Please check back later for updates on our plans to resume IBA operations in the future!

Is there a deadline for applications?

The application deadline for the International Baroque Academy is March 15, 2020. Applying early is a plus if you are applying for a scholarship. Late applicants may email IBA@musiktheaterbavaria.org to inquire whether it is possible to accept a late application for your voice type or instrument.

 

Are there age limits for the program?

Students must have completed at least their sophomore year of college and be at least age 20 by the start of the program. The upper age limit for harpsichord/organ students is 35, and the upper age limit for singers is 30. Applications from singers who are slightly older may occasionally be approved, at our discretion.

 

How do you make admission decisions?

IBA seeks students with a good work ethic and positive attitude who will be likely to benefit from, and be able to handle, the demands of our program. After a live audition or receipt of a video application, if there is interest based on talent we may check your references. We are committed to maintaining high standards for admission so that you may be assured of a talented group of colleagues.

We send out admission decisions on a rolling basis, from December through April, until the program is full. Early application increases your chances of admission! If you need a quick decision from us, please let us know.

 

Will IBA voice faculty try to change my vocal technique?

Our goal is to help you improve your technique, beginning with where you are when you come to us. We do teach technique, but we try to guide students to solve vocal and technical problems without challenging previous teaching methods when possible, giving you new information to discuss with your teachers at home.

 

If something happens and I need to withdraw from the IBA program, why can't I get a full refund of amounts paid?

IBA contracts with its faculty and makes hotel and meal service deposits long before the start of the program. We limit our number of students in order to allow for the individual attention which will insure each student's progress, so the per student cost of our faculty and other fixed program expenses are a far greater percentage amount of tuition than is the amount of the per student expense that we are able to cancel when someone withdraws.

 

May I request my roommate?

Yes, as long as the request is mutual. If you want to room with a friend, please let us know well in advance.

 

May I request a single room?

We have a good number of single rooms available at a small additional cost. Please contact us for details.

 

What music should I bring?

Please bring with you 2 copies (for you and your lesson pianist/harpsichordist) of any repertoire we assign to you or approve as potential solo performance material for you, and also several solo 17th or 18th century arias/songs of your choice (in any language) which you might like to work on with your coach and/or in workshops or master classes. If you normally use digital copies, please be sure to bring print copies for your accompanists.

All pieces that you bring to an IBA coaching lesson must be fully learned before coming to IBA. Your time with expert coaches should never be spent teaching notes. Your assigned performance pieces must be FULLY LEARNED and sometimes MEMORIZED before arrival at IBA, and your assigned theatrical scenes must be FULLY MEMORIZED before arrival at IBA.

 

Do I need to prepare anything else in advance?

Please be sure to write in word-for-word translations of your foreign-language arias and ensemble assignments. Please include translations of everything that all other people in an assigned theatrical scene are saying.

 

Do you have a policy about alcohol, drugs and behavioral problems?

The program administrators have the right, in their sole discretion, to dismiss a student from the program for use or possession of illegal drugs or for any other severe behavioral issue. This includes issues relating to excessive use of alcohol and includes any other serious issues that negatively affect the program or other participants, or that cause IBA to have concerns that the student should leave the program for the sake of their own health and wellbeing. Any dismissal from the program is without refund, whether warnings are given is left to the sole discretion of IBA management, and IBA assumes no responsibility for the expense of changing travel plans or any other resulting expenses.

We do not chaperone students, who are all adults. However, it would be foolish to spend the money to attend this type of program and waste it by making partying a priority. Alcohol is drying to the vocal folds, and you are going to have multiple private lessons per week, plus often be singing in classes, rehearsals and performances.

On working days it is our policy that no one may drink or be under the influence of alcohol until after they are finished for the day with all lessons, classes, rehearsals and/or performances. 

 

What happens if I have a medical problem at the program?

All IBA students are responsible for their own health insurance coverage, and for paying any of their uncovered medical bills. If you do not have health insurance that would cover you while at IBA, we highly recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes medical expense reimbursement, at the time you purchase your airline ticket.

 

Will I be given information about what to pack?

Yes. After you are accepted into the program and pay your deposit, we will send you the IBA Handbook with lots of practical information about what clothes and other things to pack.

 

May I talk with someone to ask more questions about the IBA program?

Of course! You may email questions to us at IBA@musiktheaterbavaria.org and we will respond promptly, or we will be happy to call you to talk personally, at your request. Just send an email to let us know your phone number.

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for college students, graduate students and young professionals