Max Q is an interview podcast for anyone interested in or currently pursuing careers in the performing arts. Max Q is a rocketry term for the most stressful part of a rocket’s ascent. We focus on a similar, often difficult period for Peabody alumni – the first several years after graduation. Each episode we interview a recent graduate to discuss the challenges they have faced since being out of school, their different jobs, what they have learned, and how they have come to see their education differently. Peabody LAUNCHPad office staff (Dr. Zane Forshee, Christina Manceor, and Robin McGinness) alternate hosting each episode. As part of the LAUNCHPad Office’s mission to help students and alumni forge satisfying and successful careers, we’re excited to share these conversations on possible paths to building varied, vibrant, and sustainable lives in the arts. Check out our website to learn more about Peabody Institute of JHU and the LAUNCHPad Office. Intro music by Vincent Fasano. Logo by MegDig Design.
Our final episode this season features horn player Rachel Jones (BM '18). Shortly after graduating from Peabody, Rachel joined the 229th Army Band Brass Quintet and has since expanded into working in Human Resources for the Guard. Outside of her … Continue reading →
Our guest this month is Ana Uribe Law (MM '21), a musicologist and violinist. After receiving her Master's degree in Musicology from Peabody, Ana is now pursuing her PhD at Florida State University. She also holds an MBA in Arts … Continue reading →
Our guest for this episode is Steve Crino (DMA '22), a teacher and composer with a deep focus on vocal music. Steve's creative portfolio includes two award-winning operas, numerous songs, and choral compositions. A passionate interdisciplinary collaborator, he is co-founder … Continue reading →
Our guest this month is film, theatre, and games composer Ashna Pathan (BM '22). Currently working as a full-time assistant to the acclaimed composer Mac Quayle in Los Angeles, Ashna's recent projects include the award-winning comedy short “Aghast!” and the … Continue reading →
This time on Max Q we are speaking with Marie Herrington (BM '20, Vocal Performance). A versatile artist, Marie's repertoire extends from sound installations, as seen with the Alluvium Ensemble at the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center, to her role … Continue reading →
Max Q this week features drummer, educator, and composer Allen Branch. (BM '22 Jazz Percussion) A multi-instrumental jazz performer, Allen (also known as Aldo) has played at international venues, including Carnegie Hall and the Berlin Music Hall. More recently, Allen … Continue reading →
On Max Q we're featuring soprano and arts-administrator Mira Fu-En Huang (MM '22 Historical Performance Voice). Mira masterfully juggles her performance career—highlighted by roles in operas like Handel's “Semele” and collaborations with contemporary composers—with her arts administration work at organizations … Continue reading →
This week on Max Q, we spotlight Andrea Copland (MM '19, Oboe & Musicology), a Baltimore-based oboist, music historian, and librarian. Integrating actively performing and gigging with contributions to research institutions like Peabody's Friedheim Library and the répertoire international de la presse musicale (RIPM) database, Andrea has also taken on the role of an educator … Continue reading 1. Max Q – Andrea Copland →
Max Q this week features dancer, choreographer, filmmaker, and movement researcher Rush Johnston (BFA '22, Dance.) During their time at Peabody Rush received several grants including a Launch Grant for their show “Making a Mess.” Alongside creating widely featured performances, choreography, and dance films, they are the founder of the confi-DANCE project in Greenville, SC, … Continue reading 9. Max Q – Rush Johnston →
This episode we're interviewing Dmytro Nebesh, who graduated from Peabody with degree in Music for New Media in 2022. Dmytro currently works as a sound designer for Firaxis Games and as a freelance composer. In the interview, we explore how Dmytro's experiences during school led to his sound design role, connecting and collaborating on professional … Continue reading 8. Max Q – Dmytro Nebesh →
We're featuring Nathan Cicero (MM '18, Vocal Accompanying) on Max Q! Since graduating, Nathan has built a career as a freelance collaborator, church musician, and as music staff for numerous opera companies including Sarasota Opera, Chicago Summer Opera, and Pensacola Opera. We discuss the path to becoming a collaborative pianist, life working as a pianist in an opera … Continue reading 7. Max Q – Nathan Cicero →
This episode of Max Q features violist, arts administrator, and yoga teacher Gavon Peck (GPD '20, Viola), speaking with Sarah Thomas. Gavon performs regularly with chamber ensembles and orchestras in DMV, is an Artistic Director at Listeso Music Group, and teaches yoga with Baltimore Hot Yoga and Wellness. Sarah and Gavon discuss his different types of work, the … Continue reading 6. Max Q – Gavon Peck →
We're reposting an episode from our archives to celebrate alum conductor Michael Repper (DMA '22). Michael's recent recording with the New York Youth Symphony received a Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance, the first time a youth orchestra has received this award. In these interview clips, we discuss Michael's perspective on networking, managing your time as … Continue reading Bonus: Max Q – Michael Repper →
This episode of Max Q features Sam Bessen (MM '17, Horn). Sam is the curator of the Levy Sheet Music Collection at the Johns Hopkins Sheridan Libraries as well as the Founder & Artistic Director of the In the Stacks Series, which hosts performances in the George Peabody Library. Speaking with Christina Manceor, the conversation explores … Continue reading 5. Max Q – Sam Bessen →
This episode of Max Q features Bobby Ge (MM '20, Composition), a Chinese-American composer, pianist, and educator. Since graduating from Peabody, Bobby has collaborated on several multimedia projects, won composer residencies and competitions, and had works performed and commissioned by a variety of different orchestral and chamber ensembles. Christina Manceor speaks with him about building collaborative relationships, … Continue reading 4. Max Q – Bobby Ge →
In this episode of Max Q, Christina Manceor speaks with Lily Josefsberg (GPD 18'). After extensive freelancing experience at orchestras around the U.S., she was appointed piccolo with the San Diego Symphony in May 2022. The discussion covers life for orchestral musicians, ways to navigate the audition process, and how Lily's experience in school impacted where she … Continue reading 3. Max Q – Lily Josefsberg →
This week on Max Q we speak with Baritone Ross Tamaccio (MM '18). Ross has built a career on concert music and church music, singing career both as a soloist and ensemble member, singing with ensembles like True Concord, Conspirare, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and with most of the major church music programs in the DC … Continue reading 2. Max Q – Ross Tamaccio →
Welcome to season three of Max Q! Episode one features composer, instrumentalist, rapper, and producer Arindam Jurakhan (MM '21). After releasing his first album FLINCH during his final year at Peabody, Arindam is currently pursuing his DMA in composition at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. We discuss differences between producing live and recorded … Continue reading 1. Max Q – Arindam Jurakhan →
Robin is joined by alumni ensemble Bergamot Quartet (Ledah Finck MM ‘18, Sarah Thomas MM ‘19, Amy Tan MM ‘19, Irene Han MM ‘18). With the imminent release of their debut album In the Brink, we discuss how Bergamot has found success building opportunities to give workshops, opening doors for performances and collaborations, and crowdfunding their … Continue reading 14. Max Q – Bergamot Quartet →
Christina speaks with saxophonist Kyle Jones (MM '17), who is currently pursuing a DMA in saxophone performance at the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory; in addition to his freelance career, Kyle is an educator and arts administrator. They discuss how to approach building a sustainable career in the arts, including balancing time between school, … Continue reading 13. Max Q – Kyle Jones →
Composer Frances Pollock (MM '15, Voice) started her own projects while at Peabody, creating opportunities for both her colleagues and herself. Robin McGinness discusses how Frances figured out prioritizing, the importance and ease of establishing relationships, and building understanding of the financial side of art and opera. Frances's Opera Earth to Kenzie will be performed … Continue reading 12. Max Q – Frances Pollock →
Jacob Lyerly (MM '20, Guitar & Pedagogy) joins Robin McGinness to discuss how his experience in the Arts in Health and other Peabody programs built the skills he uses in his career today. While at Peabody Jacob was a member of LAUNCHPad's student staff, an active performer solo and with his duo Un/Strung, and a regular participant in … Continue reading 11. Max Q – Jacob Lyerly →
Violinist Shannon Fitzhenry (BM '18) maintains a busy schedule subbing with the BSO, performing gigs and chamber concerts with other Peabody alumni, and serves as concertmaster for the El Paso Symphony Orchestra. In this episode, she joins Robin McGinness to discuss how she built her current portfolio career, the unique challenges of finding orchestral work, and … Continue reading 10. Max Q – Shannon Fitzhenry →
Networking, or making connections with artists, partners, and collaborators is one of the primary challenges we hear about from students and alumni. This week on Max Q we've highlighted clips addressing how to talk to people, build relationships, and find strong partners. In order, here are the full interviews featured in today's episode: Cellist and arts … Continue reading 9. Max Q – Networking →
Pianist Dr. Melody Quah, a 2017 Peabody DMA graduate, joins Christina Manceor on Max Q. Melody has a broad-ranging career as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and educator across multiple continents. They discuss navigating the requirements of a new faculty position, keeping a healthy separation from your work, and building experience towards a faculty position. The … Continue reading 8. Max Q – Melody Quah →
Christina Manceor speaks with percussionist Chris Salvito (Peabody MM '16) and pianist Nicoletta Favari of Passepartout Duo. Making music that escapes categorization, the duo's travel around the world informs the multi-disciplinary collaborations, instrumental compositions, and evocative music videos that constitute their work. The conversation centers on how artistic residencies have been foundational for the duo, … Continue reading 7. Max Q – Passepartout Duo →
This week on Max Q, Robin speaks with composer and vocalist Daniel Sabzghabaei (MM '17). After Peabody Daniel immediately went on to pursue his doctorate, all while continuing to grow his list of commissions and premieres. We discuss how he deals with creative “drought,” managed to keep creating through the pandemic, trying to escape the trap … Continue reading 6. Max Q – Daniel Sabzghabaei →
In this episode Dr. Forshee is joined by Jessica Satava (MM ’04, Voice), executive director of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania. They discuss Jessica’s journey to leading an orchestra, how she joined and learned the needs of her new community through food and concerts, and discoveries about how changing the narrative and venue can open … Continue reading 5. Max Q – Jessica Satava →
In this episode, Christina Manceor speaks with Allison Clendaniel (BM 2014) and James Young (DMA 2012). Just to name a few facets of their diverse work, Allison and James are performers, composers, and performing arts presenters based in Baltimore. Alongside their colleague Jason Charney, they co-founded Mind on Fire, a cooperative of highly trained musicians … Continue reading 4. Max Q – Allison Clendaniel & James Young →
Robin McGinness speaks with Alysia Lee, a 2006 graduate from Peabody and current instructor for Peabody’s Breakthrough Curriculum. Alysia is founder and Artistic Director of Sister Cities Girlchoir, an El Sistema-inspired, girl empowerment, choral academy and serves as the education program supervisor for Fine Arts education for the Maryland State Department of Education. Our conversation ranges from building … Continue reading Bonus: Max Q – Alysia Lee →
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 … Continue reading 3. Max Q – Olivia Rainoff →
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, … Continue reading Bonus: Max Q – Sandbox Percussion →
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 … Continue reading 2. Max Q – Thomas Fortner →
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 … Continue reading 1. Max Q – Julien Xeureb →
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 … Continue reading 12. Max Q – Teng Chen →
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 … Continue reading 11. Max Q – Sarah Thomas →
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 … Continue reading 10. Max Q – Amanda Dame →
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 … Continue reading 9. Max Q – Sahun Sam Hong →
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 … Continue reading 8. Max Q – Taylor Davis →
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 … Continue reading Music Journalist Amanda Cook →
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 … Continue reading 7. Max Q – John T.K. Scherch →
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 … Continue reading Dean Abra Bush →
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 … Continue reading Conductor Marin Alsop →
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 … Continue reading 6. Max Q – Kris Johnson →
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 … Continue reading danah bella →
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 … Continue reading Conductor Joseph Young →
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 … Continue reading →
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 … Continue reading →
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 … Continue reading →
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 … Continue reading →
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 … Continue reading →
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