César Ulloa

César Ulloa serves as Chair of Voice and Opera Studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), where he leads the Voice Department with significant influence in the opera world. His teaching has shaped numerous successful opera careers across major international stages.

Born in Cuba and raised in Garland, Texas, Ulloa earned his BM from the University of Tampa and pursued professional studies at Southern Methodist University. His formative training occurred during what he describes as a 'golden era of operatic singing,' learning from legendary artists including Thomas Hayward, Franco Corelli, and Boris Goldovsky.

Ulloa's expertise focuses on vocal technique, breath support, and authentic artistic expression. He is particularly renowned for his 'inhale the voice' methodology derived from bel canto tradition, emphasizing natural vocal production over forced projection. His teaching philosophy centers on developing each singer's unique voice rather than imposing a standardized sound.

His studio has produced exceptional talent including Amina Edris, Julie Adams, Nadine Sierra, Angel Blue, Pene Pati, and numerous other artists who regularly perform at the Metropolitan Opera, Covent Garden, Paris Opera, and leading European venues. These students have consistently won major competitions including the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, Operalia, George London Foundation Awards, and Richard Tucker Foundation Awards.

• Sarlo Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 2014
• First Prize, American Opera Auditions
• Winner, William Matheus Sullivan Musical Foundation Award

Prior to his teaching career, Ulloa performed for fifteen years with over fifty operatic roles at prestigious venues including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Canadian Opera Company, and L'Opera de Monte-Carlo. His transition from performer to educator has made him one of opera's most respected pedagogues, with Dolora Zajick noting that 'a significant number' of successful opera singers credit Ulloa with providing 'the skills a singer needs to have a career.'

Ulloa maintains an active teaching schedule with a studio recital scheduled for April 17, 2026, and continues to serve as Master Teacher for San Francisco Opera's Merola and Adler programs, LA Opera's Domingo-Colburn-Stein program, and several other prestigious young artist training initiatives worldwide.