Study with an Active International Opera Artist
Private voice lessons based on more than twenty years of international operatic experience.
A personalized path for singers who wish to develop vocal technique, repertoire, interpretation and professional awareness. Whether you are just beginning your journey or preparing for the international stage, every lesson is shaped around your voice, your goals and your artistic ambitions.
Before choosing a teacher, it is important to know the artist behind the lessons. You can watch a selection of my performances from leading opera houses and concert venues around the world by visiting my YouTube channel, including complete roles, arias and scenes from recent productions that offer a direct way to hear the voice and the artistic approach you would be working with.
Who Are These Lessons For?
These lessons are designed for singers who are serious about their vocal and artistic development, including:
- Conservatory students
- Young artists
- Professional singers
- Advanced amateur singers
- Singers preparing for auditions
- Singers preparing opera roles or competitions
- Singers preparing for young artist programs
What We Can Work On
- Breath support and vocal coordination
- Healthy vocal production and vocal technique
- Passaggio and register balance
- Bel canto and verismo repertoire
- Role preparation and character development
- Interpretation, phrasing and musical style
- Stage presence and performance confidence
- Audition and competition preparation
- Career guidance and professional development
Why Study With Massimo Cavalletti?
Technical knowledge alone does not create an artist. A successful operatic career requires the ability to unite vocal technique, musical understanding, stylistic awareness, stage presence, professional discipline and a strong artistic identity.
Every lesson is shaped by the practical demands of today's professional opera world. Alongside technical training, students gain guidance in role preparation, audition strategies, musical interpretation, career development and the artistic decision-making
required to build a sustainable and successful career. The goal is not only to improve the voice, but also to develop the confidence, versatility and professionalism expected of modern opera singers.
Massimo Cavalletti's international performing career and professional background are presented in the Biography section.
Brochure created by Massimo Cavalletti’s students in China for the vocal courses he teaches there. [View the brochure (Chinese)].
My Approach to Voice Lessons
In-Person and Online Voice Lessons
Dear friends,
The study of singing above all needs a guide, a teacher who can help each student develop, strengthen or refine the voice and, most importantly, learn how to use it: breathing, vocal technique, vocalises, interpretation, pronunciation, vocal production, phrasing and expression.
I welcome anyone who wishes to embark on a journey in the study of operatic singing: those at the beginning of their training, as well as singers who are looking for advice to broaden their experience or address technical or repertoire-related issues; anyone who needs help with understanding and pronouncing texts and librettos; and singers preparing for auditions, competitions or other professional opportunities.
I have studied and worked in opera for over twenty years, and I continue to study and strive to improve. Alongside my own work on the voice and my career in the theatre, I enjoy working with singers who are willing to challenge themselves, refine their technique, develop their artistry and discover the full potential of the instrument within them.
Whenever possible, I believe that in-person lessons are the best option. However, for certain types of work and in particular circumstances, online lessons can also be very effective.
I live near Mendrisio, in Italian-speaking Switzerland, and I also teach during periods when I am working in theatres in Italy and abroad.
If you would like more information, would like to study with me, or have any questions, please contact me using the form below. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
La Bottega
One of the distinctive aspects of my teaching is access to La Bottega di Massimo Cavalletti, a private community reserved for my students.
Inside the group I regularly share information about competitions, auditions, young artist programs, professional opportunities and practical advice drawn from my ongoing experience in the international opera world.
The goal is not only technical growth, but also artistic and professional development.
Unlike traditional voice lessons, students also gain access to an ongoing professional network and mentoring environment designed to support long-term artistic growth.
Student Testimonials
Mi sono avvicinata al Maestro Cavalletti conoscendo la sua bravura e la sua esperienza acquisita sui maggiori palcoscenici del mondo. Due qualità che ho scoperto è in grado di mettere al servizio dei propri studenti. In ogni sua lezione nessun dettaglio è lasciato al caso: la respirazione, la tecnica vocale, l’espressività e la consuetudine musicale. I suoi consigli di tecnica non sono mai fini a sé stessi, ma declinati in base allo stile o al brano musicale oggetto di studio. Inoltre le sue indicazioni si distinguono per chiarezza e pragmatismo: ogni concetto, per quanto astratto, viene sempre tradotto in esempi concreti e immediatamente applicabili.
Come insegnante possiede tutti gli strumenti per affrontare insieme un percorso di crescita e raggiungere un’ottima preparazione!
I came to Massimo later in life after years of singing with a voice that people often praised, yet stage fright and insecurity about my technique still lingered. I had already studied with some fantastic teachers who gave me a lot but I still felt something essential was still missing. Massimo taught me the old Italian technique of the great baritones of the 1940s–60s, and the change was profound. A high F that once felt unreachable is now solid, and the voice extends comfortably to a high B-flat. More than technique, he gave me a deeper understanding of phrasing, expression, and the complete art of singing. Massimo has been both an extraordinary teacher and a true friend. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Sono Ruobing, mezzosoprano cinese.
Ho avuto piacere di studiare con maestro Cavalletti, l’ho incontrato all’accademy di Mascagni a Livorno, poi abbiamo cominciato un percorso di lavorare insieme. E mi ha dato tanti consigli preziosi non soltanto sulla tecnica, anche sulle esperienze che uno ha una grande carriera e veramente cantato tantissimo in teatro. È una grande fortuna di aver un insegnante così e spero di poter continuare a studiare insieme con mio maestro!
我是闫若冰，来自中国的女中音。
非常幸运能够成为Cavalletti老师的学生。我们是在马斯卡尼的青年音乐家培养计划相识，从那之后开启了这段学习之旅。他给了我很多非常宝贵的建议，不仅仅是在技术层面，更是一种经验的分享，是只有真正有过了不起的职业生涯和在歌剧院一直歌唱者才能给到的经验。我感到非常幸运能够有这样一位老师，也希望能一直和他继续这段音乐之旅！
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FAQ
How are the lessons structured?
Each lesson is built around the individual needs of the singer. In general, the first part is dedicated to breathing, vocal coordination and technical exercises designed to address the main challenges encountered in operatic singing. The second part applies this technical work directly to repertoire, arias, scenes, roles and character development, so that technique becomes a practical tool for artistic expression.
Are lessons available online or in person?
Lessons are available online via Google Meet and, when possible, in person. In-person lessons can be arranged in Mendrisio, Switzerland, or in Lucca, Italy, depending on my professional schedule and availability. During the season, it may also be possible to organize lessons in the cities where I am rehearsing or performing.
How long is a lesson?
The standard lesson lasts 70 minutes. For singers preparing auditions, competitions, roles or intensive study periods, extended 120-minute sessions can also be arranged.
Which languages are lessons available in?
Lessons are available in Italian and English.
How much do lessons cost?
Every singer has different goals, experience and artistic needs. For this reason, lesson fees may vary depending on the type of work required, the format of the lesson and the student’s objectives. Please contact me and tell me about your background and goals; I will then provide all relevant information about lesson options and fees.
Do I need to be a professional singer to take lessons?
No. Lessons are open to conservatory students, young artists, professional singers and serious advanced amateurs who wish to improve their vocal technique and artistic development. Each path is tailored to the level, goals and vocal characteristics of the individual singer.
How can I book a lesson?
You can contact me through the website form, by email, or through my professional Instagram and Facebook pages. Please include your name, age, vocal category, musical background, current goals and city or country of residence. This information helps me understand your needs and organize scheduling, including possible time-zone differences.
Begin Your Artistic Journey
Every singer follows a unique path. Whether you are preparing an audition, developing a new role, entering a competition or seeking to take your singing to a higher level, I would be pleased to accompany you in your artistic development.
I invite you to get in touch, tell me about your musical background and your goals, and together we can explore the most suitable path for your development.