Click here for the BASOTI application form.

For questions relating to auditions, email enrollment2010@basoti.org.

All applicants should audition in person, if possible. If you live too far from an audition site you may request permission to submit a video recording or DVD by the audition deadline. All applicants must also submit a recent photo and a resume outlining your singing experience, opera roles and scenes you have performed, and an overview of your educational background. If you are not currently enrolled in a college or conservatory vocal program you must submit two letters of recommendation, one from your voice teacher and one from a musician familiar with your work.

Singers should be prepared to sing three opera arias: one Handel or other baroque composer’s aria in Italian, one Mozart aria in German or Italian, and one of your own choice. BASOTI will provide a pianist, but you may bring your own if you like. Important: Please bring an additional resume to your audition.

Auditions will be held in San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Boston, Baltimore, and Bloomington Indiana. Please see the audition schedule in the sidebar.

Auditions will remain open until all positions are filled
Please note the early application deadlines for all cities except San Francisco.

Applications must be received in San Francisco, CA by the deadline, and must include a $50 non-refundable application fee drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars. Tuition payments can be made through PayPal on the website.

* Funds must be drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. dollars

All application fees are non-refundable. Tuition deposits are refundable at 80% of the deposit until midnight April 20, 2010 (PST). No deposits or agreements will be accepted after April 20, 2010 (postmarked) and no refunds will be given unless the request is received before midnight April 20, 2010 (PST). All deadlines are final. BASOTI cannot accommodate payment plans or late payments. There is a $50 fee for all dishonored checks or payments. In all cases the decisions of the Artistic Director are final.

BASOTI does not furnish housing. Participants must find their own housing. Costs are in addition to the tuition. BASOTI works together with several residence hotels, but the final responsibility for housing rests with the participant.

Applicants understand that BASOTI is a non-profit educational corporation and can assume no financial liability for losses arising out of missed deadlines, participation, or non-participation in the Institute. Participants agree in writing to accept the BASOTI policies of operation.

BASOTI is non-discriminatory in its operating policies. Students are admitted to all programs and classes regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic background or national origin.

Participants will sign an agreement to abide by BASOTI’s policies and to arrive with all music memorized.

Work-study fellowships are very limited and are highly competitive. Tuition compensation will be considered at a rate of $20 per hour for the amount of aid received. Fellowships will be awarded on the basis of the requirements of this year’s Institute. Twenty $1,000 work-study fellowships will be offered. Singers who have attended BASOTI in the past are eligible this year for additional Fellowships to the Work-Study Program. Please submit a letter of intent to apply with your application and a description of your qualifications in the areas of production, office management, publicity, ticketing, costuming etc. The letter must be received by the time of your audition. No grant will be awarded without audition.

Click here for the BASOTI application form. You must mail it to the San Francisco address: