A guide for teaching the essential musical elements of opera to undergraduate students is provided. The course centers around "The Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart. It is presented in four sections. In section I, students investigate type casting of opera singers in terms of the ranges of their voices. Students learn to differentiate coloratura,…

This article suggests that teachers make use of the special student performances offered by many city opera companies. It discusses advantages and disadvantages of these programs and what the teacher might expect of them. The educational programs of 22 American opera companies are described. Part of a theme issue on opera. (SJL)