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
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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!
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Episode 25: Micro Action Monday - Write your singing bio
September 28th, 2020 | 21 mins 19 secs
bios, classical singing, music business
Your bio is a music business document designed to inspire interest in your product/service. Focus on writing your bios for the decision makers you are trying to collaborate with and impress. The bio is an exercise in writing a beautifully balanced portrait of yourself as a musician.
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Episode 24: Micro Action Monday - Polish your resume
September 21st, 2020 | 15 mins 31 secs
classical singing, music business, resumes
Your goal is to make your résumé be the best first impression of your skill, training, and your professionalism.
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Episode 23: Micro Action Monday - Practice Style
September 14th, 2020 | 12 mins 58 secs
micro-actions, practice
Determine your best practice style and then make time for it in your schedule.
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Episode 22: Teach a Voice Studio
August 1st, 2019 | 1 hr 17 mins
teaching, voice lessons, voice studio
Megan Ihnen visited Hillary LaBonte's vocal pedagogy class at Bowling Green State University in Fall 2018 to discuss running a private voice studio. Thank you to Dr. LaBonte for the invitation and to her students for their excellent questions.
If you're interested in inviting Megan to record an episode with your studio, please get in touch by emailing [email protected]. -
Episode 21: Figure Out Your Own Balance
July 1st, 2019 | 30 mins 16 secs
guests, residency
Sybaritic Singer & Studio Class founder, Megan Ihnen, talks with students from UNLV's voice department about figuring out the balance of singer life.
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Episode 20: Outcomes, Not (Mindless) Activities
May 13th, 2018 | 47 mins 59 secs
achievement, arts entrepreneurship, classical singing, new music, opera, setting goals, success metrics, success workbook
"Performance begins with focusing on outcomes instead of activities. In my experience, most people do the reverse. They concentrate their efforts on the pursuit of activities instead of outcomes." Tired of the relentless busy-ness of being a musician? Let's re-focus on outcomes and avoid the temptation of mindless activity, divas, with the help of Douglas K. Smith's book "Make Success Measurable! A Mindbook-Workbook for Setting Goals and Taking Action."