Teaching & Coaching
At the Peabody Institute, Robin McGinness teaches courses on grant writing and career skills — the practical side of building a sustainable career in music that conservatory training rarely covers. The same work continues outside the classroom: coaching for performers, institutions, and ensembles, grounded in years of performing and navigating the industry firsthand.
Faculty profile at Peabody ↗For individual musicians and singers who want to build something intentional — not just land the next gig, but develop a career with shape and direction. This is practical, specific, and starts where you actually are.
1-on-1 Career Coaching
Strategic career planning for working performers. Where you are, where you want to go, and how to close the gap — with honest, specific guidance from someone who has been through it.
Grant Writing Intensive
Learn to identify the right grants for your work, frame a project so it resonates with funders, and write proposals that get read. Built around your specific application, not generic advice.
Program Development
Build a recital, touring project, or artistic series with intentional framing and a clear throughline. What are you saying, and why does it matter to an audience or presenter?
For conservatories, music schools, and arts organizations that want to bring Robin in to teach, consult, or lead a focused session. Robin teaches this material at Peabody and knows how to make it land in an institutional context.
Curriculum Consultation
Course and workshop design for professional development programs. Robin can help build a curriculum from scratch or strengthen what you already have — with a focus on what students actually need to navigate the industry.
Grant Writing Workshop
A workshop for students and faculty on navigating arts funding — how to find grants, frame projects, and write proposals that work. Adaptable in length and depth for different audiences.
Residency & Keynote
Bring Robin in for a focused session or multi-day residency. Topics include career strategy, grant writing, professional positioning, and building a sustainable practice in music.
For chamber groups, new music ensembles, and small arts organizations figuring out how to grow something real. The challenges facing an ensemble are different from solo career work — this is built around those specific dynamics.
Ensemble Career Strategy
How to position, fund, and grow a group practice. Covers presenting identity, touring strategy, and how to build a profile with venues and presenters over time.
Project Grant Coaching
Frame a specific project — a commission, recording, residency, or tour — for funders. This is hands-on work: reading what you have, identifying what's missing, and helping you strengthen the application.
Program Building
Develop a season, touring program, or commissioning initiative with a coherent artistic vision. What is your ensemble saying, and how do you get people to care about it?