Keeping the tradition alive
Welcome to the Arturo Melocchi Academy.
I’m Ignas Melnikas, a professional opera singer (bass-baritone) and vocal pedagogue dedicated to preserving and transmitting the traditional operatic singing method developed by Arturo Melocchi and Marcello del Monaco.
My journey with the Melocchi method began over a decade ago, fueled by a deep curiosity about its effectiveness and the legendary voices it helped shape. I had the privilege of studying in Italy with direct students of Mario and Marcello del Monaco, gaining hands-on insight into the method’s principles and practice. Through this immersive experience, I not only studied the method — I became part of a lineage that carries forward its tradition. Inheriting this legacy comes with a deep sense of responsibility: to preserve the method's authenticity and pass it on as it was truly intended.
With more than ten years of professional teaching and performance experience, I’ve appeared on the stages of Teatro Regio di Parma, Auditorio de Tenerife, Teatro Rossini di Pesaro, Teatro Donizetti di Bergamo, Lithuanian National Philharmonic, Teatro Olimpico di Vicenza and Teatro San Carlo di Napoli. My students have also gone on to perform at venues like the Vienna State Opera, Teatro San Carlo di Napoli, Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, and international festivals.
At a time when traditional operatic training is increasingly fragmented and inconsistent, I remain committed to preserving a structured, physiologically grounded Italian approach to vocal development. Known as “The Builder of Voices,” Melocchi’s approach uses specific physiological exercises to train the laryngeal muscles—producing voices of exceptional power, clarity, and range.
Through the academy and its technique blog, I share translated interviews with Melocchi’s and del Monaco’s students, articles on vocal physiology, historical context, and practical guidance for singers seeking to develop their voice using this time-tested approach.
I work with conservatory students, emerging artists, and professional singers seeking long-term technical stability, projection, and register consistency.
Lessons are conducted online with singers from around the world, continuing a pedagogical tradition transmitted through generations of Italian operatic training.
What Students Are Saying
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![Bass student]()
“Ignas completely transformed my vocal technique. Before studying with him, I was very constricted and even singing in the wrong vocal category. Through his clear, hands-on teaching and deep understanding of vocal function, I learned to build real strength, projection, and ease in the upper range. That progress ultimately allowed me to sing confidently on one of the world’s greatest stages — the Vienna State Opera.”
Simonas, bass, Austria
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![Tenor student]()
“The Melocchi Method has been a game changer for me. It has helped my voice reach places I always wanted it to go and given me a new sense of control and confidence. Ignas is a great pedagogue who focuses on detail and ensures a clear understanding and precise execution of this ‘old-school’ method, which continues to reveal new possibilities in my singing.”
Ruben, tenor, USA
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“Lessons with Ignas have been the definitive finishing touch I was looking for. My voice has gained clarity, color, and power, and I’ve developed greater technical confidence and stage composure. I’m truly grateful that he crossed my path on my vocal development journey.”
Damian, bass-baritone, Poland
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![Tenor student]()
“After studying with Ignas for about a year, I’ve made tremendous progress in my vocal technique. Despite eight years of prior vocal training, I still felt technically limited until working with him. Ignas provided a concrete, logical approach that completely transformed my voice and allowed me to sing repertoire I’d never imagined possible. He helped me discover my true voice.”
Louis, tenor, USA
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![Baritone student]()
“Ignas is helping me build a truly essential foundation in my voice. When I started, I struggled to sing an F, and now I can reach A-flats with ease. After a year of training with him, I continue to trust his guidance as he helped me discover my full range while keeping my voice healthy and sustainable for the future.”
Francis, baritone, Norway
