The National Opera Studio plays an essential role at the heart of British opera. The NOS builds on the excellent work of the conservatoires by providing professional training of the highest quality to young opera singers and repetiteurs. The programme for each artist is individually designed to meet their needs and aspirations. The intensity of the training programme is designed to create a working environment that reflects the professional opera world. The NOS works closely with each of the six major British opera companies (English National Opera, Glyndebourne, Opera North, Royal Opera, Scottish Opera and Welsh National Opera). Many of the visiting coaches and directors involved with the NOS work regularly with these companies. The opera companies are also represented on the NOS audition panel, selecting singers who they believe have the potential to become the leading artists of their generation and whose progress they monitor closely during the course. The NOS runs short courses, a large programme of events and a strong community and education programme.