What person, course or experience was most influential for you while at the School of Music? 

An experience that was most influential for me while at the School of Music was Opera at USC with Ellen Douglas Schlaefer. For students who want to be performers, and in my case, an opera singer, having the opportunity to be on stage is important. It is where we gain real experience and train the muscle of performing: learning how to move, respond to direction, adjust to staging changes, embrace moments of improvisation, and remain steady under pressure.

I was fortunate to receive that kind of experience through Opera at USC in productions such as Opera Re-Masked, La belle Hélène, The Magic Flute and The Marriage of Figaro. I remember a friend once reminding me how fortunate I was not only to participate in these productions but also to be entrusted with principal roles.

Those opportunities shaped me as a young artist. They provided invaluable experience and laid a strong foundation for my professional resume.

How has your education at the USC School of Music helped you in your life and career? 

My education at the USC School of Music was not only about academic study, but also about community. It was about the support of friends and the kindness of teachers who truly invested in their students. Through those experiences, I learned that giving grace is essential, especially in times like these.

What is one of your favorite memories, classes, professors or activities while attending the School of Music? 

One of my favorite memories, and a moment where I truly say God was good, was returning for my final year at USC. That summer, I had participated in a program where I performed the principal role of Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) by Mozart. It was an experience I will never forget. 

When I returned to the School of Music and learned that Opera at USC would also be producing Figaro, I was both excited and deeply grateful. Being cast again as Figaro gave me the rare opportunity to revisit and refine the role, this time alongside my friends and peers.

It felt like a full-circle moment, a confirmation of growth, preparation, and calling. Opportunities like that are not only artistically rewarding but spiritually affirming.

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates pursuing a music performance or music education career? 

Don’t be afraid to share your gifts whenever the opportunity presents itself, whether that is online, at church, at a family dinner, or at a friend’s gathering. You never know who may be watching.

Audition for the role or apply for the program that intimidates you, because you just might get it. Trust your gift, nurture it, and be proud of it.

And lastly, yes, you can do it all: musical theatre, opera, music recording, and even acting and modeling. The more versatile you are, the better. Experience across different fields will make you stand out. You may think it’s not necessary for one specific path, but you might be surprised at how quickly the industry changes.    

What is one of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from the School of Music in which your education played a role?

I was very excited when I was given the opportunity to perform with the Atlanta Opera’s Studio Tour. It gave me the chance to move to Atlanta and begin a new personal and professional journey. I now live in Atlanta, currently on my second tour with the Atlanta Opera, and preparing for Wagner’s Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods).

What ensembles were you a member of while at USC?

Concert Choir and Opera at USC

What is currently playing on repeat on your Spotify/Pandora/Apple Music, etc.?

Currently what is playing on repeat are three songs: Who’s Dat Girl by Ayra Starr & Rema, Lord God of Abraham from Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and All Alone by Minty D. Kalu.

Do you have any recent career changes, accomplishments, awards, major life events, etc. you would like to share?

Recently, I have continued building both my performance and recording career. I am currently living in Atlanta and performing with the Atlanta Opera’s Studio Tour, now on my second tour with the company. This opportunity has allowed me to grow not only as a performer, but also as an artist engaging directly with communities and students across the region.

In addition to my operatic work, I have been actively developing my recording artistry under the name Minty D. Kalu, releasing original music and expanding my creative presence across multiple platforms. Balancing classical performance with contemporary music has been an exciting and fulfilling evolution in my career.

Looking ahead, I am especially excited to be preparing for Atlanta Opera’s upcoming production of Wagner’s Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods), a monumental work that represents both artistic challenge and growth.

You can follow Michael on Instagram: @mintydkalu