Nationally renowned mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke brought her talents to the University of Wisconsin-Superior on Wednesday to teach a master class of several students from colleges throughout the Duluth/Superior area.

After listening to a prepared piece from each student, Cooke then offered helpful tips and suggestions to the vocalists. Each performer then put Cooke’s suggestions into play, often finding improvement in their performances. Cooke, who has performed with ensembles such as the San Francisco Symphony, the Seattle Opera and Chicago Opera Theater, was in town to perform a concert on Tuesday night at the University of Minnesota-Duluth before the master class on Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s just very satisfying to feel like you’re gifting something back to these students,” she said of her master class. “I enjoy working with young people because I feel like I was just in their shoes and that I have a lot in common [with them].”

 Junior Crystal Toner was the only UW-Superior student to perform in the workshop.

“It’s helping me with my nerves especially,” she said.

She also said the workshop helped her with her diction while singing. About 30 people attended the workshop, which was held in the Webb Recital Hall in the Holden Fine Arts Center.