July 22 to August 5, 2026

Early bird application deadline is May 15!

Applications close June 1.

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At Charm City Opera Retreat, we come together as a community of classical singers in Baltimore — then we work together to feel prepared, supported and inspired as we enter each audition season.

  • "Charm City Opera Retreat was truly a turning point in my artistic life. I came into the program carrying not only questions about my place in the opera world, but also the quiet fear that my time had already passed because of my age. What I found instead was a space that reignited my voice, my confidence, and my sense of purpose."

    —Krystle Fink, soprano

  • "I felt inspired by everyone around me and supported in ways I didn’t expect. It also connected me with valuable resources and opportunities to keep moving forward in my artistic journey. I’m incredibly grateful for this experience and the lifelong friends I’ve made through it."

    —Rebecca Wood, soprano

  • "Charm City Opera Retreat created a safe and inviting space to take my repertoire further and expand how I present myself as an artist. I highly recommend this program to any emerging artists in classical or musical theater singing!"

    -Michael Pistorio, baritone

  • "I learned and grew a lot during those two weeks...I was able to use specific things from the PT session in my latest audition and I felt like it helped tremendously."

    -Rachel Sitomer, soprano

  • " I loved the overall atmosphere. It was such a supportive and positive environment where everyone was kind, collaborative, and genuinely encouraging of each other’s growth. It really felt like a space where people could learn and make music together in a meaningful way."

    —Xin Wu, collaborative pianist

A professional development experience.

For Artists. By Artists.

Reignite your voice.

A turning point in your artistic life.

A professional development experience. For Artists. By Artists. Reignite your voice. A turning point in your artistic life.

What is Charm City Opera Retreat?

Program Dates: July 22 to August 5, 2026

Early bird application deadline is May 15!

Applications close June 1.

Charm City Opera Retreat is a professional development program hosted in Baltimore, MD for regional classical singers who want to reignite their career.

This two-week professional development program provides participants with comprehensive coaching on their audition repertoire, a ready-to-go audition portfolio, and a professional network. Your resume also gets special a boost with a performance credit at one of  Baltimore's historic venues.

CCOR is a safe space for singers to take up space, experiment, and find the fullness of their voices. CCOR faculty is personally selected by the organizers of the program. They are dedicated to nurturing your authentic artistry as you prepare for whatever is next in your career.

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We know what you need to get out there…

We’ve been there!

  • When is the last time you had a coaching to refine the musicianship, diction, style, and drama of your repertoire? Catch up on all of that at Charm City Opera Retreat. You will have several coachings with a dedicated pianist who will support you from the first day all the way to the recording session!

  • You may speak Italian, but how’s your French, German, or English? You will have access to some of the best and most innovative diction coaches in the field. Claire Galloway joins CCOR to coach French and German repertoire, and Matteo dalle Fratte of the Melofonetica Method zooms in all the way from Italy to reinvigorate your Italian diction.

  • Working with industry professionals in a workshop is great way to try out their methodologies. Maybe afterwards you want to keep working with them, or need a new reference on your resume, and through CCOR you will have that connection!

    In 2025, we worked with amazing professionals like Jillian Page of Meisner in Music, Theresa Bickham of University of Maryland, Greg Eldridge of Glyndebourne Opera, and more. Join our mailing list to see updates on who will join us in 2026!

  • Sink into the warmth of a supportive community that lifts each other up and stimulates growth. You will have space and time to connect with other participants throughout the retreat in peer-led sessions and social gatherings.

    You can release tension in your nervous system and musculoskeletal system through wellness sessions for singers. We give you access to a pelvic floor specialist, physical therapist, an Alexander technique teacher, and licensed acupuncturist. After CCOR, these providers are excellent resources!

  • Does your resume, website or headshot need an update to reflect the real you? Do you want guidance on the business aspects of your career? You will have access to experts in a variety of workshops and consultations to jumpstart a full reset on your portfolio, brand, goals and action plan.

  • Back by popular demand, all participants will gather to sing for each other. This is a fun and safe space to try out new techniques and ideas as you process everything learned in coachings and masterclasses. Your peers also have great experiences to share if you would like constructive feedback!

  • After all that work in the course of two weeks, you will be ready to record! In a one-hour “buddy” recording session, you and a peer will support each other as you both record 2 to 3 arias or songs for your media portfolio. Recordings will be in your inbox quickly, ready to upload or send in your next application.

  • Performing for mentors, peers, and the public is an important step in getting ready to record. You will have the opportunity to perform in peer rep sessions, masterclasses, and a public performance in an historic local venue.

For two-weeks, we set you up with everything you need.

You will have access to essential job training, resources, and a support network in an inclusive and positive environment all located in historic downtown Baltimore, MD.

All participants have access to coaches specializing in music performance, language diction, acting for singers, business development, and more!

Want to learn more?

Subscribe to our mailing list to get regular updates and news!

Masterclass observers trying out a fun release technique offered by Dr. Bickham.

Rebecca implementing the Melofonetica Method in a distance coaching with Matteo Dalle Fratte in Italy!

Meaghan trying something new in peer rep class!

Jerzy sharing her hardwork in a concert at An die Musik with Sira at the piano.

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Resident Faculty and Guest Teaching Artists

Ready to learn more about who you will work with at Charm City Opera Retreat? Follow us and join our mailing list to get regular updates on our 2026 faculty.

Contact Us

Questions? We can’t wait to hear from you!