Our Legacy: 37 Years of Empowering Artists to Transform the Stage

What We Stand For

For nearly four decades, OperaWorks has redefined what it means to be a performing artist. We believe every singer’s voice is more than an instrument—it’s a gateway to connection, emotion, and storytelling. Since 1987, we’ve empowered thousands of singers, teachers, and directors to turn technical mastery into unforgettable artistry.

The Proof Is in Our Artists

  • 2,500+ Graduates

  • 70% Active in the Arts

  • Metropolitan Opera & Global Performers, Grammy Winners, and Leading Educators

  • Backed by Research: A two-year study shows OperaWorks boosts performance, confidence, and creativity while reducing anxiety. See the study.

How It All Began

In 1987, OperaWorks was founded by Ann Baltz, a visionary leader in opera education who believed singers needed more than technical training—they needed the tools to bring their artistry to life. Today, Ann remains an integral part of the faculty and creative team as Creative Projects Director, continuing to inspire and guide the next generation of bold performers.

For more about Ann Baltz and her work, visit annbaltz.com.

Leading the Future of Opera

The arts world is changing fast, and OperaWorks is leading the charge. Today, we bring artists together at Emory University in Atlanta for our flagship summer program and host intensive weekends in cities across the U.S., such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Our alumni are breaking boundaries in opera, musical theater, and beyond—turning their artistry into bold careers that inspire audiences worldwide.

  • OperaWorks began as a two-week summer program with a bold mission: to give singers more than technical training and help them grow as complete artists. From musical improvisation to acting techniques and Alexander Technique, the program introduced revolutionary tools that helped singers connect their voices to their physicality and artistry.

    As word spread, OperaWorks expanded nationally, bringing its forward-thinking methods to major arts hubs across the United States and setting a new standard in opera training.

  • As demand grew, OperaWorks introduced advanced artist intensives, teacher certification programs, and workshops designed to help singers thrive in an evolving performance landscape. These programs gave artists the tools to stand out in competitive careers while addressing their work's emotional, physical, and professional aspects.

    For 20 years, OperaWorks not only trained performers but also built a community of bold, versatile artists and educators who are now shaping the future of the arts.

  • What makes OperaWorks so impactful isn’t just what we teach—it’s how we teach it. In a two-year psychological study published in the International Journal of Music Education, researchers found that OperaWorks’ training does more than refine your performance—it changes how you feel about yourself as an artist.

    The study showed that participants in OperaWorks programs experienced:

    • Enhanced optimal performance on stage.

    • Increased self-esteem and confidence.

    • Significant decreases in shame, perfectionism, and performance anxiety—issues that many artists face but rarely have the tools to overcome.

    These findings validate our approach and underscore why so many singers call their time at OperaWorks life-changing. We’re not just shaping better performers but empowering artists to thrive on stage, in their careers, and beyond.

    Read the complete study here.

  • After the pandemic shook the performing arts world, OperaWorks met the challenge. Artists were forced to rethink their careers, adapt to new performing methods, and reconnect with audiences. OperaWorks reintroduced its programs as a creative hub for a new generation of courageous and versatile artists.

    Our flagship summer program now thrives at Emory University in Atlanta, providing an immersive space for collaboration and innovation. Throughout the year, we also host intensive weekends in cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, offering fresh tools and inspiration for artists who are ready to grow.

    OperaWorks continues championing performers who want to break through the noise, embrace their individuality, and turn their artistry into meaningful careers.

Want to Be Part of This Legacy?

OperaWorks is more than a program—it’s a movement. Whether you’re an artist ready to take the stage in a whole new way or a supporter who believes in the power of the arts, we invite you to join us.