Testimonials

Testimonials
"We are all well aware of the breadth and depth of Susanne's incredible vocal artistry and her extensive experience on opera stages around the world. Yet perhaps less well known is her ongoing passion and dedication to furthering the art of singing with the next generation of performers. Susanne is dynamic in her approach, working with each singer as an individual, without any preconceived plan or mission. She is down to earth and utilizes her years of on and offstage experiences not as a diva of her stature could, but as a tool to lift up the young people she works with. She connects on a human level and exudes warmth, positivity, energy and genuine love for not only the art of singing, but for the individuals who are lucky enough to study with her. Susanne's contributions to the Taos Opera Institute each summer are incalculable and greatly valued. She is one of a kind."
Mark Craig, Director of Taos Opera Institute
"Susanne Mentzer is an extremely gifted and generous teacher with whom I have been very fortunate to work with for several years at SFCM. Her attention to detail and ability to adjust to her students is unparalleled. When I started with Susanne, I had a solid foundation from my undergraduate teacher but I believed that I was incapable of singing anything fast. Through her approach to releasing the jaw and breath, Susanne has me singing so fast that I just sang Fiordiligi in Mozart’s Così fan tutte, a role that I was too scared to sing prior to working with her. Her innate understanding of the act of singing combined with her opera career of over forty years make her a teacher that any student would be lucky to study with.

Kaya Giroux, SFCM grad student
“Mezzo-soprano, Susanne Mentzer gave a master class for our graduate singers at the University of Colorado-Boulder while she was singing the role of Despina with Opera Colorado. Her “no nonsense” approach to the singer’s technical issue was excellent, making each student sound better afterward. It was wonderful to have such a seasoned professional work with our students and they all grew from the experience. She also answered questions about the business and the rigors of a professional singing career which proved invaluable for everyone there.”

Julie Simson, Professor of Voice University of Colorado, Boulder
“I think your teaching is sincerely deliberate and individual for every type of voice and personality. Once in Merola’12 I played 4 vocal lessons in a row – for tenor, bass-baritone, soprano, and finally mezzo-soprano. It was amazing to observe 4 different teachers in you with 4 different approaches to the technical concerns and musical rendering, style issues etc. I wish I had recorded these lessons… It seems I could be a great singer if only I had a voice, so clear are your lessons!”

Artem Grishaev, coach accompanist Washington National Opera and San Francisco Merola program ‘12
“Ms. Mentzer presented a master class for us at the University of the Pacific (Spring 2012) that was at once pragmatic, inspiring, technically direct and completely in service to the art of singing. One could scarcely have requested more and our students still share the high points from it with one another.”

Burr Cochran Phillips, Associate Professor of Voice, Conservatory of Music, University of the Pacific Stockton CA
“My students are still talking about help they received from Susanne Mentzer’s Master Class here at the University of Kansas (2011). She has a winning way of speaking about breath support, resonance, body alignment, etc. The students came away from the session enthused and greatly encouraged. Of course they were “listening” with extra care as they are so impressed with her singing/career.”

Joyce Castle, Professor of Voice KU School of Music
“Susanne Mentzer teaches voice extremely well. She is direct and always picks up on each individual students’ issues.”

Rice University instructor reviews
“wonderful lessons.”

Rice University instructor reviews
“This course was outstanding. I was encouraged to extend my capabilities and stretch myself to become a better performer. The professor also has extensive knowledge of the subject and cares deeply about the students.”

Rice University instructor reviews
“I have enjoyed my lessons so much! They are my favorite part of my week.”

Rice University instructor reviews
“This course was fantastic. I not only studied with my teacher but participated in the Undergraduate Voice Seminar in which we put on a recital at the end of the semester. I learned so much about myself and really grew as a performer this semester because of my teacher and voice seminar.”

Rice University instructor reviews
“I have been very happy with how lessons and studio classes with Susanne have been going. I always learn a lot from both atmospheres.”

Rice University instructor reviews

“Susanne Mentzer teaches voice extremely well. She is direct and always picks up on each individual students’ issues.”

“wonderful lessons.”

“This course was outstanding. I was encouraged to extend my capabilities and stretch myself to become a better performer. The professor also has extensive knowledge of the subject and cares deeply about the students.”

“I have enjoyed my lessons so much! They are my favorite part of my week.”

“This course was fantastic. I not only studied with my teacher but participated in the Undergraduate Voice Seminar in which we put on a recital at the end of the semester. I learned so much about myself and really grew as a performer this semester because of my teacher and voice seminar.”

“I have been very happy with how lessons and studio classes with Susanne have been going. I always learn a lot from both atmospheres.”