Studio Class

Hosted by Megan Ihnen | The Sybaritic Singer

Business Arts

Website RSS feed

Episodes

123

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 202613 min

Episode 124: Micro Action Monday - Map your music community infrastructure

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 to Juanitos 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.

May 4, 202619 min

Episode 123: Micro Action Monday - Sign up for a PRO

"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 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.

April 27, 202612 min

Episode 122: Micro Action Monday - Give feedback in rehearsal

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 solutions instead of locked-up performers. 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 [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.

April 20, 202620 min

Episode 121: Micro Action Monday - Start your own community

"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 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 [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.

April 13, 202615 min

Episode 120: Micro Action Monday - Choose your visibility task

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/ https://sybariticsinger.com/2020/02/07/29-dtd-07/ https://studioclass.fireside.fm/74 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 [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.

April 6, 20269 min

Episode 119: Micro Action Monday - Cultivate a beginner's mind

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 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.

October 23, 202543 min

Episode 118: Masterclass - Martha Guth

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. 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: Martha Guth.

June 3, 202454 min

Episode 117: Masterclass - Bryan Register

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.

April 30, 20241 hr 3 min

Episode 116: Masterclass - Julia Cooke

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.

April 8, 20241 hr 0 min

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.