A new creative programme is giving teachers a fresh way to bring opera into North East classrooms.
Tees Valley Music Service (TVMS) has launched a free continuing professional development (CPD) opportunity for primary teachers through its partnership with the Royal Ballet and Opera.
The programme is part of the Create and Sing scheme and offers hands-on training in singing, movement, storytelling, and design.
It follows the success of the 2024 Tees Valley collaboration, which received positive feedback from teachers and ended in a special region-wide opera event.
Tom Powell from TVMS said: "Teachers keep telling us how transformative SNAPPY Magic Flute was for their pupils.
"This CPD day is the perfect starting point for a creative journey that builds confidence, enriches curriculum teaching and offers children a truly inspiring introduction to the world of opera."
The new CPD day is open to primary teachers across the Tees Valley.
It is designed to be inclusive for all confidence levels, including those with no previous experience of opera.
The training will be led by artists from the Royal Ballet and Opera and will use materials from Bizet’s Carmen.
The previous Create and Sing pathway in 2024–25 supported schools to develop mini-operas and explore creative learning, culminating in a large-scale regional showcase featuring pupils alongside Royal Opera singers and musicians.
The 2026–27 programme will offer teachers further CPD, in-school artist visits, and online resources.
The CPD event will take place from 9am to 3pm on Friday, March 27, at the River Tees Water Sports Centre in Stockton.
Places are free but limited, and TVMS encourages early booking.
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