Discovering Opera



Overview

What is opera?

The poetry of the libretto, through the artistry of the composer and singer to the design of the producer – this course will examine the different elements that fuse into this most complete of all art forms.

We will begin by demystifying some operatic conventions and terminology, then look at how composers set a story to music. Next we will consider the art of the opera singer and look at the different voice-types. Then we will study the main composers and trends in operatic history. Finally we will consider the role of the opera producer by examining how an opera is prepared for the stage.

Programme details

Course starts: 3 Nov 2025

Week 1: What is Opera?

Week 2: Words and Music - Does the Story Matter?

Week 3: Important Operatic Composers

Week 4: The Art of the Opera Singer

Week 5: The Producer - the Art of Interpretation

Certification

Digital badge

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add your badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.

 

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £180.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Miss Claire-Louise Lucas

Claire-Louise Lucas is a professional mezzo-soprano and a part-time music tutor. She lectures on opera and song for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education.  She has lectured on singing in conservatoires and other universities in the UK and the USA.

Claire-Louise has performed extensively throughout Britain, Europe and the USA, including an appearance as a soloist in the Salzburg Easter Festival with Maurizio Pollini and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Claudio Abbado.  Other recent performances include concerts at Gloucester Cathedral; Christ Church Cathedral; Salisbury Cathedral; Southampton University; the Leominster Festival and the Brighton Festival. 

Course aims

  • To examine the different elements that fuse together to form Opera.
  • To examine how composers set a story to music.
  • To illustrate how singers and producers interpret the words and music.
  • To study the main composers and trends in operatic history.

Teaching methods

Each topic will be illustrated by audio and video extracts, co-ordinated by computer. All visual illustrations, including scores, opera texts, video and DVD extracts will be projected on to a large screen. Audio recordings will be played through high quality hi-fi. There will also be live demonstrations by the tutor.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course students will be expected to:

  • identify the main elements that form Opera;
  • demonstrate how a story is told in music on the operatic stage; 
  • identify the main opera composers and trends in different musical eras.

Assessment methods

This course is non-accredited, so there are no assessments.

Application

Please use the 'Book now' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support