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.
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American tenor, Bryan Register, has received great critical acclaim for his portrayal of roles including Tristan, Lohengrin and Enée, and has performed in many of the most prestigious theatres in Europe including, the Bavarian State Opera, the Semperoper Dresden, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, The Opéra Bastille and La Monnaie.
In the 2022/23 season he sang Verdi’s Otello with the Taipei Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Marco Boemi, and returned to the roles of Florestan in Fidelio at the Nationale Reisopera in the Netherlands, as well as Tristan in the new production at Cottbus State Theater and in a concert performance with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Xalapa in Mexico.
Also in the upcoming season 2023/24, he will be singing the male titular lead in Tristan und Isolde, this time at the Aalto Theater in Essen. Amongst others, he will also appear as Parsifal with the Orquesta y Coro Nacionales de España under the baton of David Afkham and as Erik in Der Fliegende Holländer at Pittsburgh Opera.
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: Bryan Register.
Episode 116: Masterclass - Julia Cooke
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 • Duration 01:03:07
As the Artistic and General Director of Opera Baltimore, Julia Cooke has spearheaded a revolution, overseeing a phenomenal 366% budget increase and expanding annual events from 10 to 103 since 2020. Her visionary leadership and deep community involvement led to a monumental expansion in 2022, introducing fully staged productions alongside their renowned concert series. Beyond her role as an opera executive, Julia's journey is a testament to her multifaceted talents as a singer, teacher, mentor, and catalyst for change. Learn all about it in this Masterclass episode featuring Julia Cooke.
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: Julia Cooke.
Episode 107: Micro Action Monday - Be a better sight-reader
Monday, September 25, 2023 • Duration 11:41
In this Micro Action Monday episode, Megan discusses how to incorporate more sight-reading and sight-singing and why you’ll want to invest some time in having a system for pitches and intervals today.
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.
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.
Episode 17: How To Change The World Through Classical Music - Part II
Sunday, August 27, 2017 • Duration 25:23
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
Episode 16: How To Change The World Through Classical Music
Sunday, August 20, 2017 • Duration 19:51
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/
Episode 15: What Are Your Diva Metrics?
Sunday, August 13, 2017 • Duration 25:17
As Annie Dillard wrote in her incredible book The Writing Life, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives. What we do with this hour and with that one, is what we are doing.”
In this episode we go over:
- My 10 Minute Meeting Formula
- My Master List of Micro-Actions
- My Singer Goals (Model Tasks) List
... and more!
Are you signed up for my email newsletter? Check it out at bit.ly/DivaSidekick
Episode 14: Brand Yourself - Personal Branding for Divas
Sunday, August 6, 2017 • Duration 27:16
Personal branding is the practice of people marketing themselves and their careers as brands -- the ongoing process of establishing a prescribed image or impression in the mind of others about an individual.
In this episode, we'll go over the "Branding in 7 Words" exercise, some basic questions you can ask yourself to better identify your own brand, and crafting your elevator pitch.
Thanks to Juanitos for the music featured in this episode.
Show notes:
Being Boss Podcast - https://beingboss.club/podcast/podcast-episode-10-personal-branding
Artists U - http://www.artistsu.org/
Episode 13: Build A Diva
Sunday, July 30, 2017 • Duration 27:10
The opera field is fiercely competitive. It has been and will continue to become more competitive. Fact. Your electronic press kit (EPK) is a first impression in many cases. It is imperative to frame your accomplishments in a way that will read clearly, demonstrate that you’re a great match for the job, and stand out from the other singers.
Episode 12: Make It Rain: Your Network = Your Net Worth
Sunday, April 2, 2017 • Duration 25:42
Divas, I’m curious, what areas of networking feel great to you and which ones feel less than great? Help me zero in on the pointers you need in your best diva life. Hit me up on twitter - I’m @mezzoihnen
Episode 11: Goal Setting for Your Diva Life
Sunday, March 19, 2017 • Duration 16:23
This is a shorter podcast episode but you should plan to take time by yourself to complete the exercise after listening. This is a 15-25 minute activity - without taking time here you can go to as many business of music classes as your heart desires but you won’t learn a darn thing.
Who's ready to discuss seemingly impossible goals?!
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