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Taos Opera Institute (TOI) has been established as a four-week intensive program designed to “bridge the gap” between academia and apprenticeships for the emerging young vocal artist. Our philosophy focuses on integrating and improving your technique, your physical well being, and your artistry. Singers participate in interactive sessions with distinguished guests and artists, focusing on competition psychology, performance anxiety, audition strategies, stage deportment, dramatic interpretation and vocal stability. Singers leave Taos Opera Institute (TOI) with a complete audition package, confidently preparing them for the next level of their career development. Every participant experiences physical awareness through daily fitness sessions, including yoga and cardio-training. Additional recreational opportunities also include hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, disc golf, swimming and sand volleyball. Each singer's weekly schedule includes 4-5 lessons with a voice teacher and/or coach, private language and dramatic coaching, aria staging, master classes and special focus sessions, and various opera scene rehearsals. As a valuable feature, the faculty gives immediate personal assessments for all aria performances (2 weekly). In addition, singers enjoy private life coaching sessions, furthering their journey toward a meaningful life as a professional singer. Other unique performance opportunities include special dinner soirees at private residences and gourmet restaurants and a Gala Finale Evening hosted by the resort destination, El Monte Sagrado (Taos). Interested singers are also welcome to participate in local churches' Sunday services. Taos Opera Institute (TOI) Artistic Director is Mary Jane Johnson.