Academy of Vocal Arts

The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is a private, post-baccalaureate opera school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of 2023, the AVA does not grant degrees, but rather Artist Diplomas to those who complete the full four-year course requirement. It is the only tuition-free institution in the world devoted solely to operatic training and performance.^[1] The school was founded in 1934 by Helen Corning Warden.^[2]

Academy of Vocal Arts

Type	Private opera school
Established	1934
President	Scott Guzielek
Students	22
Location	Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , United States
Campus	Urban
Website	Official website

Notable alumni include Lando Bartolini,^[1] Harry Dworchak,^[1] and Ruth Ann Swenson.^[1] The institution maintains a Hall of Fame for Great American Opera Singers which The Opera Quarterly described as equivalent to the kammersänger title in Europe.^[3]