About

Mission

To train and empower opera professionals to excel artistically, personally and professionally, and to develop new audiences through innovative alternatives to traditional opera productions.

Philosophy

OperaWorks™ was founded in 1987 by Ann Baltz in response to her educational experience and that of many other musicians:

I noticed a pattern in my education that was typically Play—Stop—Correction—Play Again—Stop—Correction—Play Again, etc. without any positive feedback – only what I was doing wrong. Hearing an occasional encouraging word would have given me some hope but, after years of relentless corrections from well-meaning teachers, my self-confidence was destroyed.

I have discovered in my work with singers in opera companies, young artist programs and schools, that what I experienced in my training is common for musicians at all stages of their careers. When singers are stopped and corrected with no positive feedback in a lesson, coaching or rehearsal, they begin to erect a defensive wall in order to protect their artistic souls against the criticism. Over time singers simply leave the wall in place. It is a challenge for singers to perform freely from their hearts when their confidence and self-image are so damaged. [Full Statement]

Ann Baltz | OperaWorks™ Founder | annbaltz.com

For over 35 years, OperaWorks™ has developed into a positive, encouraging space for singers to develop their artistry without fear. Yes, OperaWorks classes are innovative, but it is the affirming and holistic approach that the program takes that is unique and impactful.

Singers have permission to grow at OperaWorks™ by experimenting with new ways of singing, moving, acting, and creating music collaboratively. When a singer comes to OperaWorks™, their efforts are affirmed before they are offered a nonjudgmental, constructive suggestions.  They will hear, “Yes, and…” as a way to encourage creative exploration through collaboration.

Singers experience growth as a person and an artist at OperaWorks™ through a holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, and profession. Singers of the future must be thrifty at marketing and business practices, effective communicators on and off the stage, be informed about medical and dietary decisions that affect singers, and know how to be present in mind and body when in front of a crowd. Singers are amazing inspiring because they do all of this — and much more! 

Faculty and attendees work together as a team for the sole purpose of empowering singers to fulfill their potential. We work to free artists of expectations so they can sing and move as they wish. Mistakes are not frowned upon here; they are learning opportunities that can be turned into triumphs. Freed of these expectations, singers learn about themselves: that their technique does not need constant monitoring; that they are creative, expressive, musical; that they move well; and that they are inspired performers.

The OperaWorks™ experience is as needed in this world now as it was 35 years ago. Artists who are empowered to be brave and bold bring comfort and inspiration and provoke us to consider our world through their artistic message. Artists choose to be these heroes, and OperaWorks™ gives them some of the critical tools to do so.

History

More than 2,000 singers, voice teachers, coaches, directors and conductors have graduated from the OperaWorks™ intensive programs, and hundreds more from our national workshops. More than 70% of our alumni are active in the Arts as performers, teachers, and arts administrators. 


Background

OperaWorks™ founder Ann Baltz became aware of a void in singers’ preparation working in many professional capacities with opera companies and apprentice programs: singers were being asked to do things as singing-actors they had not been taught how to do.

1987-1997

OperaWorks™ began as two-week summer programs in Tampa and Pittsburgh 1987-89 with a core curriculum of Performance Techniques, Musical Improvisation, Alexander Technique, and individual coachings. Following a 1990 winter program in Phoenix, OperaWorks™ moved to Los Angeles as a three-week program at California State University, Northridge where the programs were in residence since 1990.  OperaWorks™' national workshops began in 1997 in New York City. 

​1998-2018

In 1998, the summer program in Los Angeles expanded to a four-week Advanced Artist Program, added a two-week Emerging Artist Program in 2003 and a Voice Teacher Program in 2008. A two-week Winter Intensive Program was added in 2013, and in 2018 a Teacher Certification Program. The training continues on through Ann Baltz and faculty members. 

2022-present

The onset of the global pandemic profoundly impacted and debilitated the lives of artists. The return of live in-person performances in 2022 underscored an urgent need to reawaken affirming-centered artistic training. Recognizing this, Ann Baltz and her visionary faculty, already known for their groundbreaking approach, responded swiftly to the evolving demands of the artistic landscape. OperaWorks, a program long synonymous with innovation, embraced the challenge, re-emerging as a beacon for a new era of courageous and munificent artists. With an unwavering commitment to adaptability, resilience, and cutting-edge techniques, OperaWorks has reappeared as the transformative force, empowering a diverse community of singers to navigate and excel in the dynamic post-pandemic creative realm.

Results

Empirical Evidence: OperaWorks™ Changes Lives

It is not only what we teach that has garnered such acclaim, but also how we teach at OperaWorks™. The empirical results of a two-year psychological study of the effects of this type of training on participants demonstrated that "the training provided at OperaWorks enhanced optimal performance and increased self-esteem, while decreasing shame, trait perfectionism, and anxiety."

Thomson, Paula, S. Victoria Jaque, and Ann Baltz. “Intensive opera training program effects: A psychological investigation.” International Journal of Music Education 35, no. 4 (November 2017): 479-489.

Support

The support OperaWorks™ received through generous grants, contributions, and in-kind donations enabled artists and audiences to benefit by making the world a better place through passionate and relevant performances. 

  • National Endowment for the Arts

  • Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

  • Los Angeles County Arts Commission

  • Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs

  • Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication, California State University Northridge

  • The Alice and Julius Kantor Charitable Endowment Fund

  • The Bertha and John Garabedian Charitable Foundation

  • The Brabson Library and Educational Foundation

  • The Minneapolis Foundation

  • Muriel Pollia Foundation

  • Opera Guild of Southern California

  • Big City Recording Studio

  • Shawn Flint Blair Photography

  • Staybridge Suites, Chatsworth CA

  • Zajac Studios

  • Jon Ellis Scholarship Fund

  • … and countless individuals!