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.
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Episodes
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Episode 43: Masterclass - Dale Trumbore
May 10th, 2021 | 1 hr 1 min
classical singing, composition, interview, masterclass, music business
So thrilled to welcome composer and writer Dale Trumbore to the Studio Class Podcast for a Masterclass episode. As a composer who works frequently with words, Trumbore is passionate about setting to music poems, prose and found text by living writers. Find out more about Dale at https://www.daletrumbore.com/
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Episode 42: Micro Action Monday - Study your icons
May 3rd, 2021 | 9 mins 10 secs
classical singing, micro-actions, music business, practice
Your micro action for the day is to study your icons! Learn from them. A big THANK YOU to Sarah and Josh for being part of the Sybaritic Camerata Listening Circle on Patreon.com/mezzoihnen.
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Episode 41: Micro Action Monday - Evaluate your teacher
February 22nd, 2021 | 16 mins 39 secs
classical singing, music business, voice lessons, voice teacher
I have always said that voice teachers are one part instructor and two parts therapist. Singing is a very personal thing. You must trust the person you have chosen to help develop your voice as well as being an encouraging force. Here are a few areas of focus for evaluating your current teacher or finding a new voice teacher.
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Episode 40: Masterclass - Raehann Bryce-Davis
February 15th, 2021 | 1 hr 6 mins
masterclass, mezzo-soprano, opera, raehann bryce-davis
We caught up with mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis for a Masterclass episode on Studio Class as she was preparing Ariadne auf Naxos at Opera Vlaanderen. Raehann shares about how she thinks about supporting the voice, what her "5 year plan" looked like when she finished grad school, and how she's advocating for change in our field through Black Opera Alliance and more.
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Episode 36: Micro Action Monday - Deal with your debt
January 11th, 2021 | 9 mins 1 sec
classical singing, debt, financial freedom, micro actions, money, music business
Don't let debt push you out of the field before you have a chance to realize your dreams. Give yourself the gift of financial freedom.
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Episode 35: Micro Action Monday - Spend on what you love
December 28th, 2020 | 14 mins 35 secs
budgeting, classical singing, micro actions, money, music business, spending
We spend on what we think we need to get through to the next level, or get through the semester, or to just get through the overwhelmingly long days. Following a plan for your spending that supports your ultimate career plans will help relieve you from the burden of debt and constant worrying over your financial future.
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Episode 34: Micro Action Monday - Track your income
December 21st, 2020 | 4 mins 57 secs
classical singing, income tracking, micro actions, music business
Take the first step today by watching your finances. Be aware. Be proactive. Be less stressed about your money by monitoring your accounts.
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Episode 33: Micro Action Monday - Practice professionalism
December 14th, 2020 | 9 mins 16 secs
classical singing, micro actions, music business, professionalism
Here are some tips to bring your best self to the rehearsal space and beyond.
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Episode 39: Micro Action Monday - Diva Affirmations
December 7th, 2020 | 22 mins 12 secs
affirmations, guided meditation, micro-actions, practice, self-esteem, singing
I really enjoy certain guided meditations and affirmations and I love them in audio form for when I’m walking the dog or getting ready. I find that when I’m listening to my affirmations, my brain can really run wild “decorating the idea” - I love to embellish it and add on to it the more I listen. Anyway, here is my affirmations for divas track for you to listen to whenever you might need a little more oomph.
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Episode 32: Micro Action Monday - See the path between...
November 30th, 2020 | 7 mins 52 secs
classical singing, goal setting, micro actions, music business
There's no such thing as an overnight sensation. Practice imagining everything amazing that could be on your path between here and your overall goals.
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Episode 31: Micro Action Monday - Spiff up your website
November 23rd, 2020 | 15 mins 10 secs
classical singing, micro actions, music business, singer website
Your challenge is to create an accurate and exciting web presence.
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Episode 30: Micro Action Monday - Get new headshots
November 16th, 2020 | 8 mins 11 secs
classical singing, headshots, micro actions, music business
Headshots are our calling cards. It should look like you and hint at aspects of your personality that you will bring to the stage.
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Episode 38: Masterclass - Sharin Apostolou MacPherson & Ryan MacPherson
November 9th, 2020 | 1 hr 30 mins
classical singing, masterclass, music business, opera
It's true! The #KiltedOlive couple is here for a Studio Class Masterclass. Soprano Sharin Apostolou MacPherson and tenor Ryan MacPherson talk about building musical interpretive power, knowing when it's time to leave professional singing, and what's keeping them hopeful right now.
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Episode 29: Micro Action Monday - Audition like a diva
November 2nd, 2020 | 17 mins 5 secs
auditions, classical singing, music business
The most sublime comment I have ever heard from an audition panel was, “Wow. She really came to play…” Simply put, the audition is the best of your preparation actualized. The better the preparation – the better the audition.
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Episode 28: Micro Action Monday - Schedule a recording
October 26th, 2020 | 9 mins 38 secs
classical singing, micro actions, music business, recording session
Having good audio and video documentation is a necessity in this business. Schedule your next recording session today.
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Episode 27: Micro Action Monday - Read competitively
October 19th, 2020 | 7 mins 4 secs
classical singing, community-building, music business, networking
"I read for growth, firmly believing the what you are today and what you will be in five years depends on two things: the people you meet and the books you read." - Twyla Tharp - The Creative Habit