Megan Ihnen
Host of Studio Class
Mezzo-soprano Megan Ihnen is a tireless promoter of contemporary classical music for the voice. Her performances thrive on elaborate sound worlds and fully-developed dramatic interpretations. Megan recently debuted on the Detroit New Music “Strange Beautiful Music Marathon”, the Works and Process at the Guggenheim series, and with NYC-based Stone Mason Projects. Her interdisciplinary “Kafka Fragments” project had performances in Maryland and Colorado. Her recording of Garrett Schumann’s “Bound” with Latitude 49 was selected for both the I CARE IF YOU LISTEN Fall 2015 Mixtape and the CarpeDM Seize Des Moines “Music Mix: Volume III” featured at the 2016 SXSW Festival. Learn more about Megan at meganihnen.com.
Megan Ihnen has hosted 41 Episodes.
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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
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Episode 37: Fri-YAY - Applied Business Lessons
October 14th, 2020 | 12 mins 28 secs
arts coaching, classical singing, micro actions, music business
Megan shares the audio from a recent Fri-YAY video all about the importance of "applied business lessons." You might have spent upwards of $20,000 in applied lessons in voice, composition, or on your instrument. How much have you invested in your business knowledge?
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Episode 26: Micro Action Monday - Meet someone new
October 5th, 2020 | 16 mins 6 secs
classical singing, community-building, music business, networking
Put yourself out there and deepen your community ties. Make plans to meet someone new at a virtual (or in person) concert!