This was the first email response SHLTMM received from Karina stating, "my mom and I have always been really close. She has always been super supportive of me wanting to pursue music. She always knew along with her late father that I would grow up to be musical because as a baby I would hum and sing songs before I was able to speak. I’ve been really blessed with great parents who both attend nearly every one of my performances since I first started performing. I’m very lucky to have a very supportive and close family."If truly was effortless speaking with Norma and Karina. Norma shared stories of her mother and father, both Armenian and both very present in her life, especially before and after Karina was born. As I mentioned earlier, Karina was a preemie baby and Norma was bed ridden in the hospital for a number of weeks before her daughter was born. Norma's mother , Karina's grandmother instilled confidence in her daughter and helped her stay strong during the tough times. Again, the pediatric doctor's told Norma that her baby may not make it to certain milestones, yet Norma was confident because of her mother's endless support and wisdom. MANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC:https://www.msmnyc.edu/livestream/vartanian-2025/CLASSIC LYRICS ARTS:https://www.classiclyricarts.org/karina-vartanian-berkshiresRecent PerformancesBIO:KARINA VARTANIAN is a recent graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, where she earned her Bachelor of Music and received the Josephine C. Whitford Award, a commencement honor recognizing exceptional achievement. Her partial opera role credits include Frasquita (Carmen), Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), Zweite Dame (Die Zauberflöte), Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni), La Contessa (Le nozze di Figaro), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), and Barbarina (Le nozze di Figaro). Karina recently participated in the Bel Canto Masterclass with Maya Sypert and performed in a concert with The Art Song Preservation Society of New York (2025). This summer, she will make her operatic role debut as Zerlina in Don Giovanni at the Winter Harbor Music Festival. In 2019, she was a solo finalist in the Armenian Youth Talent Competition at Carnegie Hall. She was invited to sing for the pontifical visit of His Holiness Aram I at the Rainbow Room (2023) and was recently invited to perform at the 40th Anniversary Banquet celebrating Archbishop Anoushavan at Terrace on the Park. Karina is a contracted soloist with The Opera Collective (2024–25) and a proud recipient of the AGBU Arts Scholarship (2023–25). At MSM, she served as Chair of Communications for the Womxn Organization, where she helped launch the school’s first-ever Women’s History Month series and programmed the inaugural Women’s History Month Concert. She currently serves as a Board Member and Social Media Manager for The Gilbert and Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island.SOCIAL MEDIA:FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/p/Karina-Vartanian-Soprano-100094657226530/#IG:@KARINAVARTTLINKEDIN:KARINA VARTANIANyoutube.com/@karinavartt "Should Have Listened To My Mother" is an ongoing conversation about mothers/female role models and the roles they play in our lives. Jackie's guests are open and honest and  answer the question, are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother and so much more. You'll be amazed at what the responses are.Gina Kunadian wrote this 5 Star review on Apple Podcast:SHLTMM TESTIMONIAL GINA KUNADIAN JUNE 18, 2024“A Heartfelt and Insightful Exploration of Maternal Love”Jackie Tantillo’s “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast is a treasure and it’s clear why it’s a 2023 People’s Choice Podcast Award Nominee.  This show delves into the profound impact mother and maternal role models have on our lives through personal stories and reflections.Each episode offers a chance to learn how different individuals have been shaped by their mothers’ actions and words. Jackie skillfully guides these conversations, revealing why guests with similar backgrounds have forged different paths.This podcast is a collection of timeless stories that highlight the powerful role of maternal figures in our society.  Whether your mother influenced you positively or you thrived despite challenges, this show resonates deeply.I highly recommend “Should Have Listened To My Mother” Podcast for its insightful, heartfelt and enriching content.Gina Kunadian"Should Have Listened To My Mother" would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In 2018/2019, in getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal stories of their relationship with their mother, for better or worse and what they learned from that maternal relationship. Some of my guests include Nationally and Internationally recognized authors, Journalists, Columbia University Professors, Health Practitioners, Scientists, Artists, Attorneys, Baritone Singer, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist, Activists, Freighter Sea Captain, Film Production Manager, Professor of Writing Montclair State University, Attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist,  Property Manager, Chefs, Self Help Advocates, therapists and so many more talented and insightful women and men.Jackie has worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. She has interviewed  many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created the logo for "Should Have Listened To My Mother".Check out the SHLTMM Podcast website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/Or more demos of what's to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantilloLink to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/Or Find SHLTMM Website here: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/Listen wherever you find podcasts: https://www.facebook.com/ShouldHaveListenedToMyMotherhttps://www.facebook.com/jackietantilloInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/shouldhavelistenedtomymother/https://www.instagram.com/jackietantillo7/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-tantillo/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@ShouldHaveListenedToMyMother