Studio Class

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.

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 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.

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."

Episode 19: Everyone Performs

May 6th, 2018  |  38 mins 6 secs

audience building, creative placemaking, new music, opera

Today, we’re relying on the wisdom of Barbara Townley and Nic Beech in their book “Managing Creativity: Exploring the Paradox.” This episode covers topics such as audience building in opera and new music, collaborative creativity, creative placemaking, and how user-generated content means that audiences have different expectations of artistic experiences.

Episode 18: Get a lay of the land

April 29th, 2018  |  42 mins 29 secs

classical singing, composers, music business, new music, opera

In this we’re taking a different approach. It’s been a little while since I’ve posted a new episode and I want to tell you about that. Then, we’re going to rely on the wisdom of Ellen Highstein and her book “Making Music in Looking Glass Land” to help us get “a lay of the land” for us that are out there performing and composing our little hearts out.

BURNOUT IS A B****. LET’S AVOID IT. article for NewMusicBox - https://nmbx.newmusicusa.org/burnout-is-a-b-lets-avoid-it/

Episode 17: How To Change The World Through Classical Music - Part II

August 27th, 2017  |  25 mins 23 secs

change the world, classical music, new music, opera, singing, social justice, voice

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.

Episode 16: How To Change The World Through Classical Music

August 20th, 2017  |  19 mins 51 secs

change the world, classical music, diva, music education, music therapy, opera, voice

In this episode, I’m attempting to answer one of my own big questions, “How Do You Change The World Through Classical Music?”

Episode 15: What Are Your Diva Metrics?

August 13th, 2017  |  25 mins 17 secs

choosing goals, classical singing, micro actions, new music, opera, singer goals, singer metrics

In this 15th episode, I’m answering a listener question! Mary, who goes by the artist name Alarke, asked me, “What metrics do you use to monitor your growth and how often do you check them? Do you outsource help?"

Episode 14: Brand Yourself - Personal Branding for Divas

August 6th, 2017  |  27 mins 16 secs

branding, classical singing, opera, personal brand, singer

Personal branding is important for singers because you are your own business. In this episode, we'll go over some activities that you can do to understand your personal brand better.