Taos Opera Institute (TOI) was established by Mary Jane Johnson and Linda Poetschke in 2007 as a four-week, intensive program designed to bridge the gap between academia and apprenticeships for the emerging young vocal artist. Our philosophy focuses on integrating and improving your technique, your physical well being, and your artistry.

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TOI takes place in the beautiful Taos Ski Valley, NM, in late May-June. Each year, twenty-eight promising young artists are invited to spend the month learning from our esteemed faculty. The singers receive lessons 4 days per week, totaling an entire semester 

of lessons in just one month!  Young Artists perform the aria they focused on during the week at two public performances (Each Friday & Saturday for a total of 8). 

 

Our students hail from every corner of the country, as well as international destinations.

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The young artists work on a new aria and language group weekly and rotate to the next language the following week (French or Spanish, German, Italian, and English) . 

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Every Friday & Saturday, the Artists perform in public concerts which feature their arias from that week, sharing with our audiences their hard work and skills gained.

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Throughout the month, guest faculty present sessions on the business of singing, media, branding and marketing, performance psychology and dramatic interpretation. 

Recent Guest Artists include: Susan Graham, David Portillo, Daniel Welch, Sara Widzer,

Stanford Olsen, Jamie VanEyck and more!

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TOI Singers take part in Yoga 3 days a week, as well as hiking in the area. 

A major focus of the program is to become more aware of one's natural surroundings and allow that to inform their artistic endeavors.

 

TOI centers on preparing the singer with key tools needed for success.  our esteemed faculty focus on producing a more confident and proficient singer in a holistic manner. 

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