Opera, Etc. is all about bringing classical singing back to the foreground of popular culture in our corner of the world. Based in Dripping Springs, Texas, just outside Austin, we believe opera isn’t just for large concert halls and stages, but for everyone who loves beautiful singing, combined with drama, comedy, and costumes—not to mention, fun! Opera, Etc. offers workshops, lessons, and coaching for singers, as well as providing singers for hire for events and entertainment.
Opera, Etc. was founded in 2018 by Deborah Scott Hammons, a professional singer and voice teacher. Deborah has Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Arts and Performance, and has been teaching voice for over 20 years. Her voice has been heard in film and TV, as well as on opera, musical theatre, and concert stages in California, New York, and Texas. She has shared a stage with opera singers Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavaratti, as well as Broadway star Davis Gaines.
Current Opera, Etc. singers include Rachelle DeMichele, Mezzo Soprano, and Shamus Hammons, Baritone, as well as Deborah Scott, Soprano. Singers interested in voice lessons, or auditioning for performance programs, as well as our educational outreach, may contact Deborah Scott Hammons for more information.
Opera, Etc. will be performing a smaller, more intimate concert at the Hill Country Healing Haven in Dripping Springs. More details are forthcoming. Past performances can be found here.
It is our goal to make opera more accessible to a wider audience by performing in smaller venues, and by taking opera into schools, creating a new generation of opera lovers.
Are you looking for a musical program for your event or venue? We have singers who can provide a variety of traditional and classical music. Italian opera? Done. (We can sing in French and German, too!) Traditional holiday songs? Fa la la la let us brighten your holidays! Musical theatre? We’re on it! Songs from the Big Band Era? We can do that too!
Performances can range from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your needs.
For trained singers who are looking for vocal and/or acting collaboration with other singers/actors in a workshop setting. The focus will be on opera arias, duets, and ensemble singing. Staging and acting will be included, with private performances scheduled periodically for family and friends. Workshops in Musical Theatre will also be available.
A mini-opera is available for opera outreach to local schools, both public and private. The mini-opera will be performed by a small ensemble of singers, and will include music from famous operas by Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, and others. The singers will not only perform a short opera, but also talk to the students about operatic and musical terms. The students will even have an opportunity to sing a bit of opera themselves!
Private Voice Instruction is available to those wishing for more in-depth training in the classical vocal arts. Other classes may be made available, including Acting, Stage Etiquette, and Musical Theatre Singing.