Ivanna Filipenko is a Ukrainian-American mezzo-soprano and music educator with over twenty-six years of experience in performance and teaching. She is known for her warm, expressive voice and versatile repertoire, spanning classical opera, Ukrainian folk music, and contemporary works. Ivanna made her operatic debut in 1994 with the Opole Philharmonic in Poland and has since performed roles such as Carmen, Azucena, Olga, Ulrica, Konchakovna, and Halya in international and Bay Area productions.
Ivanna holds a Double Master’s Degree in Music and Music Education from the Lviv National Music Academy and continued her vocal training at BASOTI’s “Opera Singers for the Future” program. Her Ukrainian heritage and classical European training strongly shape her artistic style and teaching approach.
A passionate educator, Ivanna has developed and taught structured courses and individual lessons for students at various skill levels. She has taught choirs, soloists, and developing musicians throughout her career. Ivanna views the human voice as an instrument and emphasizes proper technique and care for both voice and piano as instruments. She collaborates with other teachers and mentors aspiring music educators. Ivanna prepares students for concerts, competitions, MTAC events, Carnegie Hall Honors programs, and auditions, and leads workshops based on the classical Bel Canto technique.
Ivanna joined Los Medanos College in 2003 and became an Adjunct Professor of Music in 2015, teaching music history, theory, acting techniques, and musicianship while mentoring students in performance and artistic growth. She is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, proficient in multiple performance languages, and experienced in choral conducting and piano accompaniment.
A longtime member of MTAC and the Ukrainian Guild of Musical Artists, Ivanna continues to be an active performer and educator in the Bay Area. She is also a proud mother of a UC Berkeley senior and remains committed to inspiring the next generation of musicians. Ivanna is dedicated to tailoring instruction to each person’s unique needs and musical goals.
Vocal & Piano Instructor
