TMF Vocal Institute
Building Your Craft: from Studio to Stage
The TMF Vocal Institute is designed to help emerging singers bridge the vital gap between studio work and compelling performance on stage. We offer identity-transforming, career-expanding training in America’s fourth-largest city—Houston, a vibrant cultural center where opera companies, orchestras, and artist-educators thrive.
This intensive program for undergraduate vocal students (applicants must have completed at least one year of collegiate study) builds a strong foundation in operatic stagecraft through focused training in:
- Acting and dramatic interpretation
- Language and diction
- Solo and ensemble coaching
- Stage movement, dance, and body awareness
Participants will also prepare and perform stage scenes from opera and operetta for public performance.
For other inquiries, please email caa@uh.edu or call (713) 743-3398
Institute Details & Requirements
DIRECTOR
- Melanie Sonnenberg, mezzo-soprano
New York City Opera, Hamburg State Opera, Teatro San Carlo, Dallas Opera, Full Professor (Voice and Pedagogy) University of Houston.
FACULTY
- Zachary Averyt, tenor
Voice and Pedagogy Faculty, University of Houston; A Prairie Home Companion; Navona Records. - Daniel Belcher, baritone
GRAMMY Award - Best Opera Recording, Houston Grand Opera, San Francisco Opera, Voice Faculty University of Houston and Opera Colorado. - Nicole Heaston, soprano
San Francisco Opera, Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, The Norwegian Opera, national clinician. - Adam Noble, stage movement and acting
Washington National Opera, Houston Grand Opera, The Public Theater/NSAF,
Head of MFA Acting at the University of Houston. - Angel Romero, tenor
2024 Operalia prizewinner; Wiener Staatsoper; Opéra national de Lorraine;
Voice faculty Houston Christian University.
Completed online application including video recording (YouTube or Vimeo link) with two selections:
- One in English
- One in a contrasting language
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
| Tuition & Fees | Includes | Cost (Payment Due May 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Commuter | Tuition only (no lodging or meals) | $1,450 |
| Residential Housing (Standard) |
Room & Board: Standard accommodation with one roommate (sharing a bathroom with 3 other students) |
$1,400 |
| Residential Housing (Single) |
Room & Board: Single bed dorm room with no roommate (sharing a bathroom with 1 other student) |
$1,700 |
Prices above are per item; total costs for standard housing and tuition is $2,850. Total costs for single room housing and tuition is $3,150.
Optional/Misc. Fees:
- J-1 Visa Fee: $250 (Required for applicable international students, due on acceptance)
Once your application form is processed, a confirmation email with your payment link and additional details will be sent from caa@central.uh.edu. If you don’t receive a confirmation, please contact caa@uh.edu to update your email address.
A $100 non-refundable deposit is due for all students. This is included in the total price of tuition and covers non-refundable administrative and meal costs.
Institute Experience:
Students participate in up to 35 hours per week of immersive training, including:
- Dance and movement for the stage
- Techniques in dramatic interpretation
- Diction and language
- Daily individual and ensemble coaching
- Scene staging
- Opera scenes performance
- Guest master classes and lectures
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline (including video): April 1
- Payment Deadline: May 1
- Arrival Day: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
- Final Performance: Saturday, June 13, 2026
- Dorm Move-Out: Sunday, June 14, 2026
Location:
Moores School of Music
University of Houston
3333 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77204
Q: I am entering my freshman year of college. Can I apply?
A: No, applicants must have completed at least one year of collegiate study.
Q: Is there a residential option?
A: Yes, this institute is open to both residential and commuter students.
Q: Can I park on campus?
A: Yes—students may drive and park on campus, but parking permits contacts must be purchased in advance. Students must abide by all UH Parking rules and regulations; TMF is not responsible
for parking tickets.
Q: How and when do I pay?
A: After acceptance, invoices with payment links will be sent via email from caa@central.uh.edu. Please watch for it and reach out if you don’t receive it.
Q: What’s your refund policy?
A: A $100 non-refundable deposit is included in tuition. Partial refunds are available
before May 1. No refunds will be issued after May 1.
Q: When will I receive more info?
A: Our staff will send a detailed schedule and student handbook in the weeks before
the institute.
Q: Who do I contact with questions?
A: Email caa@uh.edu with questions about the application process, payment, or housing. Questions about
programming or admissions should be directed to Melanie Sonneberg at msonnenb@central.uh.edu.
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