Laurier’s Opera Diploma is a two-term program for singers and collaborative pianists who have completed an undergraduate degree or diploma in music and are looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in opera. Running from September to April, the program offers specialized instruction in voice, collaborative piano and stagecraft.
You’ll receive intensive training from leading stage directors, acting clinicians, and opera coaches, with instruction in movement, acting, audition readiness, stagecraft, the art of coaching, and all aspects of the business of opera. Embrace a highly interactive environment where you’ll explore every facet of creating opera and music theatre from the ground up.
At Laurier, your professors are dedicated to providing a current, comprehensive, and career-focused education. Here’s what you can expect:
These are some of the most memorable and impactful learning opportunities available to students in the Opera Diploma:
Admission to the Opera Diploma is based on the combined results of:
Apply through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC). Laurier Bachelor of Music students should not apply through OUAC — they should contact musicauditions@wlu.ca directly.
Once we receive your application from OUAC, you’ll receive an email with login information for our Online Audition Portal (available starting December 15).
In the Online Audition Portal, you’ll need to provide the following:
After submitting the required information and fee, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your audition date within seven days.
In-person auditions are available on our Waterloo campus for students who schedule their audition between January and April. Auditions scheduled after this period may be offered by video, as in-person options may not be feasible due to faculty availability.
If you live more than 400 km from Laurier, you may also choose to audition by video. If you select this option in the Online Audition Portal, our Auditions Coordinator will send you detailed instructions on how to prepare and submit your video audition.
If your audition is successful, you’ll receive an email from the Faculty of Music recommending you for admission. Please note, this recommendation does not guarantee acceptance. To receive an official offer of admission, you must meet all academic requirements of the university in addition to the Faculty of Music’s recommendation. Laurier’s Recruitment and Admissions Office will then issue your official offer.
Regardless of the outcome, the Faculty of Music will notify all students of their audition results via email.
For more than 50 years, Laurier's diploma in Opera has enjoyed a fine reputation as a training ground for advanced pre-professional Opera and music theatre singers, directors and repetiteurs.
Our many alums who have gone on to achieve great success in music include:
Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.
Want to know what it’s really like to be in this program? U Community is our Discord server where future Golden Hawks like you can connect with current students to get their first-hand stories and tips on living and learning at Laurier.
Questions? Email choosemusic@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all Music faculty and staff.
Think this program might be the perfect fit for you and your future?
