biography
Internationally recognized soprano Megan Barrera, a Cuban-Puerto Rican native of Miami, Florida, has emerged as a dynamic force in the world of opera and vocal education. Known for her powerful voice, expressive artistry, and commitment to innovation in operatic performance, Dr. Barrera enjoys a multifaceted career as a performer, stage director, and academic.
Dr. Barrera has garnered acclaim on international stages, including a debut at the prestigious Teatro de la Maestranza in Seville, Spain, in David McVicar’s production of La Traviata. She has performed the role of Micaëla in Carmen at Divadlo J.K. Tyla Plzni in the Czech Republic, and has been featured in recitals across Spain, Brazil, Panama, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. Her concert work includes performances with the New World Symphony, Orchestra Miami, and the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, among others. She is a laureate of several major vocal competitions, including the Gabriela Beňačková International Vocal Competition, the Certamen Nuevas Voces Ciudad de Sevilla, the Vissi D’Arte Competition, The Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition, the Saint Petersburg Opera Guild Competition, and the Rochester International Vocal Competition.
A sought-after stage director, Dr. Barrera has helmed inventive productions for companies such as Opera Naples, including Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) and La Bohème for their Festival Under the Stars. Her reimagined 1920s staging of Die Fledermaus for NWSA showcased her distinctive approach, honoring classical tradition while embracing contemporary storytelling. She has also produced and directed numerous educational productions, including Hansel and Gretel, Dido and Aeneas, and Così fan tutte, working with young artists to create accessible operatic experiences. Her programming often features fully staged opera scenes, themed concerts, and collaborative musical theater projects.
Dr. Barrera serves as Director of Opera at Georgia Southern University, where she leads the opera program. Prior to this appointment, she served as Director of Voice and Opera at New World School of the Arts in Miami, where she revitalized the opera program, established collaborative projects with local arts institutions, and guided students toward successful careers in performance and education. A passionate mentor, she continues to champion the next generation of artists through rigorous training, collaborative creation, and performance opportunities.
Dr. Barrera holds both a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance, with a minor in Vocal Pedagogy and a Bachelor of Music, with a minor in the Theater Arts. Her academic and artistic research emphasizes the intersection of tradition and innovation in opera, as well as increasing exposure to underrepresented repertoires—especially Spanish and Latin American works.
A firm believer in collaboration, Dr. Barrera often works closely with voice faculty, orchestral conductors, and technical teams to curate cohesive opera seasons that challenge and inspire students while engaging diverse audiences. Her leadership has helped bridge the gap between classical music institutions and their surrounding communities.
In addition to her roles as performer and educator, Dr. Barrera is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the National Opera Association (NOA), and Opera America. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Ibero-American Chapter of NATS. She regularly participates in national conferences, professional development workshops, and panels focused on vocal pedagogy, AI integration in music education and opera production, and equitable repertoire programming. Her work with these organizations reflects her commitment to continued growth, community engagement, and the advancement of opera and voice education in the 21st century.
Through her international performance experience, directorial vision, and dedication to student success, Dr. Barrera remains a vibrant and transformative figure in the evolving world of classical vocal arts.
