Meet Our Teachers

Biography

Zachary Mascarinas is a Los Angeles–based baritone recognized for his powerful artistry, warm timbre, and vibrant stage presence. He has been praised for his ability to bring both humor and emotional depth to the stage, described by critic Mark Ross as “expressive, beautiful, and… showing mastery of the nonsensical homily.”

He has performed with several esteemed companies and festivals, including Pacific Opera Project, Lyric Opera of Orange County, Opera Italia, Miami Music Festival, and Chicago Summer Opera. Recent highlights include Papageno in Die Zauberflöte with the CSULB Opera Institute, Marcello in La Bohème with Opera Italia, Figaro in The Ghost of Versailles with the Miami Music Festival, and the Chorus in Pagliacci with Pacific Opera Project. Zachary is also an emerging artist of distinction, earning first place in the 2025 Southern California Philharmonic Young Artist Competition, second place in the 2025 Whittier Regional Symphony Young Artist Competition, and being named a semi-finalist in the 2024 Opera Buffs Young Artist Competition. He is a proud recipient of the Martin Figoten Performing Arts Scholarship at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music.

In addition to his vocal work, Zachary has played trumpet for nine years—serving as section leader and first chair throughout school, competing in CMEA and NCBA—and studied piano for four years. His wide-ranging musicianship gives him a deep understanding of technique, style, and collaboration across instruments.

Outside of teaching and performing, Zachary enjoys listening to and singing along with 1930s–50s jazz classics, especially Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, while also exploring metal and indie pop. His love for music and the arts is a foundational part of his character, and he strives to pass that passion on to his students, inspiring them to find joy and confidence through music.