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,…
Megan discusses why communication breaks down differently in duos, trios, quartets, and larger ensembles — and why you'll want to name your group's unspoken decision-making rules 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…
Megan discusses how to map your music community infrastructure — and why understanding what already exists around you is the first step to becoming the connective tissue your scene needs. 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…
"If you are writing music at all, get started now. This is a huge part of how revenue comes to you." Sign up for your PRO and set up your performance royalties system. That's your microaction for 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…
Does anyone teach composers how to do the compliment sandwich anymore? Megan walks through a feedback framework that's deceptively simple but transforms rehearsal dynamics: compliment + note + compliment, applied with clarity about your intended sound outcome rather than criticism of what's being done "wrong." This episode lands hardest for composers giving feedback on their own work, but it's a…
"Community equals shared values plus shared activities plus consistency." Megan discusses how she built Diva Squad and why you'll want to start your own intentional community today! In this episode, Megan walks you through the platform, the cadence, and the participation structure that actually keeps people engaged. You'll also hear about #Musochat (another digital community that was really…
Megan breaks down visibility building into three simple steps — and explains why making direct asks is actually an act of generosity! That and more in this Micro Action Monday episode! Unsure about your offers or clients? Here are some of the episodes or posts that I was thinking of while making this episode: https://www.sybariticsinger.com/2023/02/03/29dtd-day3/…
Megan comes back to Studio Class after a two year hiatus and discusses cultivating a beginner's mind. Divas, try something you're a beginner at without any external pressures today. Focus on staying open and curious and you've done today's micro action. 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:…
Martha Guth is a Juno-nominated soprano whose performances span world stages including Wigmore Hall, Lincoln Center, and St. John Smith Square. She has appeared with top ensembles such as the Toronto Symphony and Chicago Philharmonic, and her recordings have earned Juno and Latin GRAMMY nominations. As co-founder of Sparks & Wiry Cries and Assistant Professor of Voice at Ithaca College, she…
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…
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…