“Being a part of CLA Mozart made me feel so much closer to my desired future… I left not only with stronger technical and artistic skills, but also with a renewed appreciation for opera.” - Hadassah Coté, CLA Mozart
Hadassah Coté
During my time at CLA Mozart, I was fortunate to live at the beautiful Convento di San Giacomo in Todi, Italy for eleven unforgettable days. Nestled among breathtaking scenery, the convent offered a peaceful setting that encouraged both artistic focus and personal reflection. I would wander the convent grounds and hear Mozart’s works around every corner. Each day was filled with individual coachings, ensemble rehearsals, and morning group classes where we explored recitative, diction, poetic structure, and more.
One of the most meaningful parts of this program was the beautiful environment that made CLA Mozart feel like a retreat. The experience was a refreshing change of scenery compared to the rigorous demands of a conservatory program. Every moment at the convent provided a moment of reflection and meditation on music and my own personal and artistic purpose. Todi became a place where I could step away from the distractions of everyday life and fully dedicate myself to becoming the artist I hope to be.
Inside the Convento di San Giacomo
The faculty challenged and inspired me in unique ways. Glenn deepened my understanding of how resonance can support vocal technique, while Raphael encouraged me to approach every score through the eyes of the composer, revealing new layers of musical intention. John offered invaluable career mentorship, sharing wisdom that extended far beyond the practice room, and Daniel brought our performances to life through engaging staging and individualized acting coachings.
Being a part of CLA Mozart made me feel so much closer to my desired future. There was something incredibly meaningful about sharing this experience with people who were equally passionate about opera and eager to learn. Beyond the musical growth, I will remember the dinner table conversations, sneaking into the kitchen for a midnight snack, post-rehearsal pool games, and everyone tripping at least once on a hike through the woods on the grounds of the convent.
Convento di San Giacomo
I left CLA Mozart not only with stronger technical and artistic skills, but also with a renewed appreciation for opera. I am deeply grateful for this experience and excited to carry these lessons into the next chapter of my musical journey. CLA Mozart was one of the best experiences of my life.