Studio Class

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 game-changer for anyone collaborating with musicians—teachers, directors, partners. The key: shift from "you're doing this physically wrong" to "here's the sound I want us to achieve together." That one move builds trust, opens dialogue, and gets you workable so...

"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 important to Megan), why this matters for your long-term visibility and opportunity, and the specific five-minute micro action: pick one person in your field and send them a message about starting a community group together.

Do you like these...

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:

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/

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: https://sybariticsinger.com/category/29-days-to-diva/

My gratitude goes out to Juanitos for the music featured in this episode.

You can help support the creation of these episodes when...

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 continues to champion art song through performance, education, and creative leadership.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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 Stud...

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...

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...

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...

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...

"Simply put, tenacity gives you the confidence and courage to 'find a way' even if you don't currently know 'how' you'll do it." That and more in this Micro Action Monday episode which is all about improving your tenacity and being a tenacious creative professional.

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...

Megan discusses how to get hired back and why you’ll want to show gratitude today for the working relationships in your past that have been spectacular.

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.co...

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...

In this Micro Action Monday episode we're focusing on capturing your best self through your headshots. Megan dives into the importance of updating your headshots as a key aspect of personal and professional branding. She discusses how a fresh set of headshots can make a significant impact on your online presence and how to go about scheduling a photoshoot. Whether you're an actor, musician, entrepreneur, or simply looking to refresh your social media profiles, this episode provides actionable insights to help you put your best face forward.

Do you like these micro action episodes? You'll probably like...

This Micro Action Monday episode focuses on what it means to diversify your income streams and why it's crucial in today's ever-changing economy especially for those of us who live professionally creative lives.

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...

Fabiana creates financial and artistic prosperity for musicians so they can stop trading time for money and create lifestyle-aligned businesses where they have the freedom to work on their own time, with complete location freedom, without sacrificing their quality time with their families and artistic dreams. As a concert pianist and business strategist for musicians, Fabiana has helped thousands of musicians build, grow, and scale their businesses into online premium music programs that run on autopilot.

My gratitude goes out to Hannah Boissonneault who edits our Masterclass episodes and to Juanitos and Scott Holmes for the music...

Praised for her evocative interpretations of oratorio and opera, Ann McMahon Quintero has filled the 2022/23 season with new works and old favorites. She joins Boston Baroque and Alabama Symphony for Messiah, Charleston Symphony for Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky Cantata, and performs in the world premiere of Ghosts with San Diego Opera in the role of Yadira.

Ms. Quintero was thrilled to join Santa Fe Opera in 2022 in one of her signature roles, Mistress Quickly in Falstaff. Also in the 2021/22 season, she portrayed the titular role in Lizbeth with Opera Orlando and Madame Flora in The Medium with Ch...

Jason Nitsch is a composer for the concert stage, feature and short films, and other media. In the world of podcasting, he is the writer, producer, and composer for Beyond the Belt: Adventures from the Outer Rim, a science fiction drama podcast with a dedicated cult following. In the film world, he has scored the short film Passing By directed by David M. Chandler, Edward J. Delaney’s feature length documentary Library of the Early Mind, and the celebrated horror short Bedtime produced by Joint Concept Productions.

He has released multiple albums, including Poem at the End of...

Kerriann Otaño is the Vice President of Engagement at America’s 11th oldest opera company, OperaDelaware. Originally from Long Island, New York, Kerriann studied at the Verdi Conservatorio in Milan, Italy, before receiving her Bachelors degree from Indiana University and her Masters from Mannes the New School for Music. Kerriann sang opera professionally for 10 years, performing at Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Opera San Jose, and Wolf Trap Opera. She is featured on Naxos album Bernstein: Songfest with Wolf Trap Opera. Kerriann began her transition into administration in 2019 after a mental health cri...

Chelsea Hollow “has rewritten the book on the potential of musical activism," curating & commissioning solo recitals based on activist texts as well as exploring ways to make traditional opera exciting to new audiences. In recognition of this work, she presented on Art and Activism (2021) for the United Nations’ Office of Human Rights. This past April, Chelsea released her debut album Cycles of Resistance with Aerocade Music, featuring 22 of her commissions chronicling examples of human resilience in Mandarin, Dutch, Turkish, Arabic, Sanskrit, and Czech in addition to English. She is known for her “soaring high range” and “stage panache!” premiering new operatic...

An omnivore when it comes to performing, soprano Peyee Chen enjoys singing Monteverdi with lute and bass viol as much as singing Bernhard Lang with electronics and electric bass. Up for physical challenges, she has performed with poet Caroline Bergvall on her Raga Dawn series, outdoors and starting before sunrise. She is interested in vocal and physical improvisation, DIY electronic instruments, and installation and performance art, recently performing in Martin Creed’s exhibition at Hauser & Wirth’s London gallery, where she sang music by Martin for 30 minutes every hour, eight hours a day, two or three days each week for...

Praised for her “rich dramatics” (The Boston Globe) and called "Magnificent" by Fanfare Magazine, Pamela Stein Lynde is a versatile singer, composer, choral conductor and music educator. As a singer, Pamela has built a career working with contemporary composers of all levels, from students to internationally recognized artists. As an educator, Pamela has taught, lectured, and given master classes at universities and conservatories across the country.

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...

Whitney George’s music traverses the affective terrain between tragedy and ecstasy, fragility and strength, bringing together romantically delicate intimacy and the spectacular darkness of the macabre. Haunted by ghosts and/of love, George’s operas, staged multimedia works, and chamber music coloristically explore the mysteries of irrationality, nightmare, and memory, sonically seeking lost objects and hidden subjects. Given George’s theatrical inclinations and preoccupation with the tragic, she has turned again and again to opera as both a composer and conductor. Recently, George has been awarded a number of operatic commissions, premieres, and recognition: in 2017; the Elebash Award for he...

Jenni Bank was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, grew up in Binghamton, New York, & studied at Peabody Conservatory. She has worked with Seattle Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Chicago Lyric Opera, New York City Opera, Anchorage Opera, Opera Delaware, Des Moines Metro Opera, Florentine Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, Knoxville Opera, Hawaii Opera Theatre, Bard Summer Music Festival, Ash Lawn Opera, Amarillo Opera, Baltimore Concert Opera, Annapolis Opera, Mid-America Productions at Carnegie Hall, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, Bergen Filharmoniske Orkester, Seoul Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, & the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

Performances include Marcellina (Marriage...

Soprano Maggie Finnegan has been hailed by Opera News for her “clear, poised and defiant soprano” and the Washington Post for her “silvery, pitch-perfect voice." Recent career highlights include Maggie's European Operatic debut in L'Enfant et les Sortilèges with the Belgian National Orchestra, her Dutch debut in Louis Andriessien's Odysseus' Women / Anais Nin, the world premiere of PermaDeath: A Video Game Opera, the title role in the West Coast premiere of Lembit Beecher's Sophia's Forest with Opera Parallèle, the performance and GRAMMY nominated recording of Malcolm X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X with Odyssey Opera and Bost...

Kathleen Kelly’s projects and repertoire are wide-ranging and diverse. From Mozart to commissioned works by her peers, she is both deeply experienced in the classical vocal canon and engaged in new creation. Recent notable projects include a recording with soprano Emily Albrink - which we’ll reference in this episode, leading the world premiere of Matt Bohler’s opera FAT PIG (composed for activist soprano Tracy Cox), and the filmed opera Interstate, composed by Kamala Sankaram, co-authored and performed by Kathleen and soprano Jennifer Cresswell, produced by Minnesota Opera.

Kathleen has appeared internationally as a pianist in col...

Carrie Hennessey is a wayfinder through the deep, spiritual and technical discoveries of the voice.

Early success in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions led to high expectations, but singing after trauma in her early 20s dismantled the ease in her voice and presence. A top artistic mentor once reviewed, ‘This is not the same singer I heard 2 years ago. Go back home’, and a famous singer/coach exclaimed, ‘If you’d just sing like Renata Tebaldi…’ Hennessey left, losing her identity and voice.

Ms. Hennessey has since found her true voice and created a wildly unique and energize...

Kala is the Founder of Five Senses Tastings, a Certified Women-Owned Business. Her philosophy of Sensory Wellness encourages guests to harness the energy, power, and play of their five senses using music, wine, and food, and sweet treats.

Inspired by her childhood abroad, Kala believes that diversifying our own sensory ecosystems leads us to find beauty and inspiration not just in ourselves but in the world around us. She is a professional opera singer who has performed worldwide (including for three presidents), and now intentionally uses her voice to advocate for voting rights. She is a former...

No one likes to receive negative feedback - it's true. But, how you respond to criticism will influence what kind and speed of progress you can make in your professionally creative career. In this Micro Action Monday, Megan discusses how to take in, respond to negative feedback, and turn it into a positive situation.

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...

Opera Now Magazine in their article, “Written in the Stars” profiled Hilary Ginther in May 2016 as one of ten young American singers intent on taking the opera world by storm, calling attention to her “substantial and richly colored instrument”. This was followed by her Philadelphia Orchestra debut in Bernstein’s MASS under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, which was recorded by Deutsche Grammophon and released in March 2018, in commemoration of the composer’s centenary.

Most recent engagements include Olga in Eugene Onegin for Opera Omaha, Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia for Opera on the James, Adalgis...

"Having an audition that really shines is not about, 'Oh, I wore this dress that they really liked.' It's about, 'I made a moment for them in that room. They felt so inspired by my work that they knew I would be the right fit for an entire production or I would be the right fit for their company.'" In this Micro Action Monday episode, Megan discusses a few tips to make your auditions really stand out.

Do you like these micro action episodes? You'll probably like the 29 Days to Diva series on The Sybaritic...

"Go ahead and actually prepare with efficiency and effectiveness so that you can make the most out of your work and feel like you're bringing your best musical self to the situation." In this Micro Action Monday episode, Megan breaks down the process of creating an efficient practice schedule in 7 steps.

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...

Megan does a crossover episode with Rebecca Hass of "Being a Whole Person" podcast!

Here's what Rebecca wrote about our chat... "I had a delightful conversation with Megan Ihnen, a mezzo-soprano and “new music force of nature” who wears many hats as a performer, educator, coach/consultant for musicians, and also in arts admin. With these many roles, she is an amazing connector and natural community builder.

Tune in to hear us chat about creative placemaking, authentic community building, balancing many roles and having lots of work variety, burnout, being a musician during the pandemic, rout...

Named “Best Classical Conductor” by the Nashville Scene, Kelly Corcoran is Artistic Director & Conductor of Intersection, a contemporary music ensemble now in its 9th season in Nashville. Corcoran founded the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted the Nashville Symphony in hundreds of performances for nine seasons as Associate Conductor and Director of the Symphony Chorus.

Join us in this Masterclass episode featuring Kelly Corcoran!

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 crea...

Ask yourself, "Am I bringing my best self to each collaboration?" In any collaboration when you start working with somebody new, I want you to think, "Wow, it's really an honor to get to work with this person. How can we both achieve our goals together through this piece, through this music, and then also honor the composer's intentions, the composer's creativity, and our shared musical imagination?"

Megan shares her thoughts on working with new collaborators in this Micro Action Monday episode on Studio Class.

Interested in Megan's online group workshops this semester? Visit calendly...

A soprano of "fearlessness and consummate artistry" (Opera News), Ah Young Hong has interpreted a vast array of repertoire, ranging from the music of Monteverdi to Georg Friedrich Haas. Widely recognized for her work in Michael Hersch's monodrama, On the Threshold of Winter, The New York Times praised Ms. Hong’s performance in the world premiere as "the opera's blazing, lone star." Recent performances include solo appearances with violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Camerata Bern, and at both the Aldeburgh and Ojai Music Festivals. Highlight concerts of 2021-2022 include the premiere performances in the title role of Hersch...

"If you have done any freelance music work or any kind of freelance creative work, at some point you will need to invoice someone. And now's the time to figure out what you're going to do."

In this Micro Action Monday, Megan talks about how to set yourself up for invoice success.

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...