Megan Ihnen is a highly accomplished mezzo-soprano, champion for composers, and an influential coach for musicians and composers. With a diverse range of experiences and a deep commitment to fostering artistic growth, Megan is focused on making a lasting impact on the classical and new music communities.
Megan’s passion for supporting emerging artists and promoting contemporary music is evident in her extensive work with various organizations. When Megan was the Communications Director of Nief-Norf, she played a pivotal role in communicating about and developing audiences for interdisciplinary music festivals, workshops, and performances that push the boundaries of musical expression. As the current Executive Director of the Live Music Project and through her past work with New Music USA, Megan has actively contributed to the development and accessibility of live performances, championing new works, and connecting audiences with contemporary composers. Megan is also a faculty member for the Peabody LAUNCHpad “Breakthrough Curriculum” which is an innovative program offered by the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University that focuses on career development and entrepreneurial skills for musicians.
In addition to her work with organizations, Megan has worked closely with numerous individual artists, guiding them through the intricacies of their musical journeys. Her expertise in vocal performance, the business of composition, and career development allows her to provide holistic coaching to musicians and composers. With a compassionate and collaborative approach, Megan creates an encouraging space for artists to explore their unique path and overcome obstacles that hinder their growth.
Megan’s contributions extend beyond traditional performance and coaching. She is an ardent researcher and advocate for creative placemaking, recognizing the transformative power of music in shaping communities. Her expertise in audience development and music entrepreneurship has enabled her to explore innovative ways of engaging with audiences and creating meaningful experiences. Through her research and practice, Megan has fostered an inclusive and vibrant musical ecosystem that connects artists, audiences, and communities.
Megan Ihnen’s impact as a coach, performer, and advocate has been widely recognized and celebrated. Her passion for music and commitment to supporting artists have earned her accolades and opportunities to collaborate with renowned composers and ensembles. With her multifaceted skill set and unwavering dedication, Megan continues to inspire and empower musicians and composers to achieve mastery in their artistic endeavors.
Megan’s work as a mezzo-soprano, composer advocate, and coach has positioned her as a vital figure in the classical and new music realms. Her work with organizations like Nief-Norf, Live Music Project, and New Music USA, as well as her collaborations with individual artists, demonstrate her commitment to fostering artistic growth and pushing the boundaries of musical expression. With a focus on creative placemaking, audience development, and music entrepreneurship, Megan is a catalyst for positive change within the music community, creating vibrant connections between artists, audiences, and communities.
Looking for coaching for composers?
Looking for consulting for non-profits?
Megan has helped my organization work through several challenges and opportunities, including touring and Board governance. What Megan does best is take you as you come, not asking for anything more than you can offer, and organize thoughts and ideas in a much more compelling and energetic way. Our work together on engaging my Board has been tremendous.
Jillian Flexner, President, Fresh Squeezed Opera
Are you looking to level up in your creative business?
If you’re feeling stuck and want to find focus, clarity and ultimately more freedom in your professionally creative life, you’re in the right place…
Are the gigs and money flowing for you?
If so, that’s fantastic! Drop me a line and we’ll toast over a delicious cocktail or coffee.
Not so much? Don’t fret! I work with creative entrepreneurs all the time who feel like:
– I’m constantly behind and more work keeps piling up.
– I’m getting checks from gigs or commissions, but I’m somehow still losing money on my creative work.
– I want to be seen as an artist.
– I’m full of ideas, but too busy to know where to even start.
– I want to move away from all the administrative work.
In 1:1 Coaching/Consulting, I work with individuals and small non-profit organizations to avoid burnout and feel like they have a road map for success.
That looks like…
- Developing your income streams through clear, manageable steps.
- Attracting ideal presenters, students, and/or clients.
- Establishing visibility in your field.
- Achieving clarity on long-term goals.
- Touring your programs and productions.
- Creating a content calendar and communications strategy for individuals or organizations.
- Connecting with press for your upcoming performance or album project.
- Drafting development campaigns that inspire individual giving.
- Building a positive and profitable private teaching studio.
- Expanding your audience development efforts.
It’s about finding solutions for your exact situation. It’s about having someone you trust who can help you think through all of the details. It’s about having someone who actively cheers you on toward achieving your big, audacious goals.
I sought Megan’s help at a time in my career where I felt extremely stuck. I needed direction, and someone outside of my head to organize my thoughts. As singers, we are given a lot of tools on how to get ourselves seen and start our careers. However, there is little direction when we get past a certain point. I was able to share these thoughts with Megan, as well as talk through what I wanted to see in the future. She was able to give me a comprehensive and cohesive plan to move forward. She talked me through ideas so I could find clarity in my goals and mission. I highly recommend her to any individual or organization who needs clarity and planning to move forward.
Candice Shaughnessy, Soprano and Voice Teacher at AMDA NY, New York, NY
Are you ready?
I support creative professionals just like you.
You might be realizing that you didn’t learn how to do a lot of this stuff in school. That’s okay. It’s your time right now.
Do you need help:
- Crafting your marketing materials?
- Establishing your offerings?
- Getting a recording, book, or performance project off the ground
- Developing revenue through earned income, grants, and corporate sponsorship?
- Building systems into your infrastructure so you can spend more time working in your business and not on your business?
- Letting yourself dream big dreams again?
My 1:1 coaching/consulting support is designed to offer creative entrepreneurship support to anyone who:
- is a team of one, and needs help to get past a block.
- feels like they have a lot of ideas but needs help focusing on impact.
- wants access to support to keep growing and to reach new goals
- realizes you can’t do this stuff alone.
Megan did a fantastic job of reducing a gargantuan task into small, manageable bites. She carefully considered my issues (too much to do, not enough time) and responded with incisive suggestions to make my processes more efficient and effective at the same time. All of this will help me get back to being a professional artist, not just a professional e-mailer!
Eric Malmquist., Composer, Chicago
The Process
Before the meeting:
Sign up for a time via Calendly below. I recommend an hour for our first session. After that, I’m happy to do longer or shorter sessions at prorated fees.
Before we meet, I ask my clients to send me an email with their biggest concerns (or what task/project they want to focus on during our meeting.) This email can be as stream-of-consciousness as you want it to be. No need to spend a ton of time making it look pretty – I’ll use it to create an outline for myself.
I’ll share that outline with you via Google Docs before we meet but no need to do anything with it until we’re in the session together.
During:
Whether you prefer phone, video chat, or in-person (if possible), is fine by me. We’ll meet in the way that makes you feel the most comfortable. I’ll make sure to get your contact details beforehand.
If you want to talk financials, feel free to have any documentation on hand that is appropriate. But, there’s no need to prepare any materials for it unless I ask.
After the meeting:
I’ll send you an invoice via Wave apps. My fee for individuals in 2023 is $112 per 1 hour session (Note: Non-profit consulting is available on a project basis.)
You can pay via Wave or through PayPal/Venmo. Let me know if you prefer another method.
We set up another meeting if you want to. I want my clients to know they can see me as often or as little as fits their budget/consulting needs.
About two weeks after our meeting, I’ll email you to hear about what feels awesome and what still feels “stuck.” This feedback from you really helps me become a better coach/consultant.