Young Artist Vocal Academy

Applications can be found on YAP Tracker. Once the applications go live, you can also find the application link on our Studio Facebook page.

No, we only accept online applications through YAP Tracker. If there is a reason this is not possible for you, please contact us at studio@houstongrandopera.org.

A complete application will consist of the online application form as well as two (2) online recommendations to be submitted by your current teacher and a music professional. You will also need to upload a resume, headshot of yourself in JPEG format, and links to two separate YouTube videos.

Applicants for the 2023 program must be born after June 1, 1998 and must be engaged in undergraduate study. Recent graduates who have not yet commenced their master’s degree may also be considered. All applicants should intend to pursue an operatic career.

No, we accept applicants of all nationalities and immigration status. If you are selected for the program and are required to obtain a visa to travel to the US, HGO will assist you with the visa application process.

Successful YAVA applicants tend to be in their junior or senior year of undergraduate school, but applications are open to all undergraduates and recent graduates who have not yet started their master’s degrees.

No, there is no fee to apply for YAVA.

Two references are required from music professionals who know you and your work well - one must be your current voice teacher plus one from one of the professional types listed below:

• Pianist / Coach
• Music Director / Conductor
• Department Chair or Dean
• Choral Director
• Opera Stage Director / Opera Workshop Director
• Past voice teacher

This is no longer possible through YAP Tracker's system. HGO only accepts the online recommendation form specific to this application.

That’s fine, just log back into YAP Tracker. In the recommendation section of your submitted application, click the option to remove a reference, then click again to add a different music professional. At that time you will be given the option to send an email to the new reference with instructions on how to submit.

Please visit the Help page on the YAP Tracker website or email help@yaptracker.com.

No - You can decide whether you choose a full subscriber account, or whether you simply wish to complete applications, which is free. For more information about the difference, please click here.

Two separate videos must be included in your online application. You should select works which contrast in style and language. Videos may be recorded specifically for this application or may be existing recordings, but they should be no more than six months old. 

We understand that making videos is challenging, especially with the current pandemic. You do not need to purchase recording equipment for these videos. Recording on a phone or computer is allowed. You may also use a pre-recorded track instead of a live pianist. Please follow all protocols your school has put in place when making your video; this includes wearing a mask if required. If you have any questions about making your recordings or need a recommendation for a pianist to make tracks, please reach out to Jamie at studio@houstongrandopera.org.

The first week of YAVA will be May 14-21, 2023 (arriving on the 14th and departing on the 21st), and the second week will be May 21-28, 2023 (arriving on the 21st and departing on the 28th).

No, there are no live auditions. All decisions will be made based on your application and recommendations. Singers must demonstrate major operatic potential supported by musical and theatrical training. Applications are reviewed by HGO Studio staff and are considered confidential. No feedback will be offered to unsuccessful applicants.

There is no additional fee if you are accepted to attend the program.

All accommodation and meals are provided. Successful candidates are only responsible for the cost of their travel to Houston.

We will take up to eight participants per week for a total of sixteen each season.

You will receive an email from YAP Tracker confirming receipt of your application. This email confirms that your application has been entered into our database. You can also log in to YAP Tracker and click the My Online Applications link to view all submitted applications.

If you have submitted your application, a system-generated email from help@yaptracker.com should have been sent to the email address you used to log in. Please check your junk mail or spam filter. If you find the email there, please ensure you white-list both help@yaptracker.com and studio@houstongrandopera.org for future communication as audition notification emails will be sent from one of these addresses. You can also log in to YAP Tracker and click the My Online Applications link to view all submitted applications. If you still are not sure your application was finalized, please contact help@yaptracker.com.

You can log in to YAP Tracker and click the My Online Applications link to view all submitted applications. If you scroll to the recommendation section, you will be able to see whether the recommendation has been submitted or not. If you received the application confirmation email, your application will still be considered, even with no references. However, your chances of being granted a slot are naturally lower than if your application has been supported by good references from respected musicians. Please ensure you give them plenty of time and check the status of their recommendation before the deadline.

You must first request to change your video by emailing studio@houstongrandopera.org. Changes to videos are only able to be made before the deadline.

That’s fine, just log back into YAP Tracker. In the recommendation section of your submitted application, click the option to remove a reference, then click again to add a different music professional. At that time you will be given the option to send an email to the new reference with instructions on how to submit.

Please email us at studio@houstongrandopera.org with your new available dates.

You will receive an email from either YAPTracker or Houston Grand Opera Studio by Friday, March 24, 2023 to tell you whether or not you have been accepted.

No - all applicants who have submitted an application and received the application confirmation message from YAP Tracker will receive an email by the notification deadline above. Please check your junk mail and spam filters, and if there’s still no email from us please email at studio@houstongrandopera.org. You can also check the status of your application on YAP Tracker.