degree or are early-career professional vocalists with a strong interest in vocal pedagogy and teaching.
    • Artists of any age are welcome to apply.
  • Dates
    • June 1: Arrival
    • June 2: Activities Start
    • June 21: Final Concert
    • June 22: Departure
  • Cost & Compensation
    • Costs
      • None
    • Compensation
      • Stipend: $1500
      • Travel Reimbursement: Up to $500
      • Tuition: Fee of $600 waived
      • 2025 Vocal Pedagogy Workshop (June 2-5): $300 tuition waived
      • Lunch will be provided during the days we’re in residence at Edgewood Fine Arts Academy.
      • Local Transportation: Providedsome text
        • Artists with a vehicle may be asked to help out with transportation needs. Any mileage deemed valid as CMI business by faculty or staff will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate of $.655 per mile.
      • Housing: Providedsome text
        • Housing is at the Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza (425 Bonham, San Antonio, TX 78205.) Parking and breakfast are included.
  • Interview
    • Selected finalists will be asked to submit a teaching philosophy statement, a sample 20-30 minute video of the applicant teaching a voice lesson, and will participate in an online interview on April 10 or 11, 2025.

Vocal Collaborative Piano Fellowship
(June 2 - June 25, 2025)

The Vocal Collaborative Piano Fellowship is geared towards up-and-coming vocal pianist-coaches. They will perform both with the Teaching-Artist Fellows and the Apprentice Artists. The artist will also take part in the touring program which visits different locations in San Antonio and the OSA South Texas Tour following the conclusion of the program. A $1,000 stipend, up to $500 in travel reimbursement, and housing/local transportation are provided. (1 position)

The Vocal Collaborative Piano Fellowship requires a longer residency than the other programs.

  • Ideal Candidate
    • Pianists who are strongly interested in pursuing vocal collaborative arts. Students who are pursuing (or have recently completed) a degree in Piano Performance or Collaborative Piano are welcome to apply. 
    • Artists of any age are welcome to apply.
  • Dates
    • June 1: Arrival
    • June 2: Activities Start
    • June 21: Final Concert in San Antonio
    • June 23-25: South Texas Tour
      • Exact tour dates are still TBD
    • June 25: Return to San Antonio
    • June 26: Depart
  • Cost & Compensation
    • Cost
      • None
    • Compensation
      • Stipend: $1000
      • Travel Reimbursement: Up to $500
      • Tuition: None
      • Lunch will be provided during the days we’re in residence at Edgewood Fine Arts Academy.
      • Local Transportation: Provided
        • Artists with a vehicle may be asked to help out with transportation needs. Any mileage deemed valid as CMI business by faculty or staff will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate of $.655 per mile.
      • Housing: Provided
        • Housing is at the Sonesta ES Suites San Antonio Downtown Alamo Plaza (425 Bonham, San Antonio, TX 78205.) Parking and breakfast are included.
  • Interview
    • Virtual Interview
      • Select candidates will be asked to do a virtual interview during the week of April 10 & 11, 2025.
      • Candidates will be asked to perform a brief sight-reading excerpt as part of the interview.

High School Young Artist program
(June 5 - June 21, 2025)

The High School Young Artist Program is geared towards high school students with an interest in classical solo and operatic ensemble singing. Singers will participate in all of the Studio Artist offerings, take individual lessons, and take part in multiple performance opportunities. Special programs and classes geared specifically for high schoolers will be offered as well.

Tuition cost is $300.

All participants will take part in individual coaching, solo and ensemble performances, master classes, and career seminars with members of OSA and CMI Artistic Staff and Faculty.

  • Ideal Candidate
    • High school students with an interest in classical solo and operatic ensemble singing. Singers will participate in all of the Studio Artist offerings, take individual lessons, and take part in multiple performance opportunities. Special programs and classes geared specifically for high schoolers will be offered as well.
    • Minimum Age: 15 years old
    • Parent/Guardian must sign a parental consent form and a liability waiver.
  • Dates
    • June 4: Arrival
    • June 5: Activities Start
    • June 21: Final Concert
    • June 22: Departure
  • Cost
    • Tuition: $300
    • Housing and Transportation: Unavailable some text
      • While participants are welcome to attend from out of town, they must be chaperoned by a legal guardian as well as have their own housing and transportation. We do not provide chaperones or transportation for minors. All faculty attend training in working with minors and are given background checks.
    • Lunch will be provided during the days we’re in residence at Edgewood Fine Arts Academy.

  • Application
    • One video recording of a vocal solo, preferably in the classical style or taken from the UIL Prescribed Music List. Live accompaniment is preferred, but videos made with pre-recorded audio tracks are acceptable. The singer’s entire body should be visible in the image with good quality audio. Candid performance videos taken with a hand-held cell phone are discouraged.

ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE:
  • Individual lessons (4+)
  • Individual vocal coachings (2+)
  • Master classes with industry professionals
  • Assigned repertoire dependent on enrollment, but may include:
    -Solo songs
    -Chamber music performances
    -Opera Scenes & Arias
  • Diction & Song Literature Coaching
  • Artistic Leadership & Career Seminars
  • Free Admission to Festival Cocerts & EventsFree admission to festival concerts and events
  • Headshots with a professional photoHeadshots with a professional photographer for an additional feegrapher for an additional fee of $100 for a session producing 4 edited & publishable photos
APPLICATION TIMELINE
  • January 3, 2025: Application Open
  • February 25, 2025: Application Closed
  • March 15, 2025: Notification of Acceptance
    -All selected artists are initially accepted as Studio Artists
    -Invitation for Apprentice Artist Finalist live auditions sent out
    -Invitation for Teaching-Artist Fellowship interviews via Zoom sent out
  • March 30, 2025: Teaching-Artist Fellowship teaching statement and lesson video due
  • April 9, 2025: Apprentice Artist Finalists Live Auditions
  • April 10 & 11, 2025: Teaching-Artist Fellowship Interviews
  • April 16, 2025: All Apprentice Artist & Teaching-Artist Fellowship Finalists Notified of Final Acceptance
  • April 21, 2025: 50% Studio Artist Tuition Deposit Due
  • May 2, 2025: All Repertoire Assignments Sent Out
  • May 9, 2025: 50% Studio Artist Housing Payment Due (if applicable)
  • May 30, 2025: 100% Studio Artist Tuition & Housing Payment Due (if applicable)
210 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE (May be subject to change.)
  • June 1: Teaching Artist-Fellows, Apprentice Artist, and Vocal Collaborative Pianist Arrival
  • June 2: Apprentice Artist Rehearsals Begin
  • June 2-5: Vocal Pedagogy Workshop
  • June 4: Arrival of Studio Artists
  • June 9 or 13: Teaching Artist Fellows Concert
  • June 17 or 19: Studio Artist Concert
  • June 19: Mock Auditions
  • June 21: Festival Finale Performance
  • June 22: Studio Artists & Teaching Artist Fellows Depart
  • June 23-25: Apprentice Artist and Vocal Collaborative Pianist South Texas Tour
  • June 26: Apprentice Artist and Vocal Collaborative Pianist Depart

Apply Now

Application Requirements
  • Artists of any age are welcome to apply.
  • Headshot
  • Resume
  • Two recent video performances of contrasting repertoire. Live accompaniment preferred. Videos made with pre-recorded audio tracks are also acceptable. Apprentice Artist applicants should submit operatic selections. The singer’s entire body should be visible in the video with good quality audio. Candid videos taken with hand-held cell phones are discouraged.
  • Repertoire or list of works you have recently studied/performed. Please include arias, ensembles, and musical theater. This list does not need to be exhaustive, but helps us know what repertoire you like to sing.
  • Indication of interest to be considered for Apprentice Artist or Teaching-Artist Fellow position.
  • Teaching-Artist Fellowship applicants finalists
    -Interview April 10 or 11, 2025
    -A 20-30 minute recording of the applicant teaching a voice lesson focusing on technique (as opposed to repertoire)
    -1-page maximum statement on philosophy of teaching
  • Vocal Collaborative Piano Fellowship applicants (only if requested for an interview)
    -Interview April 10 or 11, 2025
    -During the interview, applicants must perform a short sight-reading excerpt at the piano.

Please contact Christopher Besch (voice@cmi-sa.org) with any questions.

Apply now (Yaptracker)
210 Festival Young Artist Program Director

DR. CHRISTOPHER BESCH

Bass-baritone Christopher Besch is proud to have performed in eight countries on three continents with such conductors as Lorin Maazel, Leonard Slatkin, and Jeffrey Thomas. His “commanding stage presence and rich resonance of deep bass sound” (DC Theatre Scene) has been heard in over 80 works running the gamut of musical styles such as early music, grand opera, and modern art song. Notable engagements have included Apollo in Anthony Brandt’s Kassandra (recently released on the Navona Records label,) Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro with Opera Colorado, Frederik in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music with the Castleton Festival, Ashby in Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West with Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia, and many others. As a frequent performer of concert repertoire, his recent performances have included Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with the Symphony of the Hills, Verdi’s Requiem with the Green Bay Civic Symphony, Haman in Handel’s Esther with Ars Lyrica. Additionally, he is a frequent soloist with Bach Society Houston, appearing with them at the 2017 Leipzig Bach Festival in Leipzig, Germany and will be again at the 2023 festival. Notable upcoming engagements include the debut concert of the early music group Harmonica Stellarum, an all-Purcell concert with Ars Lyrica Houston, Haydn’s Creation in Louisville, KY, Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen with the Classical Music Institute in San Antonio, and many others.