Application & Requirements

Why choose AVA?

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 for 2024 will include submitting a pre-screening recording with the application and required documents.

The 2024 Application form will be available on YAP Tracker and will require several additional documents including a prescreening video recording, a resumé, a proof of age, transcripts, references and a headshot. The application deadline is January 12, 2024.  All applicants will be notified regarding the Live In-Person Rounds by early February 2024.

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 http://www.yaptracker.com.

Singers with questions regarding the January 12 deadline should contact Dr. Josh Miller, Dean – jmiller@avaopera.org.

View full audition process

Entrance Requirements

Requirements for Foreign Applicants

AVA welcomes applications from qualified singers from other countries. Admission requirements are identical for all applicants, regardless of citizenship. English proficiency is required, and is evaluated in the audition process. TOEFL scores between 90-100 or an IELTS score greater than 6.5 are required, Immigration regulations require all successful foreign applicants to obtain a student visa. The Academy of Vocal Arts is approved for attendance by artists granted either an F-1 visa. AVA will enter international students into the SEVIS system and provide a SEVIS I-20 form for those students so that they may apply for their F-1 visas.

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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.