ATLMTI Opera Institute

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

ATLMTI began three years ago with a simple goal: give teenagers serious, high-quality Musical Theater training. What we didn't expect was how many of our students would fall in love with the classical voice along the way — the discipline, the beauty, the thrill of a fully supported, unamplified sound filling a room. Once we saw that spark, we knew a few master classes wouldn't be enough.

As former co-directors of the Atlanta Opera High School Opera Institute, Walter Huff and I had already built something we both believed in deeply — so when it came time to give our most serious young singers a real path into this extraordinary art form, there was only one person I wanted beside me.

Together, we've built a full two-semester opera intensive: real roles, real repertoire, real stagecraft — plus private coaching and master classes with some of the country's leading vocal coaches, teachers, directors, and conductors. Two semesters means real time for real growth: room for a voice to change, a young artist to find their range, a student to go from promising to ready.

If your teen has caught the opera bug, this is where that spark becomes a craft.

Audition & Placement Guide

This program is for serious young performers — every participant auditions and earns a role; there's no beginner track. Auditions are submitted by video, and we'll place you in the tier we believe you're ready for. Below is exactly what we're listening for, so you can prepare with a clear goal in mind.

We're accepting only 8–12 singers this season. You must be 14 years of age by June 1, 2026, to audition.

Entry Requirement — To Be Admitted

All applicants must submit a video audition. This is not a beginner program.

A fully prepared, memorized classical solo (foreign-language repertoire is welcome but not required)
Basic sight-singing or strong rote-learning ability
Stage presence — comfortable standing, moving, and holding focus on camera
Ability to take a direction note (note: since auditions are submitted by video, live feedback is not given during the audition itself)