Application & Requirements

The Academy of Vocal Arts accepts singers on a full-tuition scholarship basis only. Most of AVA’s artists have graduated from renowned music schools in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and Central and South America. They have already achieved a high level of musicianship, a knowledge of music theory and history, and have had many years of private voice study with major voice teachers. Singers are urged not to apply unless they feel they have exceptional vocal/theatrical qualifications and have dedicated themselves to a professional career. All applications are reviewed and evaluated by the members of AVA Faculty and President/Artistic Director.

Applying and Auditioning

The Academy of Vocal Arts application and audition process will include submitting a pre-screening recording with the application and required documents.

Application Deadline: Friday, December 4, 2026

AVA’s online application, available through YAP Tracker, serves as a first-round audition to potentially receive an in-person audition/interview in Philadelphia on March 4–6, 2027 (Thursday–Saturday). Please note that virtual or video auditions cannot substitute for the second round of in-person auditions. All singers must travel to Philadelphia for the in-person audition, without exception.

You do not need to be a paying subscriber to YAP Tracker to use the application form, although you will need an account (guest accounts are available; see the website for details). Registration can be completed at www.yaptracker.com.

Singers with questions regarding the deadline should contact Dr. Josh Miller, Dean – jmiller@avaopera.org.

Entrance Requirements

Singers are required to submit the following materials through YAP Tracker:

• Video recordings of three (3) arias in contrasting styles and languages.
• Current résumé.
• Headshot or current photograph.
• Photo or scan of a government-issued ID showing your date of birth.
• Unofficial copies of academic transcripts from every institution listed on your résumé.
• Two (2) professional reference forms, completed through YAP Tracker.
• PLEASE NOTE: Do not click “Submit” on your application until you have logged back into YAP Tracker and confirmed that both of your professional reference forms have been completed. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• For the online application, applicants must submit videos of three (3) arias, preferably in three different languages and representing a variety of composers and musical periods. These may be the same arias you choose to present at your in-person audition. AVA typically produces standard-canon operas in Italian, French, German, English, and Russian. 

PLEASE NOTE: Do not click “Submit” on your application until you have logged back into YAP Tracker and confirmed that both of your professional reference forms have been completed. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For the online application, applicants must submit videos of three (3) arias, preferably in three different languages and representing a variety of composers and musical periods. These may be the same arias you choose to present at your in-person audition. AVA typically produces standard-canon operas in Italian, French, German, English, and Russian.

Requirements for International Applicants

VA welcomes applications from qualified singers from other countries. English proficiency is required.

Applicants must provide documented proof of English proficiency through one of the following:

• TOEFL score of 90–100 or higher
• IELTS score greater than 6.5
• For applicants who have studied at an American university or conservatory for at least two years, the English-language proficiency scores submitted for admission to that institution may be accepted in lieu of TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Applicants from countries where English is the primary language are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

All other international applicants must upload their English proficiency scores with their application.

AVA sponsors F-1 student visas for eligible international students.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Academy of Vocal Art is committed to the principles of equal opportunity as defined under federal and state law, and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, disabled veteran/Vietnam-era, Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), or veteran status in its admission policy, program, or activities, educational policies, scholarships, fellowships and other Academy-administered programs, or employment practices and programs.

Transfer of Credits Policy

Per regulations and guidelines, AVA evaluates students for completion of their artist diploma based on clock hours of training completed, not credits per course. AVA clock hours are not transferrable to other institutions, nor are course credits from other institutions applicable to the AVA training program and are not transferrable to AVA.

Successful Completion of Program

The Academy of Vocal Arts is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music as a non-degree granting music program that is authorized to bestow students, who successfully complete the program requirements, with an Artist Diploma.