When Pat Racette arrived at SFCM, she brought more than technique—she brought transformation.

The opera star returned to SFCM February 4, providing students with an exciting and informative masterclass in what it means to be a modern artist. 

For voice students like Lanie Anthan, a student of Catherine Cook, the opportunity was invaluable. "I felt like I learned so much about myself and my voice over only a few short days," Anthan said. "My perspective on how I perform has greatly shifted over my time working with her."

Student Lanie Anthan with Pat Racette.

Racette is known for her groundbreaking roles in contemporary opera, including works by eminent composers such as Tobias Picker, Paul Moravec, and Carlisle Floyd. With roots in jazz and cabaret, she brings more than three decades of experience in opera as both a director and performer on some of the world's greatest stages.

During the February 4 masterclass, she worked directly with numerous voice students. "I appreciate the enthusiasm of so many of the students and their willingness to take chances both in my private sessions with them as well as in the public masterclass forum," Racette said.

Student Phoebe Chee and Patt Racette with John Wilson on piano.

Racette's relationship with SFCM runs deep. In 2025, she led a 10-day Winter Term seminar titled The Art of Informing Classical Singing Through the Crossover Genre. In 2023, she directed SFCM's production of The Consul by Gian-Carlo Menotti for two performances, and in 2017, she was awarded an honorary doctorate at SFCM's commencement ceremony.

Racette is also an Opus 3 Artist, and her visits are linked to SFCM's alliance with Opus 3 Artists, Askonas Holt, and Pentatone Records—an unprecedented collaboration in the music industry designed to create new opportunities for students, artists, presenters, and audiences.

Pat Racette works with students in the Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall.

"I am always happy to continue my relationship with SFCM," Racette added. "It was the first place I introduced my 'Integrative Artistry' pilot program—one that represents my vision of what artists need to do and need to strive to be: complete artists." Racette’s past visits included integrating different musical styles into students' repertoire to advance skills overall. 

For students like Anthan, the biggest takeaway extended beyond technique. "The most important thing I learned in my sessions with Pat is to let my voice exist authentically, not to try to clamp it down or think about it too hard while I sing." She also emphasized the importance of joy: "to let myself have more fun," Anthan added.

As for advice to students, Racette emphasized depth and process. "My most potent advice to young musicians of all genres is to dig deep into the work," she concluded. "Do not work from the perspective of only trying to get results, find what your process is and dig in."

Learn more about studying Voice at SFCM.
Learn more about SFCM's growing alliance of Opus 3 Artists, Askonas Holt, and PENTATONE Records.