Launching sustainable careers in opera
The Dutch National Opera Academy is a two-year university Master’s programme for highly talented young opera singers, offered by the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in partnership with the Royal Conservatoire The Hague.
Distinct from conventional vocal programmes or opera studios, the Academy places highly motivated singers at an advanced stage of their development in a performance-intensive training environment that reflects the realities of the opera profession. Through fully staged productions and collaborative rehearsal processes, students develop vocal, dramatic, and artistic skills as an integrated practice, preparing them for the demands of contemporary operatic life.
Upcoming performances
The DNOA is a master’s programme offered by the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in partnership with the Royal Conservatoire The Hague.
The closing date for applications to join the programme in Autumn 2026 is Sunday 11. January 2026.
Our programme
Our master’s programme is devised to bridge the gap between formal studies and successful entry to the operatic profession. Find out more about what our programme offers.
Performance opportunities
We schedule full productions and concerts throughout the year to enhance your profile and acquire a broad and useful repertoire.
Voice lessons
Individual voice lessons will help to hone your vocal technique and alleviate any issues to facilitate further development.
Coaching
Benefit from individual coaching sessions with our experienced and accomplished coaches from the international world of opera.
Performance skills
Central to our programme is the integration of singing, acting and physicality to help you develop technically and build artistic credibility.
Career skills
We focus on the strategic and entrepreneurial skills that are essential tools for a successful career, including our Audition Training Module.
Opera performances
The DNOA presents a rich schedule of public performances which include full productions, programmes of staged scenes and concerts.
Joyce DiDonato
On 14. March 2024, Joyce DiDonato visited the DNOA to give the inaugural masterclass of the Montgomery – van Dooren series. The series is being streamed by NPO Klassiek.
Who we are
The Dutch National Opera Academy supports the development of emerging opera singers through an intensive, performance-focused educational model. An international team of experienced artists and teachers works closely with students to foster technical security, artistic confidence, and the resilience needed for sustainable professional careers.
What our students say
“My time at DNOA was memorable, intense, sometimes stressful, but above all, rewarding and eye-opening. DNOA offers a comprehensive program that prepares students for what the ‘real world’ might look like, with a clear goal: to be flexible and well-prepared for any situation that comes your way. I was encouraged to find my own path and discover what makes me unique as a singer. Your progress depends on your commitment and ability to apply the feedback you receive, transforming you from a student into an artist. Throughout this journey, I was guided not only by the outstanding DNOA staff but also by my peers. They offer advice and support, while empowering you to make your own decisions. What truly sets DNOA apart is the sense of community, which I still rely on for help and expertise to this day. DNOA isn’t a distant memory I view with nostalgia; instead, it’s a launching pad that continues to propel me forward.”
Linsey Coppens, mezzo soprano
The closing date for applications to join the programme in Autumn 2026 is Sunday 11. January 2026.