Upon graduating from Loyola University New Orleans in 2006, I was ready to take the opera world by storm. I had received rigorous vocal and academic training, and I had my diploma. However, like thousands of newly graduated opera students, I found myself utterly lost looking at the opera world ahead. All I could do was ask, "What am I supposed to do now?" I know that I made the best professional and artistic decision in attending CoOPERAtive eight years ago. I received coachings and attended masterclasses given by some of the greatest and most connected musicians and directors in the business. These were some of the very conductors, singers, directors and coaches that I would eventually see on audition and competition panels. In three weeks at CoOPERAtive, I learned what it is that these people look for in an opera singer. I learned how to approach my music and performance as a professional. The knowledge gained about the business side of opera proved to be invaluable as well. Receiving these tools so early on set me apart from many of my peers. I began my professional career that fall, not even half a year out of college. I continue to use the tools I gained that summer, and I would not be where I am today were it not for my experience at CoOPERAtive.
Justin Lamont Hopkins, bass-baritone

There is no question that The CoOPERAtive Program was instrumental in my development as a singer and performer. CoOPERAtive provided me life-long tools for auditions, role preparation and understanding the Opera industry. The faculty of CoOPERAtive is of the highest caliber and I still work with many of the coaches I met through the program to this day. Any singer given the opportunity to attend this program should very seriously consider attending, as it is one of the most honest, effective and unforgettable experiences an aspiring performer could participate in. 
Jacob Kinderman, baritone

I attended CoOPERAtive during a very important time in my life as a young artist. I was three years out of graduate school, and about to embark on a season of intense auditioning. I needed those 3 weeks to make me into an auditioning machine. What I found in coachings and training at the program was so much more than that. The approach of the program was not just to turn out a good product, but to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin while creating intimacy between you and your specific repertoire. I took the arias I worked on at CoOPERAtive to 30 auditions, and received several roles and opportunities. I knew my arias so well that I experienced almost no nerves during auditions. For the first time, auditioning became fun. There was no fear involved. Never before have I had the pleasure of working with such amazing authorities on my repertoire. In particular, I loved working with Gina Lapinski, who I continue to study with and now work with here at the Met. One of the auditions I did after my summer at CoOPERAtive was for the Metropolitan Opera Company. I was offered a full time contract singing in the Chorus. I started here in July, and have the pleasure of singing in 16 operas this season.
Jennifer Rossetti soprano

View a list of all CoOPERAtive Young Artists, Fellows, and Pianists