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 53: Micro Action Monday - Cultivate self discipline

    September 13th, 2021  |  10 mins 34 secs
    auditions, classical singing, music business

    "Your micro action for today is to make a commitment to accountability. It is to make a commitment to self discipline. Remember that self discipline tends to look like those small, boring, unsexy tasks. But, through that, you reach a freedom of being able to do what you want to do - being able to do what you said you were going to do."

  • Episode 52: Masterclass - Francesca Mondanaro

    August 23rd, 2021  |  1 hr 24 mins
    auditions, classical singing, music business, voice lessons

    While enjoying a busy professional singing career performing lead roles with such opera companies as Deutsche Oper Berlin, Baltimore Opera, Teatro Grattacielo, Nashville Opera, Sarasota Opera, Baltimore Concert Opera, Opera Maryland and others, soprano Francesca Mondanaro found her way into teaching as her own colleagues began asking for lessons. It was a natural fit after having studied vocal pedagogy for over 20 years with her own vocal mentors, and having had a unique, challenging instrument of her own that she had to build from bottom to top, into a voice that is still hired to this day. She now teaches privately in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and online. I have been wanting to invite Francesca to give a Masterclass episode since the beginning of Studio Class. I'm so thrilled that she shared such wonderful wisdom and insights in this episode. Enjoy!

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    Episode 51: Masterclass - Allyssa Jones, Ashley Shabankareh, Sara Noble

    August 9th, 2021  |  1 hr 21 mins
    classical singing, community-building, money, music business, networking

    In advance of our New Music Gathering 2021 panel on Money Mindset, I've invited my friends and colleagues to do a Masterclass episode where we talk about all things money mindset. Allyssa Jones, Ashley Shabankareh, and Sara Noble shared tons of tips, tools, and insights inside this episode. I hope you'll listen and share widely!

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    Episode 50: Micro Action Monday - Develop Self Awareness

    July 26th, 2021  |  13 mins 6 secs
    classical singing, inner work, music business

    As part of this short series on self-love, worthiness, self-discipline, and more, we're tackling the subject of self-awareness today. Know thyself, divas! Knowing your motivations, needs, desires, and values helps you in big and small ways. Find out more through this episode.

  • Episode 49: Masterclass - Liz Pearse

    July 19th, 2021  |  58 mins 52 secs
    classical singing, community-building, music business, networking

    Finding joy in variety, Liz Pearse is a musician of many pursuits. Liz began her exploration of the endless possibilities of the voice after a childhood spent playing any instrument she could lay hands upon. As a performer, her uniquely colorful and versatile voice has led to performances of wide-ranging works from medieval to modern, and though she is known as a specialist in contemporary vocal repertoire, she also deeply enjoys a well-aged song. I am so thrilled to feature Liz in this Masterclass episode of the Studio Class podcast!

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    Episode 48: Micro Action Monday - Focus on the positive

    July 12th, 2021  |  12 mins 48 secs
    micro-actions, mindset, practice

    We've got a micro series of micro actions on the Studio Class podcast! We're talking about self-esteem, self love, worthiness, and positive thinking. Buckle up, divas, because this is some real talk.

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    Episode 47: Micro Action Monday - Health Insurance for Divas

    June 28th, 2021  |  11 mins 3 secs
    classical singing, micro-actions, music business

    Finding affordable health insurance when you're self-employed or a freelancer can be intimidating. But, it is so important for musicians to have! Megan talks about some key points for those who are navigating the health insurance high seas during this Micro Action Monday episode.

    You can support the creation of these Micro Action Monday episodes as well as the Masterclass episodes when you join the Sybaritic Camerata on Patreon. Get started at patreon.com/mezzoihnen.

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    Episode 46: Masterclass - Susan Eichhorn Young

    June 24th, 2021  |  54 mins 15 secs
    classical music, masterclass, opera, singing, susan eichhorn young

    Susan Eichhorn Young is a Canadian soprano, actress, voice-over artist, voice teacher, and writer. Her website reads, "all things voice" and that is the truth!! It is a pleasure to welcome her as a guest for this masterclass episode where we cover Susan's feelings about "finding the singer" rather than making them "fit a mold"; how she focuses on the psyche of the artist; and how to recalibrate when your path goes a different direction than you thought it would. Susan drops so many pearls of wisdom.

    Thank you to Josh, Sarah, and Chris for supporting the creation of this episode through their membership in the Sybaritic Camerata's Listening Circle!

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    Episode 45: Micro Action Monday - Workout like you love yourself

    June 14th, 2021  |  13 mins 34 secs
    classical singing, exercise, fitness

    "Your body is your instrument" and I want you to take care of it with intuitive eating and intuitive movement. Studio Class is a body positive space so this episode is all about finding what YOU need in your life regarding health and wellness to be able to operate at your best.

  • Episode 44: Masterclass - Jillian Flexner

    June 8th, 2021  |  58 mins 51 secs
    classical singing, grantwriting, music business, opera

    Composer, producer, and development professional, Jillian Flexner refuses to be labeled as one thing and that's exactly why I wanted her to join us for a Masterclass episode on Studio Class. Jillian Flexner is a composer, new music activist, and bassoonist. Originally from North Carolina, Jillian grew up around a diverse culture of music. In 2013, Jillian co-founded the Fresh Squeezed Opera Company, a group that continues its passion to present new operas today. Jillian received her Master’s in Business Administration from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College in 2016, and now works in Development with the Rubin Museum of Himalayan and Buddhist Art. Jillian’s music has been presented all over the United States and has been performed by many ensembles.

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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.

  • 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.