Episodes

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 performa...

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 client...

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...

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 ...

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...

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

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 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. L...

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...

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...

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...

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, 2019

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

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...