Voice lessons

Individual voice lessons are a core component of the programme and are closely connected to each singer’s artistic and professional development. Rather than pursuing technique in isolation, vocal work is shaped by the demands of repertoire, rehearsal, and performance, supporting singers in building a reliable, flexible technique that can sustain a long-term career.

Lessons focus on strengthening and refining the individual voice, addressing technical challenges while enabling further growth. Equal emphasis is placed on developing a clear understanding of how the voice functions under varying musical, dramatic, and physical demands — an essential skill in today’s working environment.

Alongside technical development, individual lessons provide space for detailed repertoire work in preparation for performances and auditions. Singers are encouraged to develop vocal self-awareness, gaining clarity about their vocal identity and artistic profile, including an informed understanding of their Fach and its practical implications.

Lessons take place in a supportive and constructive environment that encourages responsibility for one’s own development. Depending on individual needs, singers may work with a teacher of their choice at one of the partner conservatoires or with an external teacher, subject to approval by the Artistic Leadership, ensuring continuity and coherence within the programme.

The current roster of voice teachers includes:

Conservatorium van Amsterdam:
Selma Harkink
Sasja Hunnego

Royal Conservatoire The Hague:
Catrin Wyn-Davies

External teachers:
Charlotte Riedijk
Hanneke de Wit
Vitaly Rozynko
Jeanne-Michèle Charbonnet

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Gerben van der Werf in Detlef Glanert’s Caligula at the DNT, Weimar © Candy Welz

DNOA in the words of an alumnus

The DNOA is a very special opera training programme that aims to bridge the gap between singing education and a place as a singing artist in the opera industry. My personal experience with support from the DNOA after I had graduated, has been incredibly positive, both professionally and personally. Because the programme only has a good handful of (excellent) graduates per year, I felt that the conversations on artistic growth and personal growth that were initiated during my two years on the programme were simply continued after.

For me, the DNOA is succeeding in what it aims to be: a programme that bridges the gap between singing education and a place in the opera industry. By providing a safe space to journey inward in getting to know oneself, and to journey outward and start building relationships and connections that continue to support me and keep me grounded as a person and an artist.

Gerben van der Werf – DNOA graduate (2021)

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.