And all that jazz! 

SFCM’s Voice curriculum continues to expand, most recently with a 10-day seminar for students during Winter Term led by soprano Patricia Racette, called, “The Art of Informing Classical Singing Through the Crossover Genre.”

“I found it fascinating to see how knowledge from one genre can inform and enhance another,” said voice student Yaffa Ovsishcher (studying with Rhoslyn Jones). “It was really effective, and it helped me approach operatic singing with less pressure and stress.”

Students worked individually with Racette and in group classes.

Racette worked with voice students of all ages with the objective of helping each singer find their artistic voice. “My goal was to demonstrate how cross-genre singing strengthens all genres of singing. That is, how we sing cabaret, jazz, or musical theater can re-inform how we approach classical singing, and sometimes vice-versa,” Racette said. The class culminated in a performance on January 24. Racette’s roots are in jazz and cabaret, and she has more than three decades of experience in opera as a performer and director.

“I've always enjoyed practicing jazz and musical theatre in addition to opera and it was nice to get the chance to do that with feedback,” said student Jordan McCready. “Pat's multi-genre approach not only made singing opera easier, but also allowed for more space to really enjoy it and get out of our own heads.”

Students explore singing different genres.

“SFCM has become a special spot for me over the years,” Racette said, who has visited the Conservatory several times to work with students, most recently via her staging of Gian-Carlo Menotti’s The Consul in 2023, which was a hit for students and audiences. Racette is also an Opus 3 Artist, with her visits linked to SFCM’s growing alliance with Opus 3, Askonas Holt and Pentatone Records, an unprecedented alliance in the music industry designed to create new opportunities for students, artists, presenters, and audiences. 

SFCM's expanding Voice curriculum continues to focus on the highest standards of professional training, but, as first announced in 2024, repertoire and technique will openly embrace opera, musical theater, and multi-genre performance with microphone. Students have access to a highly diverse ensemble program, one that continuously generates the unique performance opportunities that now define the modern musical economy. 

SFCM students in the 10-day seminar with Racette.

“This seminar is a wonderful addition to our already strong voice curriculum, which offers a variety of performance opportunities preparing young artists for a rich and diverse career in vocal arts,” said Chair of the Voice department Catherine Cook. “This gave our students a chance to work one-on-one with Pat on multi-genre vocal music and how they are connected to each other both with technique and storytelling.”

“Most of us hadn’t heard each other sing anything other than opera,” Kaya Giroux, another voice student said. “It was a little nerve-racking but everyone was so supportive and sounded great. I feel like these individual coaching sessions with her were one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had at SFCM.”

Opus 3 Artist Patrica Racette.

“Students approached each day with discipline, commitment, and a sincere eagerness to hone their craft,” Racette said, adding that she was impressed with both their talent and work ethic. “On the day of the evening dress rehearsal, I offered to give them some time off in the afternoon after our group class. Instead, they asked to have more one-on-one time with me. It is always an honor to witness dedication and progress!” 

“Working with such a respected musician and director was an incredible experience,” Ovsishcher added. “This experience made me realize that I’m capable of being comfortable in genres beyond opera. I’m now more open to exploring how my skills can apply to other genres.”

“So often singing other genres as an opera singer carries a stigma with it,” Giroux continued, “Pat really showed us that there is room for both. It was a dream come true in every sense of the word.” 

Racette hopes to return to SFCM again soon. “I believe each student upped their stakes in themselves and walked away with a stronger sense of confidence and feeling of accomplishment.”

Learn more about studying Voice / Opera Studies at SFCM.