Biography

Meghan Nelson is a native of Fairfax, Virginia. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Opera performance at the University of Maryland under the tutelage of Kevin Short. She also holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from James Madison University. While at the University of Maryland, Meghan has premiered the role of Acolyte in Ashi Day’s new chamber opera, The Fishwife. She is currently scheduled to perform the role of Serpetta in Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera this fall and the role of Selena in Jake Heggie’s If I Were You in the spring, both productions with the Maryland Opera Studio. While at JMU, Meghan has sung roles in several JMU opera productions including Anne Trulove in Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress and Phyllis in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe. She also covered for Queen of the Night in JMU’s online production of The Magic Flute during COVID-19. Meghan has also participated in the Opera Roanoke Young Artist Program from 2021-2023.

As a soloist, Meghan enjoys performing in frequent recitals. Her solo recital repertoire spans over 10 languages. She also enjoys performing frequently as a concert soloist. Meghan has sung as the soprano soloist in Mahler’s 4th Symphony with the JMU Symphony Orchestra. In addition, she frequently sings the soprano solo in Handel’s Messiah. Meghan is passionate about exploring diverse and challenging repertoire.

In addition to performing in opera productions, Meghan has also participated in many national and local vocal competitions. In 2023, Meghan placed 1st in the NATS National Student Auditions Classical Division. In 2022, Meghan was a finalist in the CS Music National Competition in Chicago. She also placed 1st in the 2022 Sue Goetz Ross Competition in Bethesda.

Currently, Meghan teaches voice lessons in person and online through NM Productions run by Laurie Nelson. As a teacher, Meghan seeks to help her students find the fun in making music while fostering a safe environment for discovery and learning.