The Opera Training Companion

What if the way you’ve always practiced is holding you back? In this episode of The Opera Training Companion , host Rachel Nicholls , alongside Soprano Olivia Rose Tringham (2024/25 alum), explore how disrupting habits and reframing practice can unlock deeper learning and artistic growth. Joined by guest Nicki Kennedy , they dive into the neuroscience behind motor skills and habit formation, uncov...

What exactly does an agent do for opera singers - and when should a young artist consider working with one? In this episode of Opera Training Companion , host Rachel Nicholls sits down with Sue Spence (Director, Askonas Holt) and Katy Crompton (Assistant Artist Manager at MWA and National Opera Studio alum) to unpack the vital role of artist managers in today’s operatic world. From contract negoti...

What exactly is a Young Artist Programme, and why do they matter so much to the future of opera? Host Rachel Nicholls – acclaimed soprano and NOS coach – is joined by two leading figures in the opera world: Eric Melear , Artistic Director of the National Opera Studio, and Laura Canning , General Director and CEO of Opera North. Together, they unpack the world of Young Artist Programmes (YAPs)...

Host Rachel Nicholls is joined by baritone Nick Mogg (2018/19 alum), currently a member of the Solo Ensemble at the Staatsoper Hamburg, and Fiona Wells, servicing manager at Groves Artists, to explore the realities of working abroad as an opera artist. Nick shares his first hand experience of life and work in Germany—how he navigates visas, accommodation, and cultural adjustments, as well as the a...

This episode explores the highs and lows of parenting in opera, from backstage breastfeeds and split-second childcare swaps, to the evolving voice, identity shifts, and emotional resilience it demands. Hosted by Hannah Sandison, singer, performance psychology consultant, and representative of SWAP’ra (Supporting Women and Parents in Opera), the roundtable features mezzo-soprano Anna Cooper, sopran...

In this episode of The Opera Training Companion , host Rachel Nicholls, alongside expert guests Kate Valentine (Valentine Voice Care) and ENT surgeon Declan Costello, dive into essential topics on maintaining vocal health. They explore common vocal issues singers face, the psychological and physical factors affecting the voice, and the importance of early intervention. Busting myths about vocal no...

In this episode of Opera Training Companion , host Rachel Nicholls is joined by Alex Ingram and Della Jones from the National Opera Studio to explore the role of coaching in opera. They discuss what it means to be a coach, how it differs from teaching or accompanying, and the unique skills required for the job, including both musical and psychological insight. The conversation covers when and how...

In this episode of The Opera Training Companion , Rachel Nicholls dives into the fascinating role of opera repetiteurs with Brenda Hurley (Royal Academy of Music) and Susanna Stranders (The Royal Opera). Discover what it takes to excel as a repetiteur—mastering both the art of playing and the psychology of rehearsals. From defining their vital role in opera companies to exploring the unique career...

In this episode of the Opera Training Companion podcast, host Rachel Nicholls dives into the topic of resilience in elite performance with high-performance coach Cliodhna O’Connor. They explore the parallels between elite athletes and opera singers, discussing what resilience truly is and how to build it. Key insights include strategies for fostering resilience, the challenges performers face in h...

In this episode, host Rachel Nicholls explores the vital role of nutrition for singers with guest Julie Cooper, a soprano, vocal coach, and nutritionist. They debunk myths about dairy, coffee, alcohol, and hydration, while discussing how to manage acid reflux—an issue many singers face. Julie also shares practical advice on maintaining energy, gut, and immune health while touring and performing. T...

In this bonus episode of The Opera Training Companion , host Rachel Nicholls, an experienced opera singer and coach, is joined by two National Opera Studio alum: repetiteur Jacob Swindells (2023/24) and mezzo-soprano Joanna Harries (2022/23). They discuss what it's like to train at the National Opera Studio, from the unique audition process to the daily routines and challenges of balancing life in...

Welcome to the very first episode of The Opera Training Companion brought to you by the National Opera Studio in London. In this episode, host Rachel Nicholls, alongside Allyson Devenish ( Senior Coach, National Opera Studio) and casting director Sarah Playfair, dive into the essentials of auditioning in the opera world. They explore how singers can land auditions, prepare their repertoire, and ma...

Welcome to The Opera Training Companion from the National Opera Studio - your go-to podcast for navigating the world of opera. Hosted by internationally renowned soprano Rachel Nicholls, with over 25 years of experience on the stage and a principal coach at the Studio, this series brings together industry-leading experts from the world of opera and beyond. Each episode - recorded at the Studio's h...