Studio Class - Episodes Tagged with “Auditions”

Episode 112: Masterclass - Lee Anne Myslewski

Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0600

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.

My gratitude goes out to Hannah Boissonneault who edits our Masterclass episodes and to Juanitos and Scott Holmes for the music featured in this episode.

You can help support the creation of these episodes when you join the Sybaritic Camerata on Patreon. Get started at patreon.com/mezzoihnen.

Be on the Studio Class Podcast
Megan Ihnen is a professional mezzo-soprano, teacher, writer, and arts entrepreneur who is passionate about helping other musicians and creative professionals live their best lives. Studio Class is an outgrowth of her popular #29DaystoDiva series from The Sybaritic Singer. Let your emerging professionals be part of the podcast! Invite Megan to your studio class for a taping of an episode. Your students ask questions and informative, fun conversation ensues.

Special Guest: Lee Anne Myslewski.

Episode 89: Micro Action Monday - Make your auditions shine

Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0600

"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.

Do you like these micro action episodes? You'll probably like the 29 Days to Diva series on The Sybaritic Singer too. Check it out here: https://sybariticsinger.com/category/29-days-to-diva/

My gratitude goes out to Juanitos and Scott Holmes for the music featured in this episode.

You can help support the creation of these episodes when you join the Sybaritic Camerata on Patreon. Get started at patreon.com/mezzoihnen.

Episode 60: Masterclass - Ariana Wehr

Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 14:00:00 -0600

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/.

Do you like these Masterclass episodes? You can help support their creation when you join the Sybaritic Camerata on Patreon.com/mezzoihnen.

A big thank you to Juanitos and Scott Holmes for the music featured in this episode. My enduring gratitude to Hannah Boissonneault for her audio editing skills.

Special Guest: Ariana Wehr.

Episode 53: Micro Action Monday - Cultivate self discipline

Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0500

"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."

Do you like these micro action episodes? You'll probably like the 29 Days to Diva series on The Sybaritic Singer too. Check it out here: https://sybariticsinger.com/category/29-days-to-diva/

A big thank you to Juanitos and Scott Holmes for the music featured in this episode.

Episode 52: Masterclass - Francesca Mondanaro

Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 19:45:00 -0500

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!

Do you like these Masterclass episodes? You'll probably like the 29 Days to Diva series on The Sybaritic Singer too. Check it out here: https://sybariticsinger.com/category/29-days-to-diva/

A big thank you to Juanitos and Scott Holmes for the music featured in this episode.

Special Guest: Francesca Mondanaro.

Episode 29: Micro Action Monday - Audition like a diva

Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 10:00:00 -0600

Do you like these micro action episodes? You'll probably like the 29 Days to Diva series on The Sybaritic Singer too. Check it out here: https://sybariticsinger.com/category/29-days-to-diva/

A big thank you to Juanitos for the music featured in this episode.

Episode 10: Leveling Up - Diva Style

Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 13:30:00 -0500

Are you a generalist, specialist, expert, or authority in your corner of the musical world? Not sure? I've invited my first guest, Rebecca Ihnen (yep, she's my youngest sister), on to talk about the different levels of your creative career and how to advance from one to the next.

Episode 6: Create Your Singing Team

Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 10:00:00 -0600

Today’s Studio Class assignment: create a singing team.

Gertrude Stein, during her salon years in Paris, cultivated a entourage of thought leaders. She was inspired by them, encouraged by them, and motivated by them. She may not have thought of them as her team. But, those are exactly the kind of relationships we’re talking about when I encourage you to create your own singing team.

The impact of peers on productivity and decision-making has been studied in diverse range of settings, from workplace productivity to migration decisions. Conceptually, the peer group can affect the individual in various ways, including creating positive external influences and allowing the individuals to take advantage of creating products or services within their community. These benefits are also present in the production of music: musicians can learn from observing one another and sharing performance slots can increase exposure.

Episode 5: The Audition is Never Over!

Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 10:00:00 -0600

Charisma and confidence create allure. It is the sense of being drawn to another person. Allure isn’t solely based on exquisite features or a superior IQ. Those both help of course – no one is going to deny that Jonas Kaufman’s good looks make him more enticing. A true diva has “it”. And, YOU are going to actively cultivate it. Watch out world: no more invisible diva.

Your studio class challenge for today is to Tune-Up Your Charisma

Show notes:
Joyce DiDonato Carnegie Hall Masterclass: https://www.carnegiehall.org/DiDonato-Master-Class/
Humans of New York quote: https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork/photos/a.102107073196735.4429.102099916530784/1204545252952906/?type=3&theater
Brene Brown’s TED talk: The power of vulnerability: https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability
Simon Doonan - "NASTY - My Family and Other Glamorous Varmints" http://www.simondoonan.com/nasty-2/

Megan Ihnen Twitter: www.twitter.com/mezzoihnen

Ready to sign up for the course?
bit.ly/29DaystoDiva

Episode 4: Audition Like You Mean It!

Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 10:00:00 -0600

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. It is in your best interest to do as many auditions as possible to not only ‘up your averages‘ but to hone your skills in this specific craft. Before you go slogging through auditions willy-nilly, take this challenge to help make more of your auditions successful.

Your Studio Class challenge today is to take that room by storm and audition like you mean it!

Show Notes:
Helen Callaghan Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Callaghan
YapTracker.com
twitter.com/mezzoihnen

“Have an opinion; have many opinions, and bring them to the table. Nothing is deadlier than music managed rather than lived, performance designed not to offend. Avoid asking for permission in the moment of performance. Sometimes I feel like auditioners are painting themselves white, like apartments that could be rented by anyone. Believe that we truly want to know who you are.” - Kathleen Kelly and Laura Canning