MEet
Ustinya
Biography
Ustinya Malinina is a Russian mezzo-soprano and the founder of Malinin Music School. After successfully completing her Bachelor’s degree, she is now pursuing her Master of Music at the Royal College of Music, supported by the prestigious Jessie Sumner Scholarship.
Ustinya has performed at several renowned venues, including the Royal College of Music’s Britten Theatre, Crocus City Hall, the Kremlin Palace in Moscow, the Oktyabr’skiy Concert Hall in St. Petersburg, and Gasteig in Munich, Germany.
She is fluent in Russian, English, and German, and also teaches and sings in Italian, German, Russian, and English. Ustinya specialises in bel canto, phrasing, as well as language and pronunciation instruction.
Why i created this project:
After auditioning, receiving offers, and completing my Bachelor’s degree, I decided to create a school dedicated to helping children and teenagers find their own musical path. Reflecting on my own journey, I realised how much guidance I could have used when I was just starting out—before auditions, when I was full of questions and uncertainty. If only a school like this had existed back then.
I had countless unanswered questions: What repertoire should I choose for auditions? How do I get accepted? What is my voice type? How should I write my application letters? I was constantly searching for answers, trying to navigate the complexities of the process alone.
This experience inspired me to establish Malinin Music School (MMS)—a place where young musicians can find the guidance they need and be supported throughout their journey, without the stress of constantly searching for the right teachers or feeling self-doubt.
With years of accumulated knowledge, we truly understand the frustrations and worries that accompany a musical career. We’ve faced the same challenges, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
A musician’s path may be filled with moments of discouragement and frustration, but I firmly believe no one should be disheartened from pursuing growth and development. At MMS, our mission is to nurture, support, and empower you to reach your fullest potential.
What this school means to me:
In today’s world, few people teach you how to prepare for concerts and auditions, care for your vocal health, manage stress, or connect with the right people to build your network. These skills are often only learned once you reach a conservatoire—but how do you get there? And what happens after?
Recognising how competitive the music industry is, it can be incredibly challenging to find the right teachers who can guide you through those crucial first steps toward achieving your dreams.
That’s why I set out to create an environment free from toxicity, comparison, and jealousy—where our students can feel safe, inspired, and motivated. A place where they are encouraged to pursue their dreams and goals with confidence. At Malinin Music School, we are committed to ensuring that our students never face discouragement, and we empower them to determine their own value and worth.
“Nobody gets to decide your worth or judge your talent except you.”
Throughout the years Ustinya has achieved success in multiple competitions and events:
MY team:
Elizaveta Velikhova
Piano and Music Theory
Elizaveta Velikhova is a Russian-born pianist who studied at the Central Music School under the Moscow Conservatory with Professors Tamara Koloss and Mikhail Turpanov. In 2020, she began her studies at the Royal College of Music, under the tutelage of Professor Dina Parakhina, and graduated with a First-Class Diploma in July 2024.
Elizaveta has performed numerous times on the stages of the Moscow Conservatory and the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, both as a soloist and with orchestras. Her repertoire spans works by classical, romantic, and modern composers. She has also participated in masterclasses and competitions in Italy, England, Russia, Spain, and France.
With several years of teaching experience, Elizaveta is fluent in both Russian and English and teaches students of all levels and ages.