Steps to learn a new role in Opera.

Role preparation is a process and an essential part of life as an opera singer. 

I don't have yet a lot of experiences with performing opera but I am working on the process of being a good actor. Here are some of my suggestions to learn a new role in Opera.

1. Buy the right score

First thing before you practice the pieces, it is important you buy the right score. There are many editions of opera scores. Different musicologists and editors might have different editions. For you, you have to choose the accurate source for your music. Classical Vocal Reprints is a good source I would recommend. Also, make sure you you buy the right part. The one with voice and piano reduction. Sometimes, people can make a mistake of buying a full opera score including the orchestra part which is quite expensive. 

2. Listen to the recording and highlights

I would suggest highilght your part of text and any musical indication that is tricky. You can use different highlighter to make different part stand out. Also, listen to the recording gives you a basic idea of what the role should do and should not do. 

3. Translate. 

Sometimes score has an English translation underneath the text, but its usually ever accurate. Everytime I learn a new piece, I translate each word into a respective language. When you are singing specific words you know what kinds of reaction you need to give. Knowing the general ideas of what the texts are saying and underline the most important words. Usually I write the translation directly under the score, underneath the original text. 

4. Learn the music, coach and memorize

Take some time to go through the notes and rhythms on your own, repeat over and over again, especially for large junps, tricky rthythms and text. Lastly, find a coach to work more on your acting, diction, voice and memorize the pieces and texts.