Opera & Voice

Voice Ensembles

At UW–Milwaukee, opera theatre is a core part of the voice curriculum, offering students consistent training and a wide range of performance opportunities throughout the year. Students receive weekly instruction in acting, stagecraft, and role preparation, and participate in opera workshops, fully staged productions with orchestra, scene programs, and masterclasses with guest artists.

UWM Opera reflects the values at the heart of our performance degrees, whether in the Classical Voice or Versatile Voice track. Students work closely with professional directors, vocal coaches, and designers, gaining real-world experience in a collaborative setting. Our location in Milwaukee, a city with a rich and active arts scene, also means students are well-positioned to engage with local companies and performance projects beyond campus.

At A Glance

Operas & Opera Workshops

UWM Opera Theatre develops the dramatic abilities of the singers of tomorrow through the teaching of truthful communication and creative characterization. While our curriculum varies to match the needs of our spring opera production, it consistently connects students to the rich artistic influences found in the Milwaukee community and reinforces lessons learned from the professional world in our UWM studio with the tools and techniques required for success in dramatic vocal performance. Opera Theatre presents a full production every spring including a collaboration with the UWM orchestra every other year.

Opera Workshops happen in the fall semester and includes scene work, crafting through acting methods and preparing for the business of vocal performance.

Friends of UWM Opera Theatre champions the talent of students involved in UWM opera productions so that they may achieve success as the singers and teachers of tomorrow. Friends of Opera encourages talented UWM opera students and supports UWM opera productions through scholarships, community outreach, financial assistance for productions, and volunteer activities in order to advance the educational and artistic vision of UWM Opera Theatre.

Pop Ensemble

UW–Milwaukee’s Pop Ensemble is a new, dynamic, student-driven performance opportunity that explores a wide range of contemporary genres shaped by the unique talents and interests of each group. Designed to be highly collaborative, the ensemble gives students hands-on experience in songwriting, arranging, producing, and performing with live instruments.

Whether you’re a vocalist, instrumentalist, or writer, you’ll have the chance to contribute creatively while developing practical skills for today’s music industry. The ensemble performs at UWM’s Jan Serr Studio, a professional-level venue located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, offering students a chance to showcase their work in a stunning space overlooking Milwaukee’s downtown cityscape, where “industrial-meets-modern” setting. This ensemble is primarily comprised of music majors but is also open to music minors and non-majors.

Faculty & Directors

Aaron Agulay

• Assistant Professor, Voice
• Area Head, Voice & Opera

• agulay@uwm.edu
• 414-251-7756
• Music Building 341

Joe Hauer

• Pianist, Voice & Opera

• hauer@uwm.edu

Wendy Rowe

• Lecturer, Voice
• Director, Pop Ensemble

• rowew@uwm.edu
• Music Building 365