“I am proud to call myself an alumnus of the CLA Vocal Academy, and my experience is the perfect example of what CLA offers emerging artists: immense growth.”
September 2025 - May 2026
A 22-week mentorship program for select CLA artists preparing for professional auditions and international competitions
The CLA Vocal Academy Experience
The Classic Lyric Arts Vocal Academy (CLAVA) is an elite, 22-week mentorship program designed for distinguished alumni of CLA’s summer programs who have completed conservatory training and are preparing to launch professional careers. Building upon the foundation established in CLA’s immersive summer sessions, CLAVA provides advanced artistic development and strategic career guidance at a critical stage in an emerging artist’s trajectory.
The yearlong program offers world-class vocal and dramatic coaching, individualized career consultations, Italian language instruction, and curated repertoire sessions with conductors. Participants gain exclusive access to leading artist managers and benefit from a series of performance opportunities, including in-house salons, public showcases, and the CLA Annual Gala in New York City. Through expert mentorship, comprehensive training, and meaningful industry connections, the CLA Vocal Academy equips each artist with the tools and confidence to transition into the next stage of their professional career.
The Total Training
Weekly vocal coachings with Glenn Morton & additional faculty
Weekly dramatic coaching with Daniel Isengart
Career mentoring sessions with John Viscardi
Italian classes & individual language sessions with Andrea Persano
Repertoire sessions with conductors, including Michelle Rofrano, Stefano Sarzani, & Raphael Fusco
Consultations with artist managers
““The CLA Vocal Academy has not only enhanced our voices for today, but is shaping us as the artists we will be tomorrow.””
Maximize Your Artistry
Expand the depth of your artistry and refine every nuance of your performance through individualized sessions with CLA’s renowned conductors, stage director, vocal coaches, and language specialists.
Craft Your Career
Work with the CLAVA faculty to craft a strategic career plan, integrating coaching, repertoire, and professional guidance, complemented by consultations with leading artist managers.
Perform the Part
Showcase your repertoire in a series of curated CLA performances, including the CLA Annual Gala, Open House events at the Bloomingdale School of Music, in-house soirées, and a culminating spring performance. Participants receive professional photos to support ongoing career development.
2025/2026 CLAVA Faculty
““The faculty at CLA will help clarify and confirm everything you are working on in your training, and they will help you discover new ideas that you didn’t know were possible.””
2024/2025 CLAVA Resident Artists
““The CLA Vocal Academy reminded me that opera is not only about individual artistry, but also about collaboration, generosity, and shared purpose.””
Meet the CLA Community
We are grateful for each supporter and friend that is part of our rich CLA family. Fostering community is central to our mission, and the success of our programs would not be possible without your support.
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