BIO

My Musical Journey

Madame Magda-Sophia Gartner

Since early childhood, music was my most favorite thing. My training began with formal piano lessons at age 5. With piano as the cornerstone, I also explored violin studies and eventually had my first formal voice lesson at age 14 while singing in choirs and family quartets since my childhood. After High School, I was accepted to the Mozarteum Salzburg (one of Europe's most esteemed music conservatories) where I completed both Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in Piano Performance & Pedagogy. I studied and did master classes with some of the best soloists and teachers in the world, after which I performed and worked all over Europe in chamber groups as well as with Opera soloists/opera companies. Through my work as a pianist in the Opera world I became obsessed with singing and began to study VOICE.
I have both accompanied and studied with many of the best voice teachers of our time, (Marlena Malas, Arthur Levy, Amy Burton, Sophie Koch, Cornelia Prestel, Horiana Branisteanu, to mention a few). Schools like the Royal College of Music, London, Mannes School of Music, New York City, and masterclasses world wide were part of my vocal training. My operatic career has led me to sing with New York City Opera, Opera Carolina, Opera Seattle, Odyssey Opera Boston, Opera Grand Rapids, Kentucky Opera, The Martina Arroyo Foundation NYC, besides others. 
As the pandemic took over I had 2 years of contracted performances cancelled, leaving me to explore other sides of life and my potential.
Having taught piano and voice since adolescence, I discovered an even deeper passion & love for teaching and have been very nourished the past years as I work with more and more students of all ages and abilities.
Exploring one’s unique sound, be it on the piano or voice, is one of the most rewarding and exciting things in life, and I hope for the opportunity to share in your journey.