The Young Artists Vocal Academy at Houston Grand Opera is a week-long career development and performance academy. The academy’s main goal is to introduce young singers to a breath of information required for the career path in addition to excellent training. Meg Brilleslyper used the Special Opportunity grant to attend the program and receive training in subjects such as characterization and score preparation, resume workshops, and round table discussions about professional development from HGO administrators and artists. Presenters included Kristen Burke (Director of Production), Natalie Barron (former Director of Marketing), Jamie Gelfand (Assistant Director of YAVA), and Q&As with Patrick Summers (Director), Alisa Magallón (Director of Programming and Engagement), and Lindsay Kate Brown (Soprano).