Arts & Sciences freshman Ryan Malone is following his passion for music all the way to Lucca, Italy.

He has been accepted into the Canta in Italia summer program and is the first Creighton student to participate.

Canta in Italia is a summer program in which students travel to Lucca, Italy to train in opera and become immersed in the Italian culture.

Malone is enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn about the Italian culture and language, but he is most excited for the chance to enhance his vocal ability.

“I applied because I have room to grow vocally and I wanted to take this chance to work with world renowned vocal performers to help me progress as a singer,” Malone said.

Malone will have the opportunity to work with some highly respected vocalists, some of whom have performed at the Metropolitan Opera House. He will participate in voice lessons, coaching sessions and master classes taught by prominent vocal performers.

When applying for the program, Malone had to prepare recordings of several songs and submit them to the leaders of the program. He then had to audition by singing a song in person. His hard work paid off, as he was the youngest student chosen to participate in the program.

Ashley Breland, and assistsant professor and the director of music in the musical “Dames at Sea” in which Malone played the role of Dick, explained the musical attributes Malone possess that make him a good candidate for the program.

“Ryan’s greatest strengths vocally are big, robust sound, an easy resonance and a fantastic range, all of which result from a healthy production,” Breland said.

Malone said he is very excited to participate in this program, and hopes that his involvement in this program will help him decide weather or not to pursue a career in music.

Breland hopes that Malone’s success will inspire other Creighton students interested in music.

“Hopefully anyone interested in opera or music will see Ryan succeeding and know that similar opportunities can await them as well, and that Creighton’s Fine and Performing Arts department can help them on their way,” Breland said.

Malone is blazing a trail for other Creighton students interested in music, and he demonstrates that hard work and dedication can lead to great opportunities.