web02.fireside.fm Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:26:48 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Studio Class - Episodes Tagged with “Classical Music” https://studioclass.fireside.fm/tags/classical%20music Thu, 24 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0500 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. en-us episodic Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer 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. no classical singing, opera, new music, music entrepreneurship, creative professional, performing arts Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer info@meganihnen.com Episode 46: Masterclass - Susan Eichhorn Young https://studioclass.fireside.fm/46 f3a4d60a-c97e-45a0-98b3-398906b111c9 Thu, 24 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0500 Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer full Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer 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! 54:15 no 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. Don't wait to listen! My sincere gratitude goes to Josh, Sarah, and Chris for supporting the creation of this episode through their membership in the Sybaritic Camerata's Listening Circle! Ever wish you could ask our Masterclass episode guests a question? Here's your chance. As a Masterclass Scholar, you're invited to the recording of the Masterclass episode and you get to ask your questions during the exclusive Q&A afterwards. Get started at Patreon.com/mezzoihnen. A big thank you to Juanitos and Scott Holmes for the music featured in this episode. 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: Susan Eichhorn Young. voice lessons, voice studio, how to practice, classical singing, music entrepreneurship, new music, goal-setting 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. Don't wait to listen!

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

Ever wish you could ask our Masterclass episode guests a question? Here's your chance. As a Masterclass Scholar, you're invited to the recording of the Masterclass episode and you get to ask your questions during the exclusive Q&A afterwards. Get started at Patreon.com/mezzoihnen.

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

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: 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. Don't wait to listen!

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

Ever wish you could ask our Masterclass episode guests a question? Here's your chance. As a Masterclass Scholar, you're invited to the recording of the Masterclass episode and you get to ask your questions during the exclusive Q&A afterwards. Get started at Patreon.com/mezzoihnen.

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

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: Susan Eichhorn Young.

]]> Episode 17: How To Change The World Through Classical Music - Part II https://studioclass.fireside.fm/17 6439e244-963f-4362-8ef9-3b4d75064031 Sun, 27 Aug 2017 10:00:00 -0500 Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer full Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer I’m attempting to answer one of my own big questions, “How Do You Change The World Through Classical Music?” Yes. It’s a hefty topic. I have had this nagging feeling that I need to devote some of my attention to how my art can be a force for good and world events don’t seem to be slowing that need or quieting that internal voice at all. It’s getting louder and more insistent. Divas, not only do I want to help you make it rain in your business but I want to help you change the world while you’re at it. 25:23 no Join me for the second part of our “Change the World” music project episode! In our last episode we started discussing: 1) How can music influence the body to support fitness and rehabilitation? 2) How can music motivate the mind to promote academic achievement? In this episode we will be going over some questions including: 1) How can music reflect the psyche to improve mental health? 2) How can music foster intimacy to strengthen relationships? 3) How can music enhance connectedness to support communities? Show Notes: - Garrison Keillor - "Good Poems and Good Poems for Hard Times” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/garrison-keillor - Twyla Tharp’s “The Creative Habit” http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Creative-Habit/Twyla-Tharp/9780743235273 - Voice of Calvary Ministries in Jackson, MS http://vocm.org/volunteer-opportunities/ - Urban Servant Corps in Denver, CO. http://www.urbanservantcorps.org/ - Single Words She Once Loved Recital - Megan Ihnen - https://www.facebook.com/events/1731284407149648 - Theaster Gates - http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/theaster-gates-ingenuity-awards-chicago-180957203/#UkWBeOBJ5cpShR5v.99 - Theaster Gates videos: https://www.google.com/search?q=theaster+gates&source=lnms&tbm=vid&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjjifEsXVAhVD1oMKHeQlCgIQ_AUIDCgD&biw=1157&bih=736 SybariticSinger.com SybariticSinger.com/services Join me for the second part of our “Change the World” music project episode!
In our last episode we started discussing:
1) How can music influence the body to support fitness and rehabilitation?
2) How can music motivate the mind to promote academic achievement?

In this episode we will be going over some questions including:
1) How can music reflect the psyche to improve mental health?
2) How can music foster intimacy to strengthen relationships?
3) How can music enhance connectedness to support communities?

Show Notes:

SybariticSinger.com
SybariticSinger.com/services

]]> Join me for the second part of our “Change the World” music project episode!
In our last episode we started discussing:
1) How can music influence the body to support fitness and rehabilitation?
2) How can music motivate the mind to promote academic achievement?

In this episode we will be going over some questions including:
1) How can music reflect the psyche to improve mental health?
2) How can music foster intimacy to strengthen relationships?
3) How can music enhance connectedness to support communities?

Show Notes:

SybariticSinger.com
SybariticSinger.com/services

]]> Episode 16: How To Change The World Through Classical Music https://studioclass.fireside.fm/16 969cf6cc-d7d8-4def-a9c5-052248dca020 Sun, 20 Aug 2017 10:00:00 -0500 Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer full Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer In this episode, I’m attempting to answer one of my own big questions, “How Do You Change The World Through Classical Music?” 19:51 no Yes. It’s a hefty topic. With the world events going on at the moment, I have had this nagging feeling that I need to devote some of my attention to how my art can be a force for good. Divas, not only do I want to help you make it rain in your business but I want to help you change the world while you’re at it. This episode covers: 1) The motivation behind our "Change the World" music projects. 2) How to identify passions, pain-points, and purpose. 3) How can music influence the body to support fitness and rehabilitation? 4) How can music motivate the mind to promote academic achievement? Show Notes: - Olafur Eliasson | World Economic Forum “Why art has the power to change the world.” | https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/why-art-has-the-power-to-change-the-world/ - Elevator pitch formula: “I’m a ______ (profession) who is passionate about _______ (things you’re into.) My mission is to _______ (how you’re changing the game) by _______ (secret weapon.)” - Katrina Skewes McFerran, Professor at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music | “How Music Can Change Your Life” | https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/why-art-has-the-power-to-change-the-world/ - Florence Cohen | American Music Therapy Association | https://www.musictherapy.org/about/personal_stories/ - ArtForceIowa | http://www.artforceiowa.org/ Yes. It’s a hefty topic. With the world events going on at the moment, I have had this nagging feeling that I need to devote some of my attention to how my art can be a force for good. Divas, not only do I want to help you make it rain in your business but I want to help you change the world while you’re at it.

This episode covers:
1) The motivation behind our "Change the World" music projects.
2) How to identify passions, pain-points, and purpose.
3) How can music influence the body to support fitness and rehabilitation?
4) How can music motivate the mind to promote academic achievement?

Show Notes:

]]> Yes. It’s a hefty topic. With the world events going on at the moment, I have had this nagging feeling that I need to devote some of my attention to how my art can be a force for good. Divas, not only do I want to help you make it rain in your business but I want to help you change the world while you’re at it.

This episode covers:
1) The motivation behind our "Change the World" music projects.
2) How to identify passions, pain-points, and purpose.
3) How can music influence the body to support fitness and rehabilitation?
4) How can music motivate the mind to promote academic achievement?

Show Notes:

]]> Episode 10: Leveling Up - Diva Style https://studioclass.fireside.fm/10 2e0633ca-b498-4a87-8885-7ca01103aac6 Sun, 12 Mar 2017 13:30:00 -0500 Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer full Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer This episode comes from a music business lecture I do called "Make It Rain" and it covers the different stages of your creative career. 49:36 no 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. 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.

]]> 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 https://studioclass.fireside.fm/6 79d8f3ca-5581-4d31-96c8-3bf6465defb3 Sun, 05 Feb 2017 10:00:00 -0600 Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer full Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic 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. 35:53 no 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. 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.

]]> 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! https://studioclass.fireside.fm/5 e1a53354-9a7e-440a-ba9a-ec2b36e41ad2 Sun, 29 Jan 2017 10:00:00 -0600 Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer full Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer 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. 26:55 no 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/brenebrownon_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 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

]]> 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! https://studioclass.fireside.fm/4 59ebc916-ae8f-4b13-9147-47b031f3a3b2 Sun, 22 Jan 2017 10:00:00 -0600 Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer full Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer 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. 24:57 no 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 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

]]> 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

]]>