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Master's Programme in Chamber Opera

Education level CreditsSecond cycle 120 credits

Time2 years full time

Study locationVästerås

The Degree of Master of Fine Arts in Western Classical Music and Opera, specialising in Chamber Opera, is a full-time programme for two years. It is aimed at those who are passionate about being on stage and conveying opera through singing.

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Pick semester

Credits

120 credits

Education level

Second cycle

Study pace

full time

Study location

Västerås

Start

2025-09-01

Length

2 years

Teaching form

Normal teaching

Tutoring language

English

Application code

MDU-41921

Selection

Admission test

Specific requirements

A completed Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to 180 credits, and passed entrance examination. A TOEFL test result, minimum score 575 with a TWE score of at least 4.5 (PBT) or 90 with a TWE score of at least 20 (iBT) or an IELTS test result with an overall band score of minimum 6.5 and no band score below 5.5 or equivalent is required.

Konstnärlig masterexamen

For students outside EU/EEAPer installment prior to each semester: 125000 SEKAnnual tuition fee: 250000 SEKTotal programme fee: 500000 SEK

Apply autumn semester 2025, Västerås

Apply on universityadmissions.se

The programme

To begin the education in this multifaceted art form you must already have achieved an advanced level of vocal development and have wide expertise in the field as well as insight into current research and development work.

The Master of Fine Arts in Chamber Opera programme has a holistic view of what an opera singer needs in his or her future professional life. This means that in addition to vocal lessons, rehearsals and stage training at the highest level, you will also receive valuable tools
that will help you shape your music-making and form your artistic identity.

In addition to singing, lessons are offered in ensemble singing, lied interpretation, role rehearsals, fencing, stage fighting, dance, elocution lessons, opera improvisation, languages
and much more.

You will also gain insight into the codes that apply in the singing profession, for example, concert practice, audition technique, choice of repertoire, attire and attitude. This will prepare you for your future professional life as a professional opera singer.

Teachers with international experience

During the programme you will be taught by teachers and guest lecturers who belong to the top tier of the Swedish and international musical scene. Individual singing lessons are interspersed with joint weekly lessons. You will learn how to use your voice and your body to
portray different characters and convey feelings, thoughts and dramatic events.

Around fifty performances every year

The Academy of Music and Opera produces about 50 concerts and performances per year where you are given several opportunities to perform in front of audiences on different stages, in different instrument constellations and with repertoire from different stylistic periods. Some examples of venues are the Västmanland Theatre with 400 seats and orchestra pit, Västerås Concert Hall with 912 seats and top-level acoustics, the Hall of State
(Rikssalen) at Västerås Castle and Västerås Cathedral with 1100 seats.

Specially adapted premises at Västerås Slott

The Academy of Music and Opera’s premises are located in the historic Västerås Castle, with rehearsal rooms that are specially adapted for singing and music and that have long opening hours.

Entrance examination

Admission and selection to the Master of Fine Arts Programme in Western Classical Music and Opera, specialising in Chamber Opera, is done through an entrance examination.

Jobs and the future

As an opera singer, you will have a creative and varied profession in ensembles, at opera houses or as a freelance musician.

Programme structure and content

Here you can see how the program’s content is divided into different subjects and which courses you will take each year of the program. If you study full-time, you will take 30 credits (hp) per semester. Some courses within a program may be mandatory, while others may be elective.

This is a preliminary content of the program. Courses and subjects may be subject to change.

    Contact us

    Lena Hellström-Färnlöf

    Can answer questions about prior knowledge, entry requirements and the application procedure.

    Phone number +4621103129 E-mail address lena.hellstrom-farnlof@mdu.se
    Staffan Sandström

    Can answer questions about the set-up and content of the programme.

    Phone number +4621101426 E-mail address staffan.sandstrom@mdu.se