SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION www.melbaoperatrust.com.au 2016 Joseph Sambrook Opera Scholarship recipient Shakira Tsindos working with Australian mezzo-soprano and Mentor Deborah Humble. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ................................................................................................................................P3 Our Program ...............................................................................................................................P4 Important Information for Applicants Eligibility Criteria ...............................................................................................................P5 Selection Criteria ...............................................................................................................P5 Rules ..................................................................................................................................P6 Example Application Form ..........................................................................................................P7 Application Process - Actions to Complete Stage 1 - Application with Video Audition .......................................................................P12 Stage 2 - Live Audition and Interview ..............................................................................P13 Before You Submit Checklist ..........................................................................................................................P14 Do’s and Don’t’s ................................................................................................................P14 Page 2 of 15 SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION www.melbaoperatrust.com.au Melba Opera Trust is Australia’s premier scholarship program for promising young opera singers and pianists. 2014-2015 Joseph Sambrook Opera Scholarship recipient Jeremy Kleeman working with Australian soprano and Mentor, Cheryl Barker AO. Our program prepares scholars for the rigors of an especially competitive industry, bridging the gap from tertiary study to professional opportunities. We enlist esteemed mentors from a variety of fields to help the artist learn to operate as a business. Networks and connections made during our program can have an enduring impact on one’s career and have proven invaluable for our alumni. Our alumni are establishing themselves abroad as artists at Royal Opera House (Covent Garden), Deutsch Opera (Berlin) and various young artist programs in the US. In Australia, a number of our alumni have starred in leading roles for Opera Australia, Victorian Opera, Musica Viva, State Opera of South Australia and performed as featured artists with the Melbourne, Sydney, Queensland and Western Australia Symphony Orchestra’s. The range of disciplines and fields our scholars receive training in include: Vocal coaching, language coaching, etiquette and protocol, vocal health, financial planning, marketing, presentation and styling, media training, public speaking, accounting, negotiation, time management, performance anxiety, theatre and improvisation, movement and acting, networking, dance, application and grant writing and more. Some of the notable opera industry professionals who have worked with us as mentors in the past include: Bryn Terfel, Renée Fleming, Craig Hassell AM, Yvonne Kenny AM, Sharolyn Kimmorley AM, Simon O’Neill, Cheryl Barker AO, Peter Coleman-Wright AO and Emma Matthews. Our program has been likened to a finishing school for university graduates ready to take their next career step. A comprehensive and challenging, yet rewarding opportunity, we wish you luck with your application and thank you for your interest. Page 3 of 15 SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION www.melbaoperatrust.com.au OUR PROGRAM 2015-2016 John & Elizabeth Wright-Smith Opera Scholarship recipient Nicholas Tolputt working with Deborah Humble. Melba Opera Trust scholarships are designed to prepare promising young Australian singers and pianists for an operatic career by developing both artistic and professional business skills. There are three integrated programs that underpin this approach to operatic development with a focus on inspiring excellence, realising potential and forging careers: Artistic Development Mentor Program Melba Artists Program The Mentor Program is critical Performance Program to the development process and Scholars receive funding to The Melba Artists Performance underwrite an individually tailored consists of a series of workshops and seminars that take place Program creates performance Artistic Development Program. opportunities for scholars to This program is designed at in Melbourne and Sydney over the course of the year. It equips put their learning into practice. the beginning of the year in Performances range from large consultation with the selection scholars with practical career skills. concerts in metropolitan and panel and is periodically reviewed. regional venues, to intimate Programs are required to address National and international experts private gatherings and special a balance of vocal development, are enlisted as Mentors to share events. The objective of this languages, stagecraft, movement their expertise and cultivate program is to provide regular and professional development an informed understanding of performance opportunities for activities. To deliver the individual the industry. On top of audition scholars to facilitate experience programs, singers and pianists preparation, vocal master classes, as a freelance artist. Through this nominate their preferred service private coaching and industry program, scholars will learn how providers and Melba Opera Trust discussions, the Mentor Program to plan and execute their own assists by enlisting coaches from also helps singers and pianists to performances, gain experience in the country’s top opera companies develop as freelance artists. interacting with an audience and and educational institutions. have the opportunity to raise their performance profile. Page 4 of 15 SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION www.melbaoperatrust.com.au IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS Australian soprano and Mentor Emma Matthews working with 2014-2015 Ruskin Opera Award & Margaret Schofield Opera Scholarship recipient, Nikki Hill. The Melba Opera Trust program is designed for singers and pianists that have completed their academic studies and are establishing themselves as young professionals in the opera industry. As such it is not practical for formal tertiary studies to be undertaken concurrently with this program. Melba Opera Trust invests $80,000 per scholar across three programs: the individualised Artistic Development Program (including a $10,000 cash grant) participation in the Mentor Program and Melba Artists Performance Program. Funding is to be used within Australia for programs of study approved by Melba Opera Trust and is conditional on attendance at Mentor Programs and participation in Melba Artists Performance Program. Repeat scholars may be considered exempt from certain aspects of the Mentor Program in recognition of prior learning. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 1. Melba Opera Trust invites applications from singers and pianists who will be aged 21-28yrs in 2017, who have completed or will complete by 2017 an undergraduate degree in performance, voice or equivalent program of operatic/vocal/piano studies. 2. For singers who demonstrate dramatic vocal potential the age limit will be extended to 30yrs. In this instance, applicants must also include a letter of reference from a vocal expert confirming their dramatic potential. Similar consideration will also be given to those applying without the above tertiary qualifications. 3. For singers applying to the Harold Blair Opera Scholarship for Indigenous classical singers, the age limit is extended to 35 years. 4. Applicants must be Australian citizens. SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants should be aware that the quality of application documents, live audition and interview will be equally considered in the selection process. Applicants must demonstrate: • Outstanding operatic potential • A high level of language skills, interpretation, stagecraft and musicianship • Availability for Mentor Program sessions and Melba Artists Performance Program • Dedication and commitment to carrying forward their operatic development • The ability to self-motivate and be organised • The potential to be an ambassador for Melba Opera Trust Page 5 of 15 SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION www.melbaoperatrust.com.au IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS 2016 scholar, mezzo-soprano Shakira Tsindos. RULES • Decisions of the panel are final and applicants agree to accept the outcome. There is no forum to challenge or appeal the decision on any ground whatsoever, nor is feedback given. • No communication or attempt to communicate by or on behalf of an applicant with any member of the selection panel will be permitted. • Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. • The applicant is responsible for ensuring the permission of their referees to provide contact details. • Successful applicants must use the funds in Australia. • Scholarship funds are to be expended in the 2017 calendar year. Unused funds must be remitted back to Melba Opera Trust. • In submitting an application, the applicant certifies that the information contained in the application form and the documents submitted is all true and correct and is not misleading or deceptive and that no material information has been omitted or deleted. • It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure all attached files and links are provided