Opera Repetiteur Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of performing arts, the demand for opera repetiteurs has never been more pronounced.

Music continues to evolve, and with each passing aria, the cry for skilled hands who can rehearse, adapt, and maintain our operatic repertoire grows louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an opera repetiteur?

Whether you are:

• An aspirant trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A casting director outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of an opera house,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable opera repetiteur job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Opera Repetiteur Duties and Responsibilities

Opera Repetiteurs work closely with singers, conductors, and directors in an opera production, assisting in musical preparation and offering piano accompaniment during rehearsals.

They are knowledgeable in the nuances of opera performance and have a strong foundation in music theory and piano proficiency.

The duties and responsibilities of an Opera Repetiteur are:

• Learn the entire score of the opera and provide piano accompaniment during rehearsals.
• Assist the conductor in teaching the music to the singers.
• Work one-on-one with singers to help them learn their roles, focusing on language, diction, and musical style.
• Collaborate with the director to assist in staging and musical decisions.
• Perform in the orchestra pit during performances if required.
• Provide feedback to singers on their performance and suggest areas for improvement.
• Follow the conductor’s tempo during rehearsals to ensure consistency in performance.
• Maintain a high level of musical proficiency and knowledge of opera repertoire.

 

Opera Repetiteur Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a talented and experienced Opera Repetiteur to join our dynamic music team.

The Opera Repetiteur’s responsibilities include preparing and rehearsing the musical aspects of an opera, accompanying singers during rehearsals, and providing musical guidance.

The ideal candidate should have excellent piano skills, a good understanding of the operatic repertoire, and the ability to work collaboratively with a team of artists.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and rehearse the musical aspects of the opera
• Accompany singers during rehearsals and performances
• Provide musical guidance to singers and other musicians
• Assist the conductor during rehearsals
• Work closely with the artistic team to achieve a cohesive performance
• Study and understand the full score of the opera
• Maintain an active knowledge of the operatic repertoire
• Participate in auditions and castings
• Perform related duties as assigned

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Opera Repetiteur
• Excellent piano skills
• Deep knowledge of the operatic repertoire
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of artists
• Strong sight-reading skills
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain composure
• Bachelor’s Degree in Music or a related field

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Opera Repetiteur
• Work Environment: Rehearsal rooms, opera houses. Some travel may be required for performances and rehearsals.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Music Director or Artistic Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Competitive, based on experience and qualifications
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and any relevant recordings to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Opera Repetiteur Do?

An Opera Repetiteur is an essential role in the field of opera and music theatre.

They are primarily tasked with assisting singers in learning their roles quickly and accurately.

They work closely with singers, conductors, and directors to rehearse and prepare for performances.

They often play the piano for rehearsals, offering singers a sense of the orchestral accompaniment they will perform with.

Opera Repetiteurs are usually well-versed in musical notation and languages, as they frequently need to translate lyrics for the performers.

They often correct singers’ pronunciation in various languages and explain the meaning of the lyrics.

They also play a significant role in auditions, accompanying singers on the piano and sometimes assisting in making casting decisions.

Opera Repetiteurs are often responsible for coaching singers on their vocal technique, helping them interpret the music, and conveying the mood and style of the piece.

In many cases, they also conduct small ensemble performances or lead orchestral rehearsals.

Their job involves a great deal of collaboration and coordination with different sections of an opera production.

 

Opera Repetiteur Qualifications and Skills

An effective Opera Repetiteur should have the skills and qualifications that align with the role, including:

• Excellent musical skills, including piano playing, sight-reading, and ability to learn new music quickly.
• Thorough understanding of opera and classical music, including knowledge of various composers, styles, and historical periods.
• Strong coaching abilities to assist singers in learning and refining their parts, with a focus on both musical accuracy and expressive interpretation.
• Good communication skills to work with a variety of individuals, including singers, conductors, and directors, and to convey musical ideas clearly and effectively.
• Interpersonal skills to build strong working relationships with cast and crew, maintaining a positive and productive rehearsal environment.
• The ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing situations, as rehearsals and performances can be highly demanding and fast-paced.
• Strong language skills, as operas are often in languages other than English, such as Italian, German, or French. Understanding the text is key to conveying the story and emotions of the opera.
• Attention to detail in order to note any discrepancies or errors during rehearsals and performances.

 

Opera Repetiteur Experience Requirements

Opera repetiteurs, also known as répétiteurs, usually have extensive training in piano, often holding degrees in music or music theory from renowned institutions.

This role requires excellent knowledge of the classical and opera repertoire, and therefore prior experience as a pianist or coach in operas, choirs, orchestras or similar musical ensembles is generally essential.

Entry-level candidates may have at least 1 to 2 years of accompanying experience, possibly through internships, part-time roles, or even while still in school.

This could include being a collaborative pianist for singers, instrumentalists, or choral ensembles, and coaching singers in operatic roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have sharpened their skills in language, diction, and style in multiple operatic roles, demonstrating their adaptability to different works.

They may have also gained experience in coaching singers at all stages of their careers, from students to professionals.

Those with more than 5 years of experience likely have experience in conducting rehearsals and auditions, accompanying performances, and possibly even arranging music.

At this stage, they may be ready to take on lead répétiteur positions or directorial roles within a company or institution.

Most importantly, an opera repetiteur must have a strong passion for opera and a dedication to their craft as they often work long, irregular hours and under pressure to meet the demands of a production.

 

Opera Repetiteur Education and Training Requirements

Opera Repetiteurs usually have a bachelor’s degree in music or a related field, with a strong emphasis on piano performance.

Their education must provide an in-depth understanding of the opera, including its history, styles, and languages.

Knowledge of Italian, German, French and English is often required, as these are the main languages of opera.

Experience in accompanying vocalists and choirs is also crucial, as they need to lead rehearsals and play the piano for performances.

Many repetiteurs pursue a master’s degree or even a doctorate in music, with a focus on piano or vocal coaching.

This advanced education provides a more detailed understanding of vocal techniques and the nuances of opera performance.

In addition to formal education, repetiteurs need extensive training and experience.

They need to understand the unique requirements of opera, such as coordinating with the conductor, performers, and orchestra.

Continuing education is also important for Opera Repetiteurs.

They must stay updated with new operas, styles, and techniques.

This ongoing learning can be achieved through workshops, master classes, and further studies.

While there is no specific certification for this role, qualifications and expertise in piano performance, vocal coaching, and a deep understanding of opera are a must.

 

Opera Repetiteur Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Opera Repetiteur is approximately $50,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can greatly vary depending on the individual’s level of experience, the location of the opera house, and the size of the production.

 

Opera Repetiteur Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Opera Repetiteur need?

An Opera Repetiteur should possess strong musical skills including piano playing, sight reading, and a solid understanding of music theory.

They should also have a good ear for music to pick up subtle nuances in performances.

Since they work closely with singers, repetiteurs should have good communication skills and the ability to coach singers in language, style, and interpretation.

 

Do Opera Repetiteurs need a degree?

While a degree isn’t a strict necessity, many Opera Repetiteurs have a degree in Music or a related field.

A degree in Musicology, for instance, provides a deep understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of opera which could be beneficial.

Additionally, they should have advanced training in piano, as this is a crucial aspect of the role.

 

What should you look for in an Opera Repetiteur resume?

An Opera Repetiteur’s resume should highlight their musical training and experience, particularly in piano performance.

Experience with vocal coaching and working with singers is also important.

Look for previous roles in operatic productions and any languages the candidate speaks fluently, as operas are often performed in languages other than English.

 

What qualities make a good Opera Repetiteur?

A good Opera Repetiteur is patient and supportive, able to provide constructive feedback and to work intensively with singers to prepare them for performances.

They should have a deep love of opera and a keen understanding of its various styles and traditions.

Excellent piano skills are a must, as is the ability to work under pressure, as preparation for performances can be intense.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Opera Repetiteur?

The difficulty in hiring an Opera Repetiteur largely depends on the specific requirements of the opera house or music company.

Repetiteurs with extensive experience and a wide range of language skills might be more difficult to find.

However, there are many highly trained musicians with the necessary skills who could thrive in the role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve raised the curtain on what it really means to be an opera repetiteur.

Surprised?

It’s not just about playing the piano.

It’s about orchestrating the rhythm of the opera, one note at a time.

With our go-to opera repetiteur job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take center stage.

But why stop at the overture?

Encore your performance with our job description generator. It’s your en suite tool to creating precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to hit the high notes.

Remember:

Every note you play contributes to the grand opera.

Let’s create that masterpiece. Together.

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