Academy of Vocal Arts

he mission of The Academy of Vocal Arts, founded in 1934 by Helen Corning Warden, is to provide tuition-free vocal and opera training of the highest quality, and financial support during training, to exceptionally talented and committed young singers who have the potential for international stature, and to present them in professional performances that are accessible to a wide community.

Gifted singers come from throughout the world to seek the exceptional guidance and training that The Academy of Vocal Arts offers. Admission is determined by competitive annual auditions. Those who are accepted receive training equivalent to more than $70,000 per year.

The Academy of Vocal Arts is distinguished by its reputation for high quality performances that are acclaimed by critics locally, nationally and internationally. Each year AVA resident artists are presented in four or five fully-staged opera productions accompanied by orchestra. Resident artists are cast in leading roles that they will in all likelihood continue to perform for the rest of their careers.