Student NOA Chapters (SNOA)

The National Opera Association (NOA) is committed to nurturing the next generation of opera professionals. Our Student NOA Chapters (SNOA) provide a platform for students to engage deeply with the operatic arts, fostering leadership, collaboration, and professional development.

What is SNOA?

SNOA chapters are student-led organizations within academic institutions that align with NOA's mission to promote excellence in opera performance, scholarship, and education. These chapters offer students opportunities to:

• Organize and participate in opera-related events and workshops
• Collaborate with peers and faculty on productions and research
• Engage with the broader NOA community through conferences and competitions

Benefits of Establishing a SNOA Chapter

By forming a SNOA chapter, students can:

• Enhance their educational experience through practical involvement in opera and develop leadership and organizational skills
• Gain access to NOA resources, including mentorship and networking opportunities
• Become part of a national network of opera professionals and educators
• Contribute to the vitality and diversity of the operatic field

How to Start a SNOA Chapter

Interested in establishing a SNOA chapter at your institution? Here's how to get started:

• Gather Interested Students: Connect with fellow students who share a passion for opera and an interest in forming a chapter. Begin by reviewing your university or college’s policies for establishing new student organizations, including any requirements regarding the minimum number of participants. We recommend gathering at least five committed students, which will provide a strong foundation for forming your chapter’s executive board and supporting the effective operation of your organization on campus.
  
  
• Secure Faculty Support: Identify a faculty advisor to guide your chapter and serve as a liaison with NOA. Your advisor must be an NOA member who is willing to sponsor the chapter at your institution. In addition, you’ll need approval from both your faculty advisor and the chairperson or dean of your music department. This signed form will be required as part of your online application. 
  
  Download NOA Sponsor Approval Form
  
  
• Create a Chapter Plan and Establish Campus Recognition: Most colleges and universities have specific procedures for starting student organizations, and some may offer funding or resources to support them. In collaboration with your faculty advisor, develop a well-defined plan outlining your chapter’s goals, proposed activities, and organizational structure. This plan will serve as the foundation for both your NOA chapter application and your campus organization approval process.
  
  
• Submit Your Chapter Application: Complete the online SNOA chapter application form. Once submitted, it will be reviewed by the national organization. Upon approval, your group will receive an official charter, formally establishing your SNOA chapter.
  
  Begin Online Application
  
  
• Activate Student Memberships: All members of a SNOA chapter must be enrolled as active student members of the National Opera Association. Student membership is $35 per year. Joining NOA connects you to a national network of emerging and established opera professionals dedicated to advancing excellence in performance and education. Be part of the next generation shaping the future of opera.
  
  Membership Info

Annual Reporting

All chapters must complete an annual report, due on November 1st of each academic year. You may use the downloadable template to complete and submit the report directly using the student portal. These reports will be reviewed and compiled by the Vice President for Regions to be presented to the executive board. All information and forms may be found on the national organization’s homepage www.noa.org. All chapter members must comply with their university’s policies for student organization and NOA code of conduct to remain in active status.

Online Annual Report Form

Supporting Your SNOA Initiatives on Campus

See some ideas for fundraising to support your SNOA activities.

Questions?

For further information on our organization, you may contact Joshua May (), the Vice President for Regions and National SNOA Coordinator.