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 for 2025 will include submitting a pre-screening recording with the application and required documents.

The 2025 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 15, 2025. All applicants will be notified regarding the Live In-Person Rounds by February 3, 2025.

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 January 15 deadline should contact Dr. Josh Miller, Dean – jmiller@avaopera.org.

View full audition process

Entrance Requirements

Applicants should have at least four years of college training in music or its equivalent in private study.
The Academy of Vocal Arts does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships, fellowships and other programs. Read Non-Discrimination Policy. Age limit exceptions are made on an individual basis, depending on the applicant’s talent and any other extenuating circumstances such as military service or having entered the music field at a very late stage. Please send proof of age (birth certificate, driver’s license, etc.) when submitting an application.
Unofficial copies of academic transcripts from each listed degree-granting institution.
2 professional references, submitted via the online form. No letters will be accepted.

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. Applicants from countries where English is the primary language do not need these scores. Immigration regulations require all successful foreign applicants to obtain a student visa. The Academy of Vocal Arts is approved for attendance by artists granted 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.

Learn How to Study in the States

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.