Skyy Carter is a  mezzo-soprano from Newport News, Virginia, currently in her fourth year at Shenandoah University, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Performance (Voice) under the mentorship of Dr. Fotina Naumenko. Known for her expressive artistry and versatility, Carter is committed to exploring a wide range of vocal repertoire spanning classical, contemporary and jazz genres.

During her studies at Shenandoah, Carter has taken every opportunity to grow both artistically and academically. She participated in a transformative masterclass with the world-renowned mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, which inspired her to refine her vocal technique and deepen her interpretive skills. Her stage credits include roles in university productions such as Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (as a Fairy) and the interdisciplinary project Caged Birds, which featured works by Missy Mazzoli and Ratniece Claybird.

Her operatic engagements at Shenandoah University included participating as a chorus member in Giuseppe Verdi’s Falstaff and performing the role of Mrs. Quickly in the family matinee production. These opportunities demonstrated her continued growth as a performer and her commitment to reaching audiences of all backgrounds.

Carter has had the privilege of working with Shenandoah’s distinguished faculty and mentors, including former director of opera Ella Marchment, Maestro Jan Wagner, vocal coaches Wei-Han Wu and Maja Tremiszewska, and Shenandoah Voices director Dr. Richard W. Robbins. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping her musical identity and professionalism.

In addition to her operatic and choral work, Carter is a sought-after soloist and ensemble performer. She is a recurring vocalist with the Shenandoah University Studio Big Band, showcasing her stylistic flexibility.