This episode of Max Q features cellist and arts administrator Olivia Rainoff (MM ’20) discussing her post-graduation life and work with Robin McGinness, particularly how she quickly found a full-time position after leaving Peabody. We explore the process of finding a job during the pandemic, what prepared and inspired her to pursue a job with Death of Classical, and how her administrative work has revitalized her practice. DeathofClassical.com To America (Recorded broadcast from The Greene Space...
Mar 15, 2021•32 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this special release, Christina Manceor speaks with Victor Caccese (BM ‘11) and Terry Sweeney (BM ‘13), two members of Sandbox Percussion , a quartet with a focus on creating performances and collaborations that are both visually and aurally impactful for a variety of audiences. We discuss how the group’s priorities have evolved over the years, how they have continued to move forward during the pandemic through recording and livestreaming projects, and the importance of placing business respo...
Mar 01, 2021•36 min
Cellist and conductor Thomas Fortner (GPD ’17) joins Christina Manceor to discuss balancing administrative and artistic work, the behind-the-scenes of starting a non-profit, and how understanding your audience plays a role in creating and funding art. We also talk about staying motivated and finding creativity in the administrative elements to serve as a fulfilling outlet for those who don’t perform or make music full-time. The State of Our Art Podcast Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite (full performan...
Feb 15, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Our first episode of the second season of Max Q features French guitarist and composer Julien Xuereb (GPD ’17) speaking with Christina Manceor. We discuss how Julien built his active freelance performance and teaching career, strategies he uses to set rates and negotiate with clients, and his approach to time management and goal setting for long-term projects. www.julienguitar.com Outro music – Through the Telescope , composed and performed by Julien Xuereb 2021 Intro music by Dmytro Nebesh . Au...
Jan 19, 2021•35 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode, Christina Manceor is joined by Teng Chen (BM & MA ’17), who is a freelance audio engineer currently based in New York City. In addition to her work as a studio engineer, Teng is also a music production mixer and editor at Saturday Night Live. Teng shares how her goals and path have transformed since she began her studies at Peabody, why networking played a key role in her transition from Baltimore to New York, and the different ways she approaches negotiation with various cl...
Dec 15, 2020•24 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Sarah Thomas (MM ’19) joins Christina Manceor in this episode to share her journey as a violinist, chamber musician, and teacher. We explore how her work with Bergamot Quartet has evolved since graduation, what it’s like to teach virtual lessons during the pandemic, and how new and unexpected experiences can be surprisingly influential in both artistic and other professional work. Since Sarah is currently pursuing a Professional Studies Diploma at Mannes School of Music along with her chamber gr...
Nov 16, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 11
This episode of Max Q features flutist and educator Amanda Dame (MM ’19) speaking with Robin McGinness. While at Peabody, Amanda was a peer mentor in the LAUNCHPad office. We discuss what can be gained from frustration, finding opportunities in unlikely places (like Craigslist), and how offering free lessons impacted her private teaching. She also shares how she has built her connections and performance opportunities after leaving school, and the way she discovered that she didn’t enjoy seeking ...
Oct 19, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Pianist, teacher, and entrepreneur Sahun Sam Hong speaks with Robin McGinness about his approaches to freelancing, and the importance of building business and tech skills as a performer. Currently finishing his doctorate at Peabody, Sam built on the skills he gained from Peabody’s Performer referral service to grow his business as a freelancer, including starting a concert design agency, Subito Arts. www.sahunhong.com www.subitoarts.com Full recording of concert with Ensemble 132 Intro music by ...
Sep 14, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Taylor Davis (MM’ 19) joins Christina Manceor to discuss ways to manage long-term projects, balancing multiple aspects of a portfolio career, and how to approach planning for the future. We also explore ways to engage followers on social media, getting more comfortable with failure, and the importance of trying new things. Percussion Pal 2×1 Media Intro music by Vincent Fasano . Audio editing by Greg Hays . Logo by MegDig Design . Interview Recorded Apr. 24, 2020...
Aug 24, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 8
This is a special release, outside of our interviews with recent Peabody alumni. To engage with the current dramatic changes in our world, LAUNCHPad director Dr. Zane Forshee is interviewing distinguished professionals in our field about the impact of COVID19 on students and artists in the performing arts. On today’s release, Dr. Forshee speaks with Boston-based music journalist, digital editor, and arts administrator Amanda Cook. During their conversation they discuss how artists and artistic i...
Jul 27, 2020•30 min
This episode Robin McGinness speaks with bass, voice teacher, and radio announcer John TK Scherch (MM ’17). We explore the idea of ‘creating luck’ – how you can use networking, persistence, and building on your prior experience to ‘luck’ into an ideal career. Additionally, we touch on the role failure can play in your career path and the importance of taking the time to identify your passions. WBJC – Maryland’s Classical Music Station U92 The Moose Pause and Listen – John’s Podcast InSeries – In...
Jul 20, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 7
This is a special release, outside of our interviews with recent Peabody alumni. To engage with the current dramatic changes in our world, LAUNCHPad director Dr. Zane Forshee is interviewing distinguished professionals in our field about the impact of COVID19 on students and artists in the performing arts This episode, Dr. Forshee interviews Abra Bush , Peabody’s Senior Associate Dean of Institute Studies. They discuss how mindset and routines can help make your way through quarantine, Peabody’s...
Jul 13, 2020•34 min
This is a special release, outside of our interviews with recent Peabody alumni. To engage with the current dramatic changes in our world, LAUNCHPad director Dr. Zane Forshee is interviewing distinguished professionals in our field about the impact of COVID19 on students and artists in the performing arts In this release, Dr. Forshee speaks with Marin Alsop , Director of Peabody’s Graduate Conducting Program and music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Their conversation touches on ho...
Jun 29, 2020•27 min
In this episode, Christina Manceor is joined by jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator Kris Johnson (Michigan State University, MM ’07), who visited Peabody as a guest artist in Fall 2019. We discuss how to stay organized while maintaining a busy freelance career, ways to work smarter rather than work harder, and tips for making genuine connections with colleagues and mentors. Kris also shares his experience building business and technology skills that help him maximize his creative projects. Le...
Jun 15, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 6
This is a special release, outside of our interviews with recent Peabody alumni. To engage with the current dramatic changes in our world, LAUNCHPad director Dr. Zane Forshee is interviewing distinguished professionals in our field about the impact of COVID19 on students and artists in the performing arts This episode Dr. Forshee speaks with danah bella, chair of Peabody Conservatory Dance. They explore the meaning of arts during the COVID-19 crisis, increased access to instructors in different ...
Jun 08, 2020•30 min
This is a special release, outside of our interviews with recent Peabody alumni. To engage with the current dramatic changes in our world, LAUNCHPad director Dr. Zane Forshee is interviewing distinguished professionals in our field about the impact of COVID19 on students and artists in the performing arts In this release, Dr. Forshee speaks with Joseph Young , Peabody’s Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg Artistic Director of Ensembles. and Professor of Conducting. The conversation touches on remaining col...
May 26, 2020•32 min
Claire Galloway Weber (MM ’15) joins Robin McGinness to explore the importance of secondary skills or even degrees in maintaining a sustainable career, knowing when to pursue management, and the importance of having supportive team. We also talk about the loss of structure that happens after leaving school, and the need to create a schedule and goals for yourself to keep moving forward. Check out Claire’s Website , YouTube , and Instagram Mad Scenes and Exit Arias: The Death of the New York City...
May 11, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 5
This is a special release, outside of our interviews with recent Peabody alumni. To engage with the current dramatic changes in our world, LAUNCHPad director Dr. Zane Forshee is interviewing distinguished professionals in our field about the impact of COVID19 on students and artists in the performing arts. Here Dr. Forshee speaks with trumpeter Sean Jones , Richard and Elizabeth Case Chair of Peabody’s Jazz Department. The interview touches on leaning on other artists for inspiration and support...
May 04, 2020•37 min
In this bonus episode entrepreneur and pianist Susan Zhang (GPD 18’) discusses how she cofounded The Concert Truck, a startup she created during her time at Peabody, and the skills needed to keep it running. You can learn more about The Concert Truck at their website ( www.theconcerttruck.org ) or by following them @theconcerttruck on Twitter , Facebook , or Instagram . Intro music by Vincent Fasano . Audio editing by Greg Hays . Logo by MegDig Design . Interview Recorded Feb. 13, 2019...
Apr 20, 2020•4 min
Performer, administrator, and arts advocate Zoe Fried (MM ‘16) speaks with Christina Manceor about the ways those who work in the arts can inspire audiences, both through their work on stage as well as back stage. We also discuss how Zoe discovered her passion for arts administration, ways to approach thinking about long-term goals, and finding common ground to organically connect with your colleagues. Learn more about the Shriver Hall Concert Series . Intro music by Vincent Fasano . Audio editi...
Apr 13, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 4
This is a bonus Max Q interview excerpt with DMA conducting candidate Michael Repper. We discuss networking, managing your time as a freelancer, and wisdom from Disney movies. Find out more about Michael and his current projects at his website www.mikerepper.com . Intro music by Vincent Fasano . Audio editing by Greg Hays . Logo by MegDig Design . Interview Recorded Jan. 24, 2019...
Apr 08, 2020•11 min
Soprano, teacher, and chamber musician Molly Grace Young (MM ‘13) speaks with Robin McGinness about the importance of diversification, both in life and in your career as a musician. We touch on the relationship between teaching and performing, the importance of establishing a flexible studio that allows for your performance schedule, balancing ambition and contentment to set goals given an uncertain future, and the necessity of self-care and creating a life outside of music. Intro music by Vince...
Mar 16, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Composer, violinist, and violist Ledah Finck (MM ’18) discusses with Christina Manceor the importance of finding inspiration inside and outside of school, the difficulty of saying no, and how to manage touring with her ensembles in Baltimore and New York while holding space for practicing and composing. Learn more about Ledah Finck , the Bergamot Quartet , and her piece “In the Brink.” Intro music by Vincent Fasano . Audio editing by Greg Hays . Logo by MegDig Design . Interview Recorded Jan 25,...
Feb 17, 2020•15 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Music Director and Conductor Ryan Tani (MM 17) speaks with Robin McGinness about the challenges of maintaining balance between administrative jobs, conducting positions, and life in general. Learn more about Ryan Tani and Occasional Symphony on their websites. Intro music by Vincent Fasano . Audio editing by Greg Hays . Logo by MegDig Design . Interview recorded Jan 30, 2019...
Jan 30, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Max Q is an interview podcast for anyone interested in, or currently pursuing careers in the performing arts. Max Q is a term for the most stressful part of a rocket’s ascent. We focus on a similar, often difficult time for new alumni – the initial period of time following graduation. Our podcast features recent Peabody graduates discussing the challenges they have faced since completing their studies, their different jobs, what they have since learned, and how their education has impacted their...
Jan 10, 2020•2 min
