115 episodes

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.

Studio Class Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer

    • Arts
    • 4.8 • 17 Ratings

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.

    Episode 115: Masterclass - Dr. Tonya Lawson

    Episode 115: Masterclass - Dr. Tonya Lawson

    Dr. Tonya Lawson is a musician, blogger, and SEO specialist whose mission is to empower musicians and other creatives to build out passive income streams so they have the financial freedom to live the life they want to live.


    She is a multipassionate entrepreneur who currently runs a private studio of over 50 students, has 3 blogs, a coaching business, a blogging membership, multiple courses, and teaches at Middle Tennessee State University. When not working, Dr. Lawson enjoys gardening, running, reading, cuddling with her two cats (Dot and Biscuits), and playing with her dog Buster.


    Follow Dr. Lawson and her work here:
    Website: https://tonyalawson.com/
    5 Days to Ranking Challenge (free for the Studio Class audience) https://adept-builder-7677.ck.page/27809ab47e
    Membership: https://tonyalawson.com/creative-seo/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.tonyalawson/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.tonyalawson
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtdgbnSwTRmwdUXm90aGbIQ


    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: Dr. Tonya Lawson.

    • 1 hr
    Episode 114: Masterclass - Sarah Brailey

    Episode 114: Masterclass - Sarah Brailey

    GRAMMY Award-winning soprano Sarah Brailey enjoys a versatile career that defies categorization. Praised by The New York Times for her “radiant, liquid tone,” and by Opera UK for “a sound of remarkable purity,” she is a prolific vocalist, cellist, recording artist, and educator.


    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: Sarah Brailey.

    • 51 min
    Episode 113: Masterclass - Samuel Martin

    Episode 113: Masterclass - Samuel Martin

    Step into the world of classical music and #TeamArtSong with pianist Samuel Martin in this Masterclass episode. From international stages to innovative projects like "Before She Became Fire," Martin's debut album with mezzo Kathryn Leemhuis, his dynamic performances redefine the genre. As the Founding Artistic Director behind the Cincinnati Song Initiative, he's hailed as "Cincinnati's champion for art song."


    A New York native and alumnus of top institutions, Martin now teaches at The Hartt School, University of Hartford, shaping future musicians. Join us as Sam shares insights on artistic collaboration, musical innovation, and his relentless pursuit of excellence.


    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: Samuel Martin.

    • 1 hr 11 min
    Episode 112: Masterclass - Lee Anne Myslewski

    Episode 112: Masterclass - Lee Anne Myslewski

    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.

    • 1 hr 6 min
    Episode 111: Micro Action Monday - Set your new intentions

    Episode 111: Micro Action Monday - Set your new intentions

    In this Micro Action Monday episode, we delve into the transformative power of reviewing your 2023 and setting intentions for 2024. Explore key areas like physical and mental health, finances, relationships, community, and creativity. Reflect on your achievements and challenges, extracting valuable lessons. Uncover your own actionable steps to enhance well-being, optimize financial goals, nurture relationships, engage with your community, and fuel your creativity. Tune in to kickstart a purpose-driven 2024, fostering a holistic approach to developing your professionally creative life.


    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.

    • 17 min
    Episode 110: Masterclass - Keturah Stickann

    Episode 110: Masterclass - Keturah Stickann

    As a director and choreographer, Keturah Stickann's work has graced stages worldwide, from the U.S. and Canada to Chile, Japan, France, Hungary, and Australia. We dive into her experiences with opera giants like Jake Heggie & Gene Scheer, her passion for new American opera, and the creative process behind her mesmerizing productions.


    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: Keturah Stickann.

    • 57 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
17 Ratings

17 Ratings

ImBrianKM ,

Atom-Splitting

Megan Ihnen has somehow been able to split something more difficult than an atom. The space between being a joyous, bubbly, and delightful voice while somehow avoiding the "everything is great and you just need to manifest" gaslighting so prominent in the industry is seemingly microscopic, yet Megan has moved into her place and pulled in a chair for you to sit with her.

For years I've been listening to this podcast, originally completely uninterested as a brass player. Megan's micro-actions are condensed, clear, and specific tasks that you can do this week to move just a little further along the success road. Her Fri-Yay topics, somewhere else on the internet should be sold for at least $15 each. They delve into serious topics, each seemingly more helpful than the last.

She is a keen interviewer, helping her guests open up to revel what is most helpful to listeners, and it is hard to feel pessimistic when she is in my headphones. Thank you, Megan, for this valuable resource!

missing bob ,

Atom Splitting and Refreshing Clarity

Megan Ihnen has somehow been able to split something more difficult than an atom.

The space between being a joyous, bubbly, and delightful voice while somehow avoiding the "everything is great and you just need to manifest" gaslighting so prominent in the industry is seemingly microscopic, yet Megan has moved into her place and pulled in a chair for you to sit with her.

For years I've been listening to this podcast, originally completely uninterested as a brass player. Megan's micro-actions are condensed, clear, and specific tasks that you can do this week to move just a little further along the success road. Her Fri-Yay topics, somewhere else on the internet should be sold for at least $15 each. They delve into serious topics, each seemingly more helpful than the last.

She is a keen interviewer, helping her guests open up to revel what is most helpful to listeners, and it is hard to feel pessimistic when she is in my headphones. Thank you, Megan, for this valuable resource!

dawnoftheresonator ,

Exactly what I needed to hear!

It’s been difficult to see a way forward during the pandemic— Megan invigorates my resolve with insightful information and intentional steps that I can use to figure out where I’m going next. Highly recommend!

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