by Cherry Duke
One of the most meaningful experiences in a singer’s training — and one of the most illuminating events for audiences — is the vocal master class.
A master class is not a performance in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a working session in which emerging artists present prepared repertoire and receive real-time coaching from an experienced professional. The focus is not on perfection, but on process: how singers think, adjust, interpret, and grow in the moment.
For students, this format is invaluable. Singing for a respected artist in a public setting builds professional readiness — not just vocally, but mentally and artistically. It teaches singers how to take feedback, apply it immediately, and remain flexible under pressure. These are essential skills for any performing career, and they can’t be fully learned behind closed studio doors.
But master classes aren’t only for singers.
For observers, they offer a rare window into how opera and musical theatre actually work. You hear the same passage sung multiple ways. You see how a small technical or interpretive shift can completely change the emotional impact of a phrase. You gain insight into the craft behind performances you may already love — and you begin listening differently the next time you attend a full production.
At El Paso Opera and Opera UTEP, our master classes are open to the public and free to attend. They are part of our commitment to transparency, education, and community engagement — inviting audiences not just to watch finished performances, but to witness how artists are shaped.
If you love opera, are curious about the art form, or simply enjoy seeing people grow in real time, I encourage you to attend a master class. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the work, the artists, and the collaborative process that brings music to life.
Opera UTEP partners with El Paso Opera to bring this high-impact experience to UTEP students. Check out the current schedule at utep.edu/opera.
