Everything Accordion Podcast

You've spent years practicing, studying repertoire and developing your skills as an accordionist. But how do you actually find opportunities to perform? In this solo episode of "Everything Accordion" Podcast, I tackle one of the questions I receive most frequently from young accordionists: how do you find concerts, approach festivals and concert organizers and turn your artistic idea...

This episode is in Russian. English subtitles are available on YouTube. What makes a piece of music truly new? Is it the date it was written, the techniques it uses or the artistic ideas and emotions it communicates? Maria Vlasova is a Russian accordionist, performer and professor at the Gnessin Academy in Moscow, whose artistic work spans classical transcriptions, contemporary music and collabora...

Are accordionists sometimes so focused on the accordion world that we miss opportunities beyond it? In this solo episode of Everything Accordion Podcast, I reflect on a question that has come up repeatedly in conversations with accordionists, students and listeners: is the accordion really as misunderstood and excluded from the wider musical world as we sometimes believe or have we become too comf...

Anne-Maria Hölscher is a Swiss-based accordionist, professor, performer and pedagogue whose work connects contemporary music, repertoire development and a deeply structured approach to accordion education. Her artistic and teaching practice reflects a broad international path, shaped by studies and experiences across Germany, Switzerland, Canada and beyond. In this episode of Everything Accordion...

Fanny Vicens is a French accordionist, researcher and innovative performer whose work explores the boundaries of sound, tuning, and contemporary music. From her early fascination with the accordion as a child to her dual training in piano and accordion, Fanny has developed a unique artistic voice that bridges tradition and experimentation. Her work with microtonal accordions and new repertoire is...

In this solo episode of Everything Accordion , Ghenadie Rotari answers some of the most common and important questions about learning and playing the accordion. Drawing from his experience as a performer and educator, he shares practical insights into how to practice effectively, how to measure real progress, and what musicians should focus on to improve consistently. The episode explores the impo...

Fanny Mas is an innovative accordionist and dedicated music educator based in Austria, known for her creative and holistic approach to teaching. From her early fascination with the accordion to her academic studies at the Hochschule in Trossingen, Fanny has developed a deep belief that music education should be rooted in connection, curiosity and joy. In this episode of Everything Accordion Podcas...

Anthony Schulz is an acclaimed Australian accordionist, music educator and current president of the Accordion Society of Australia. With a career spanning decades, Anthony has performed with world-renowned artists from Luciano Pavarotti to ECM’s Barre Phillips, and with ensembles across genres from chamber music to jazz and folk. His passion lies in championing the accordion as a versatile and ref...

Leo Florin is a Swedish accordionist, an active performer, the leader of the Kammerton Association and the artistic director of the Kammerton Festival, as well as a rising voice in today's music world. In this episode of Everything Accordion Podcast, we sit down with Leo and talk about his first encounter with the instrument at a concert in Stockholm, the importance of long-term planning, stru...

Nikola Djoric is a Serbian accordionist whose musical journey has taken him from his early beginnings in Serbia to the heart of Vienna’s music scene. A graduate of the Vienna Conservatorium, Nikola has built a career that balances tradition, originality, and authenticity while staying deeply connected to his roots. In this episode, we sit down with Nikola to talk about his first encounter with the...

Luka Juhart is a Slovenian accordionist, composer, professor at the Academy of Music of Ljubljana, an artist who challenges traditional career paths in music, a climber, a father and much more. In this episode, we sit down with Luka to explore his journey as a musician, the importance of embracing diverse experiences, and the evolving role of music education. Luka opens up about the challenges of...

In this episode we sit down with Joaquin Muñoz Donoso , a dynamic musician from Chile dedicated to shaping the future of accordion music in his country. Joaquin shares his journey with the instrument, from his early years to his current efforts in expanding accordion education and cultural exchange. We explore the accordion’s deep roots in Chilean music, blending folk traditions with contemporary...

Omar Caccia is an Italian musician, a bandoneon player, an educator, a performer, a blogger and much more. In this episode, we sit down with Omar Caccia , an Italian musician, educator, performer, and blogger, to explore the rich history of the bandoneon, its different types, and its role in modern music . Omar shares technical insights, learning challenges, and expert tips for aspiring players. W...

Panagiotis Andreoglou is a Greek musician, an accordionist, a conductor, a teacher, an artist and much more. Passion, innovation, and relentless dedication are the ingredients for thriving as a musician in the 21st century. From his early days in Greece, discovering the accordion for the first time, to earning a prestigious Fulbright scholarship and performing across the world, Panagiotis' jou...

Igor Krizman is a Croatian musician, an accordionist, a teacher, an artistic director of one of the biggest and most prestigious accordion events and much more. In this episode, we explore his musical beginnings , the influence of OKUD Istra in accordion education, and the history of the Pula Accordion Competition and Summer Academy —one of the most prestigious events in the world of accordion. Ig...

For Belma Šarančić , a renowned Bosnian accordionist, professor, and researcher , music has been both a passion and a lifelong companion. But through her journey, she discovered an issue many musicians silently struggle with— pain and physical strain . In this episode, Belma shares her unconventional path in music and how her deep connection with the accordion helped her navigate tough times. She...

In today's German-language episode, we dive into the rich history and vibrant present of Austria’s accordion culture with Herbert Scheibenreif and Johannes Münzner , two key figures in the Harmonika Verband Österreich (HVÖ) . For 70 years, HVÖ has been at the heart of the Austrian accordion scene, shaping its development, supporting musicians, and preserving the country’s rich musical traditio...

Iva Ugrcic is a Serbian flautist, entrepreneur, and financial coach currently based in the USA. As the founder of LunART Festival and Artistic Wealth Coach, she has dedicated her career to helping musicians rethink their approach to money and success. In this episode of Career Friday, we explore her journey from a classically trained musician to a financial educator, uncovering the pivotal moments...

Claudio Constantini is a world-class pianist, bandoneon player, composer, and a rising social media sensation. His ability to bridge classical tradition with digital innovation has captivated audiences worldwide. In this episode, we explore his journey as a musician, from his early beginnings to mastering both piano and bandoneon, and how his artistic approach differs when preparing for each instr...

Francesco Mengascini , son of Arnaldo Mengascini, the visionary behind Beltuna Accordions , carries forward a legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and passion for the instrument. As the owner and driving force behind Beltuna, Francesco is dedicated to improving the accordion, constantly pushing the boundaries of design and sound. In this episode, we explore the origins of Beltuna Accordions and th...

Mikko Luoma is a Finnish accordionist, performer, and pedagogue, currently serving as a senior accordion and chamber music lecturer at the Turku Music Academy. With decades of experience, he has witnessed the evolution of accordion music firsthand, from its early days in Finland in the 1970s to the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of today’s music scene. In this episode, Mikko shares his person...

Bernhard Kerres is an Austrian singer turned entrepreneur, coach, and author, known for his innovative approach to career development for musicians. As the ex-CEO of the Wiener Konzerthaus and co-author of Be Your Own Manager , he has dedicated his work to helping musicians build sustainable and fulfilling careers. He also teaches entrepreneurship and mindset in Karlsruhe and Lucerne, guiding arti...

Ambre Vuillermoz is a French accordionist whose career spans performance, teaching, chamber music, and festival organization. Passionate about exploring all musical genres, she has co-founded multiple chamber music ensembles, collaborates with composers to bring new works to life, and dedicates her time to nurturing the next generation of musicians. In this episode, Ambre shares her journey toward...

Michelle Lynne is a Canadian pianist, entrepreneur, singer and songwriter, co-founder of "The Fearless Artist", she teaches entrepreneurship and mindset at conservatories and much more! On this episode of Career Friday, we talk about Michelle's move to Europe and interest in the business side of music making, dealing with rejection, adopting and building a strong mindset as a musicia...

Joanne Baratta is a Swiss accordionist, she is teaching the accordion in Biel, she performs in various chamber music ensembles, organizes events, projects and masterclasses and much more! On this episode we talked about Joanne's upbringing and the constant presence of the accordion around her in one form or another, the importance of having generous and supportive teachers and mentors, how an...