My experience at Passaggio in the summer of 2024 was life changing. Barbara and Victoria helped unlock an entirely new side to my voice and gave me the confidence to take risks and grow as a singer. It was such an honor to work with Barbara (whom I had idolized for so long) and Victoria, whose story as a singer truly inspired me. Victoria didn't just teach us voice lessons but taught us what the life of a performer is like and how to get started as a young singer. The program truly immersed us in the culture of Salzburg, especially through the emphasis on German language. My peers and I felt so at home in Salzburg, and I intend to return one day--especially to work with Barbara and Victoria again. 

—Renna Popli

Summer 2024, 4-wk Passaggio Particpant

Having the opportunity to study at one of the centers of classical music, the beautiful city of Salzburg, was a dream come true! As a younger singer, my favorite part about Passaggio was the personalized instruction I received throughout the program. I felt truly seen as an individual, receiving feedback specific to me in many private lessons and coachings as well as masterclasses. Also, as someone who had never studied German before, I really appreciated the German courses as they encouraged language immersion and I tried to utilize it as much as I could around the city. Being there during the Salzburg Music Festival was a fantastic addition, because we got to study music while being surrounded by its celebrations!

—Luisa Simon

Summer 2024, 4-wk Passaggio Participant

Attending the Passaggio Program was truly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was more than just a program—it was a transformative experience that deepened my artistry, expanded my knowledge, and connected me with an incredible community of mentors and peers.

As someone moving toward a career in choral conducting, I was looking for a space that would not only refine my vocal skills but also help me better understand different voice types, industry practices, and the musicology behind various composers. From the moment I arrived, Dr. Victoria Browers took the time to truly understand my goals and curated my lessons accordingly. She helped me develop my Mezzo-Soprano voice while also contextualizing techniques across vocal registers, which expanded my knowledge in a way that will be invaluable in my future career. Her approach was so meticulously tailored that every lesson felt like a revelation.

One of the most surreal moments of the program was working with world-renowned soprano Barbara Bonney—an artist I’ve admired since high school. She doesn’t just teach technique; she shares wisdom about artistry, musicality, and honoring a composer’s intentions while staying true to yourself. Every session left me inspired.

Passaggio also offered professional recording sessions and individualized coachings with an accompanist, which pushed me beyond my comfort zone and allowed me to apply what I was learning in real time. The program’s dedication to well-rounded artistry was evident through its German language immersion as well. Dana Hammett, the program’s tutor (and an incredible performance anxiety coach), made learning German feel approachable and directly applicable to singing and rehearsal settings.

And then there was Salzburg—a city that breathes music. Walking its cobblestone streets, knowing that Mozart was born there, feeling the echoes of The Sound of Music—it was magical. Music isn’t just present in Salzburg; it’s the heartbeat of the city.

Passaggio gave me the tools I needed to step forward with confidence—not just as a singer, but as a musician and conductor. What I’ll cherish most are the people: the mentors who poured their knowledge into me, the peers who became lifelong friends, and the feeling of being truly supported in my artistic journey. For anyone looking to take the next step in their musical career, Passaggio isn’t just an option—it’s an experience that will shape you in ways you never imagined. It certainly did for me.

—Alaina Nauroth

Fall 2024, 12-week Passaggio Participant

Like every young soprano, my classical music discography consisted of dozens of recordings by the renowned Barbara Bonney. From listening to her recordings as I was just beginning to learn German lieder to religiously listening to her as I prepare for an audition or recital, Barbara Bonney has always been a resource for me. Through the Passaggio program, Bonney became less a resource and more a mentor. Bonney leads singers to understand performance as second nature through her unique physical and anecdotal teaching style. My lessons with her opened my eyes to what a career in this industry would really look like. In tandem with Bonney’s lessons, Dr. Tory Browers’ collaborative teaching motivated me to let go of control and explore technique in a supportive environment. Browers remained a constant resource, encouraging students never to hesitate in reaching out with questions or for advice. 

Working under their tutelage proved to be the perfect combination as I began to understand the industry in cities such as Salzburg. Not only are you immersed in the industry through lessons and performance, but world class music is a constant in Mozart’s city. From stumbling into the Salzburger Dom during a full choir rehearsal to listening to the echos of busking musicians in Altstadt, music and inspiration is everywhere. The program’s focus on language immersion through group led lessons and private tutoring with Dana Hammet, prepares students for a career in the growing music industry of German speaking countries where knowledge of the language is a necessity. 

Passaggio offers foreign singers an inside look at the European music industry through mentorship and experience. With access to two professional recording sessions, I left the program with a full repertoire of audition recordings and an understanding of what my “next steps” could look like in starting my career. Passaggio introduced me to a new industry, differing greatly from the one I am exposed to in the states. With a fresh idea of how music is connected to the way of life in places like Salzburg, a career in performance seems more in reach than ever.  

—Maura Langella

Fall 2024, 12-wk Passaggio Participant