Performance skills

While a highly developed and secure vocal technique is the essential basis of any operatic career, there are many other attributes that a singer needs if they are to enjoy continued success in the operatic field. Central to the learning trajectory of a DNOA student, is the integration of singing, acting and physicality with a view to producing graduates who are both technically assured and artistically credible.

In the Acting Skills module DNOA students learn how to combine their own stage personality with the psychology of the character, to work in direct relation to the audience and to use the actual situation during the performance, manipulating it in the here and now.

The “Embodiment and Performative Body” classes focus on the body as “the instrument” in the context of singing. It is addressed as an organic self-regulated system; physicality and movement are explored and practised in order to experience and open up new pathways. The course is based on the somatic practice of BMC (Body-Mind-Centring) integrated with principles from new dance, Alexander technique, yoga, improvisation and physical theatre.

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DNOA in the words of an alumna

Compared to other, non-DNOA students, I can see how well this programme prepared me to do what is now asked of me. In the trajectory of the DNOA there was time, space and there were the resources to find depth and profoundness in my development as a singer and artistic person. I am convinced to say: the job requires a holistic approach. It’s not only about having a good voice. DNOA taught me how to learn new repertoire (quickly), how a production process works and what is expected at what stage, how to relate to a conductor or director, how to approach an audition, how the business works, how I can use my body on stage and how to approach different musical styles and languages. All this knowledge and experience made me feel confident and ready to deliver in a bigger production at an actual opera house.

Elisa Maayeshi soprano – graduate (2025)
and member of the Opera Studio, Komische Oper Berlin.

Useful resources

Our curriculum

Read more details about the curriculum, programme objectives and assessment criteria.

Financial support

Find out more information about financial support through scholarships and funds.

Our facilities

Find out about the facilities that our partner Universities offer in Amsterdam and the Hague.