This site enables music educators to access and download FREE digital versions of the "Opera for Everyone" series of CDs and the Teaching Manual. Our objective is to have these materials used in the classroom to introduce students to opera -- the remarkable combination of music, drama, dance and the visual arts.

"Opera for Everyone" provides an excellent opportunity for students to become familiar with the background and music of four classic operas -- each related to a different important period of opera: "The Barber of Seville" (1816) Rossini; "La Traviata" (1853) Verdi; "Carmen" (1875) Bizet; and "Madama Butterfly" (1904) Puccini.

• Each CD tells the story in two ways, first with words and then with music.

• Ira Ross begins each CD with an introduction to the opera and to the overture. He then describes the action of the first major episode and suggests what to listen for in the related music. This is followed by the music. This sequence is repeated for each additional major episode in the opera: narration - music - etc.

Follow These Steps to Participate in the Program

1) (Optional) If this is your first time at this site, we request that you fill out a brief form to register for the program. Click Here to go to the registration form.

2) To get started, Click Here to download Parts 1 and 2 of the Teaching Manual.

3) If you have never downloaded CDs from this site,  Click Here to learn more about the process and how to set-up your computer for using the CDs.

4) If you understand the process and have installed a Media Player, Click Here to download the CDs.

5) If you need help, have questions about the download process, or would like to provide feedback about the materials, contact us at feedback@operaforeveryone.com.

6) Click Here for additional information about using the the CDs in the classroom.

7) Click Here to read a message from Ira Ross, the producer of the series.

If you have previously downloaded and used the materials in your classroom, please take a moment to share your experience with us. Click Here to respond to a brief survey.

If you would like additional information about the CDs in the "Opera for Everyone" series, or would like to order the original versions of the CDs, please visit our main website at www.operaforeveryone.com

Click Here for some links to supporting music education organizations.