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Master Class Series
All are welcome for this engaging educational experience!
Time
Location
Price
2:00 PM
Various Dates
Rivertown Inn, Stillwater, MN
$30 Adult / $15 Student
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You are invited to watch emerging artists share their musical gifts and join them in learning about some of the techniques necessary to excel as a consummate performing artists!
Master classes present a special opportunity to share, learn, and perform in a safe and supportive environment—in the format of a special type of music lesson. During the master class, the musician has an intensive lesson, or coaching, in front of a group of people. Oftentimes, it is a special event where musicians have the opportunity to perform a song for a renowned professional. As the master class instructor works with each artist, they may ask them to perform a particular part of the song again (or again and again!). The master class instructor may ask the artist to try a new warm up or even engage in a physical activity. Some instructors also like to engage the audience in their reaction or impressions.
As a result of the master class, each artist has a unique opportunity to grow and apply new techniques or processes of performance in a short period of time. Some artists come out of master classes completely transformed!
SCVO's vision for this Master Class Series is to include all performing genres, both vocal and instrumental. See below for information on which date will focus on a specific genre.
All are welcome for this engaging educational experience!
Master Class Series Details & Schedule:
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Day: Sunday Afternoons
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Frequency: Select Calendar Dates Below
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Time: 2:00 pm
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Where: Rivertown Inn, Stillwater, MN
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Price: $30 Adult / $15 Student
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Free for Student Performers (Register to sing in a class below.)
Limited Space Available: 40 Tickets per Event!
To register to sing in one of the Master Classes in 2026, please fill out and submit the Student Performer Registration Form on this page.
2026
Class Schedule:
Up Next:
Student Performer Registration:
(Only 5 student performers per class will be selected to sing.)
An Afternoon With Sarah Stephens:
Fall Master Class Series
Most master classes put a singer in front of a voice teacher. This one puts them in front of an artist manager who decides who gets signed and represented. Sarah Stephens, co-founder of Stephens Nicolson Artists Management in New York, joins St. Croix Valley Opera for a fall Master Class built around a live mock audition and an honest, behind-the-scenes look at building a professional singing career.
What to Expect
Sarah will first draw on her extensive experience working with singers in Germany to share advice on what to expect when auditioning and building a career. Then, we’ll move into live mock auditions where singers will present and receive feedback on how they can strengthen their audition and presentation. She’ll share what she listens for and provide practical suggestions for improving your audition skills and making a strong impression with casting directors and opera companies.
Meet Sarah Stephens:
Sarah co-founded Stephens Nicolson Artists Management, LLC, and is a co-founder and former Executive Board Member of the Opera Managers Association International e.V. She splits her time between New York and Germany, representing singers across the international opera scene. Her connection to SCVO runs deeper than a single booking: her business partner Mark Nicolson trained and performed for years alongside Margaret Jane Wray, a longtime SCVO board member and the namesake of the organization's memorial fund, and Sarah has followed SCVO's work with real interest ever since.
Who Should Come:
Singers: A limited number of free singer slots are open to emerging vocalists ready for manager-level feedback. Apply for a Singer Slot through the form on this page. Applications close September 15.
Everyone Else: Come watch the audition, the coaching, and the conversation. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students. Sustainers Circle members save 20%. Buy Tickets.
Event details:
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Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026.
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Time: 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
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Venue: Rivertown Inn, 306 Olive St W, Stillwater, MN.
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Singer slot applications close September 15.
Space at Rivertown Inn is limited. A guest this connected does not come around often. Reserve your seat early.
Be sure to share your photos and videos of the Master Class by tagging @scvopera and the hashtag #SCVOMC