St. Croix Valley Opera Master Class Series

Step into the creative process and witness the spark of transformation. The St. Croix Valley Opera Master Class Series invites you to an intimate and inspiring afternoon where emerging artists step into the spotlight to share their musical gifts and receive personalized coaching from
renowned professionals across diverse performing genres. These immersive sessions allow audiences and participants alike to explore the techniques, artistry, and vulnerability required to grow as a consummate performing artist. Each master class is more than a lesson—it’s a living performance lab, where students perform for a master teacher and receive real-time feedback, guidance, and encouragement in front of a supportive audience. Instructors may revisit musical moments, introduce new vocal or physical warm-ups, and invite group reflection
or audience impressions to deepen the educational experience. Whether you’re a student, a fellow performer, or simply someone who loves the arts, this series offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the artistic journey—one note, one phrase, and one breakthrough at a time. Curriculum Highlights
● Live Coaching & Performance: Artists perform selections and receive constructive, interactive
feedback.
● Genre-Inclusive Instruction: Classes span opera, musical theatre, jazz, pop, folk, and instrumental
performance.
● Artist-Audience Dialogue: Engage with master teachers and performers through Q&A or reflection
moments.
● Holistic Techniques: Instructors may incorporate breath work, physical movement, emotional access,
storytelling, and style coaching.
● Immediate Application: Artists often experience rapid growth and transformation by applying new tools in real time.

September theme will be Audition Techniques- Whether you’re pursuing musical theater, classical voice, pop, or stage acting, this high-impact master class from St. Croix Valley Opera will deepen your understanding of the full audition experience. This session goes beyond the basics of song choice and stage presence to explore advanced topics like industry expectations, casting mindsets, and how to present yourself authentically and professionally in high-stakes environments. Ideal for performers of all ages and genres who are ready to sharpen their audition skills and gain a competitive edge.

November theme will be Song Interpretation-Whether singing from opera or Broadway, jazz standards or folk music, every song tells a story. This class will explore ways to find the deeper intention of a song and a stronger connection to its lyrics. We will focus on stage presence, communicating with your audience, and developing new and authentic interpretations of a piece to make it your own.

PLEASE NOTE THAT CLASSES FOR SEPTEMBER IS ON SEPTEMBER 21ST, NOT SEPTEMBER 28TH AS PRINTED IN THE CATALOG.

Jennifer Eckes

Instructor

Jennifer Eckes, Vocalist/Actor/Choreographer, Cabaret Impresario for St. Croix Valley Opera and host of Opera on the River

Jennifer has been singing professionally in the Twin Cities region for over three decades, on stage in theatrical productions and as a concert soloist. She has performed in leading roles and ensembles alike with companies such as the Ordway Center, Artistry Theater, Plymouth Playhouse, Skylark Opera Theatre, Mill City Summer Opera, and many others, including over 30 productions with the Minnesota Opera. As a versatile vocalist, Eckes has found many musical revues, jazz/pop concerts and cabaret opportunities throughout the region, at venues such as the Bloomington Center for the Arts, Hastings Arts Center, Hanifl Performing Arts Center, Phipps Center for the Arts, Bryant-Lake Bowl, Turf Club, Honey Lounge, Crooners, Brix Music Café, Nicollet Island Inn, and the MetroNOME. Her voice has been called "crystalline" and "rock solid", by reviewers, often praised for her warm stage presence and her “engaging gift for song”. Jennifer holds a B.A. in vocal performance from Luther College and was twice a fellow of the Cabaret Conference at Yale University, where she developed her passion for the Great American Songbook and the art of song interpretation. You can find and follow her on YouTube (Jennifer Eckes), Facebook (Jennifer Eckes, vocalist), and on Instagram (@jennifer_eckes_sings).

St. Croix Valley Opera

Instructor

Andrew Sun

Instructor

Minneapolis-based pianist Andrew Sun enjoys a varied career as a performing artist and arts administrator. Currently Executive Manager at Minnesota Opera, he was previously a Resident Artist with the same company for two seasons. Sun has served on the coaching staff of Berkshire Opera Festival and Manhattan School of Music. He is also an alum of the Merola Opera Program and Music Academy of the West, where he won the 2018 Marilyn Horne Song Competition with mezzo-soprano Kelsey Lauritano. Their winners' recital tour featured the world premiere of Without Music by Ricky Ian Gordon and included performances in New York City, Chicago, Santa Barbara, and London, UK. Sun has also performed on Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concerts series. In 2012, he performed the radio broadcast premiere of the then newly-discovered Albumblatt by Johannes Brahms, for which he is cited in the Bärenreiter edition. Other performance highlights include vocal masterclasses with Sir Thomas Allen, Stephanie Blythe, Thomas Hampson, and Jane Eaglen. Andrew Sun holds degrees from New York University and Manhattan School of Music.

Past Options