Studio Class

Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer

About the show

Welcome to Studio Class – I'm Megan Ihnen, your friendly mezzo-soprano, teacher, writer, and arts entrepreneur. Together, we'll dive deep into the strategies and tactics of classical singing and composition. Think of me as your "diva sidekick", distilling essential insights in the realms of classical singing, opera, and new music. Whether it's dissecting the nuances of performance or uncovering the habits of successful creatives, we're here to streamline your path to excellence.

In this podcast, we transcend the ordinary studio class experience, diving deep into the essential business elements that often get overlooked in the world of classical music. Megan's passion for empowering fellow musicians, both vocalists and composers, shines through, making Studio Class your go-to resource for achieving excellence in your artistic endeavors.

Micro Action Monday episodes are short 'how-to' style guides offering actionable entrepreneurship information. For an in-depth look into the journeys of successful professionals, tune in to Masterclass episodes where working artists share how they created, maintain, and expand their careers in today's music industry.

Whether you're a singer, composer, or someone curious about the intersection of tradition and innovation in the performing arts, Studio Class is here to guide you towards a sparkling and focused career. Don't miss the diva-approved wisdom that awaits you on Studio Class with Megan Ihnen.

Studio Class on social media

Episodes

  • Episode 117: Masterclass - Bryan Register

    June 3rd, 2024  |  54 mins 13 secs
    arts coaching, classical singing, micro actions, music business, opera, tenor, wagner

    American tenor, Bryan Register, has received great critical acclaim for his portrayal of roles including Tristan, Lohengrin and Enée, and has performed in many of the most prestigious theatres in Europe including, the Bavarian State Opera, the Semperoper Dresden, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, The Opéra Bastille and La Monnaie.

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    Episode 116: Masterclass - Julia Cooke

    April 30th, 2024  |  1 hr 3 mins
    arts coaching, classical singing, julia cooke, micro actions, music business, opera baltimore

    As the Artistic and General Director of Opera Baltimore, Julia Cooke has spearheaded a revolution, overseeing a phenomenal 366% budget increase and expanding annual events from 10 to 103 since 2020. Her visionary leadership and deep community involvement led to a monumental expansion in 2022, introducing fully staged productions alongside their renowned concert series. Beyond her role as an opera executive, Julia's journey is a testament to her multifaceted talents as a singer, teacher, mentor, and catalyst for change. Learn all about it in this Masterclass episode featuring Julia Cooke.

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    Episode 115: Masterclass - Dr. Tonya Lawson

    April 8th, 2024  |  1 hr 36 secs
    arts coaching, classical singing, micro actions, music business, seo, tonya lawson

    Dr. Tonya Lawson is a musician, blogger, and SEO specialist whose mission is to empower musicians and other creatives to build out passive income streams so they have the financial freedom to live the life they want to live.

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    Episode 114: Masterclass - Sarah Brailey

    April 1st, 2024  |  51 mins 1 sec
    classical singing, micro actions, music business, sarah brailey. arts coaching

    GRAMMY Award-winning soprano Sarah Brailey enjoys a versatile career that defies categorization. Praised by The New York Times for her “radiant, liquid tone,” and by Opera UK for “a sound of remarkable purity,” she is a prolific vocalist, cellist, recording artist, and educator.

  • Episode 113: Masterclass - Samuel Martin

    February 5th, 2024  |  1 hr 11 mins
    art song, arts coaching, classical singing, interview, masterclass, micro actions, music business

    Step into the world of classical music and #TeamArtSong with pianist Samuel Martin in this Masterclass episode. From international stages to innovative projects like "Before She Became Fire," Martin's debut album with mezzo Kathryn Leemhuis, his dynamic performances redefine the genre. As the Founding Artistic Director behind the Cincinnati Song Initiative, he's hailed as "Cincinnati's champion for art song."

    A New York native and alumnus of top institutions, Martin now teaches at The Hartt School, University of Hartford, shaping future musicians. Join us as Sam shares insights on artistic collaboration, musical innovation, and his relentless pursuit of excellence.

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    Episode 112: Masterclass - Lee Anne Myslewski

    January 23rd, 2024  |  1 hr 6 mins
    arts coaching, auditions, classical singing, micro actions, music business

    In this episode, we dive into the world of opera and classical programming with a true luminary in the field, Lee Anne Myslewski. As the Vice President of Opera and Classical Programming at Wolf Trap, Lee Anne shares her journey since joining the organization in 2006. With a passion for nurturing emerging artists, she has played a pivotal role in making Wolf Trap the country's foremost summer training program.

    Lee Anne's expertise extends beyond the Wolf Trap Opera, as she oversees classical music programming and has initiated groundbreaking series like "Untrapped." Through her visionary leadership, she has forged partnerships with esteemed institutions, from The Metropolitan Opera to the Shakespeare Theatre. We explore her role in casting and programming operatic productions, drawing from her vast experience of over 8,000 live auditions.

    As a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and the Maryland Opera Studio, Lee Anne brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. Her influence extends to educational institutions where she serves as a visiting/virtual lecturer, shaping the future of opera. We discuss her involvement in competitions, such as The Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Competition, and her role in the executive board of Opera America.

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    Episode 111: Micro Action Monday - Set your new intentions

    January 8th, 2024  |  17 mins 41 secs
    arts coaching, classical singing, micro actions, music business

    In this Micro Action Monday episode, we delve into the transformative power of reviewing your 2023 and setting intentions for 2024. Explore key areas like physical and mental health, finances, relationships, community, and creativity. Reflect on your achievements and challenges, extracting valuable lessons. Uncover your own actionable steps to enhance well-being, optimize financial goals, nurture relationships, engage with your community, and fuel your creativity. Tune in to kickstart a purpose-driven 2024, fostering a holistic approach to developing your professionally creative life.

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    Episode 110: Masterclass - Keturah Stickann

    December 4th, 2023  |  57 mins 21 secs
    arts coaching, choreographer, classical singing, micro actions, music business, new american opera, opera director

    As a director and choreographer, Keturah Stickann's work has graced stages worldwide, from the U.S. and Canada to Chile, Japan, France, Hungary, and Australia. We dive into her experiences with opera giants like Jake Heggie & Gene Scheer, her passion for new American opera, and the creative process behind her mesmerizing productions.

  • Episode 109: Micro Action Monday - Improve your tenacity

    October 16th, 2023  |  19 mins 28 secs
    arts coaching, classical singing, micro actions, music business

    "Simply put, tenacity gives you the confidence and courage to 'find a way' even if you don't currently know 'how' you'll do it." That and more in this Micro Action Monday episode which is all about improving your tenacity and being a tenacious creative professional.

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    Episode 108: Micro Action Monday - Get asked back

    October 2nd, 2023  |  16 mins 35 secs
    arts coaching, classical singing, micro actions, music business

    Megan discusses how to get hired back and why you’ll want to show gratitude today for the working relationships in your past that have been spectacular.

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    Episode 107: Micro Action Monday - Be a better sight-reader

    September 25th, 2023  |  11 mins 41 secs
    arts coaching, classical singing, micro actions, music business, sight-reading, sight-singing, solfege

    In this Micro Action Monday episode, Megan discusses how to incorporate more sight-reading and sight-singing and why you’ll want to invest some time in having a system for pitches and intervals today.

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    Episode 106: Micro Action Monday - Get new headshots

    September 11th, 2023  |  13 mins 27 secs
    arts coaching, classical singing, micro actions, music business

    In this Micro Action Monday episode we're focusing on capturing your best self through your headshots. Megan dives into the importance of updating your headshots as a key aspect of personal and professional branding. She discusses how a fresh set of headshots can make a significant impact on your online presence and how to go about scheduling a photoshoot. Whether you're an actor, musician, entrepreneur, or simply looking to refresh your social media profiles, this episode provides actionable insights to help you put your best face forward.

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    Episode 105: Micro Action Monday - Diversify your income

    September 4th, 2023  |  17 mins 18 secs
    arts coaching, classical singing, micro actions, music business

    This Micro Action Monday episode focuses on what it means to diversify your income streams and why it's crucial in today's ever-changing economy especially for those of us who live professionally creative lives.

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    Episode 104: Masterclass - Fabiana Claure

    August 28th, 2023  |  47 mins 40 secs
    arts coaching, classical singing, fabiana claure, micro actions, music business

    Fabiana creates financial and artistic prosperity for musicians so they can stop trading time for money and create lifestyle-aligned businesses where they have the freedom to work on their own time, with complete location freedom, without sacrificing their quality time with their families and artistic dreams. As a concert pianist and business strategist for musicians, Fabiana has helped thousands of musicians build, grow, and scale their businesses into online premium music programs that run on autopilot.

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    Episode 103: Masterclass - Ann McMahon Quintero

    August 21st, 2023  |  1 hr 5 mins
    arts coaching, classical singing, interview, masterclass, micro actions, music business

    "Praised for her evocative interpretations of oratorio and opera, Ann McMahon Quintero has filled the 2022/23 season with new works and old favorites. She joins Boston Baroque and Alabama Symphony for Messiah, Charleston Symphony for Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky Cantata, and performs in the world premiere of Ghosts with San Diego Opera in the role of Yadira."

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    Episode 102: Masterclass - Jason Nitsch

    July 24th, 2023  |  1 hr 12 mins
    arts coaching, classical singing, composer, jason nitsch, micro actions, music business

    Jason Nitsch is a composer for the concert stage, feature and short films, and other media. In the world of podcasting, he is the writer, producer, and composer for Beyond the Belt: Adventures from the Outer Rim, a science fiction drama podcast with a dedicated cult following. In the film world, he has scored the short film Passing By directed by David M. Chandler, Edward J. Delaney’s feature length documentary Library of the Early Mind, and the celebrated horror short Bedtime produced by Joint Concept Productions.

    He has released multiple albums, including Poem at the End of the World, The Season 1 and 2 Soundtracks from Beyond the Belt: Adventures from the Outer Rim, and most recently the chamber music anthology 1000 Steps to Nowhere. His music has been published by several prominent publishers, including Excelcia Music, T.U.X. People’s Music, FJH Music, and Randall Standridge Music.