Studio Class

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.

Episode 89: Micro Action Monday - Make your auditions shine

November 14th, 2022  |  17 mins 46 secs

arts coaching, auditions, classical singing, micro actions, music business

"Having an audition that really shines is not about, 'Oh, I wore this dress that they really liked.' It's about, 'I made a moment for them in that room. They felt so inspired by my work that they knew I would be the right fit for an entire production or I would be the right fit for their company.'" In this Micro Action Monday episode, Megan discusses a few tips to make your auditions really stand out.

Episode 60: Masterclass - Ariana Wehr

November 8th, 2021  |  1 hr 25 mins

auditions, classical singing, music business

Ariana Wehr, is a Brazilian-born soprano who has sung traditional operatic roles as well as contemporary repertoire. She has performed with Washington National Opera, Opera in the Heights, Brava Opera Theater, Naples Philharmonic, Opera Louisiane, and more. Ariana debuted the roles of Girlfriend #1/Nurse/Congregant in Blue at The 2019 Glimmerglass Festival and will reprise the roles at Washington National Opera in 2020. She also recently completed her MBA and we’ll talk about that beautiful intersection of music and business as well. I hope you enjoy this episode with the wonderful Ariana Wehr! Find out more about her at http://www.arianawehrsoprano.com/.

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!

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.

Episode 10: Leveling Up - Diva Style

March 12th, 2017  |  49 mins 36 secs

auditions, classical music, networking, opera singing, performing

This episode comes from a music business lecture I do called "Make It Rain" and it covers the different stages of your creative career.

Episode 6: Create Your Singing Team

February 5th, 2017  |  35 mins 53 secs

auditions, classical music, gertrude stein, opera singing, performing, salons, singer

You have heard it said before, “it takes a village.” The simple truth in that statement is that we are only one person and have only 24 hours in a day. When we combine a reliable and skilled team of people the effort can be exponentially broadened.

Episode 5: The Audition is Never Over!

January 29th, 2017  |  26 mins 55 secs

auditions, classical music, opera singing, performing

Observe and learn from those that you find the most charismatic. You do not have to mimic their actions, speaking-style, or look. Simply identify what it is you find most engaging about them and see how you could apply that technique to your own life.

Episode 4: Audition Like You Mean It!

January 22nd, 2017  |  24 mins 57 secs

auditions, classical music, opera singing, performing

If you are one of those poor souls who dreads auditions (as many of us do) make preparation your ally against all anxiety. Auditioning is truly a separate art form than singing or stage performance and it is the place where divas are made. If you can audition well, you can practically take over the world.