Music Wide Open Podcast

How to play music so it makes sense? Misconceptions, simplifications, half-truths vs. the essence. In this episode, besides Mozart, we talk about Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt. We discuss the essential factors that bring music to life rather than keep it cold or calculated.   🎙️ Hosted by Paulina Wunder and Ingolf Wunder. 💬 Share your thoughts! Email us at: 📧 musicwideopen@gmail.com   📲 Listen n...

Are there shortcuts to a successful career? If so, what do they actually mean? In this episode, we talk about personal fulfilment, the perception of one's own actions, and the sustainability of one's happiness.   🎙️ Hosted by Paulina Wunder and Ingolf Wunder. 💬 Share your thoughts! Email us at: 📧 musicwideopen@gmail.com   📲 Listen now and stay connected: Podcast Website: musicwideopen.com Apple...

Who is winning? Who is losing? How are music competitions changing, and why? In this episode, we’re talking about the problematic nature of piano tournaments, the juries, the multitude of opinions and standards in judgment, and the vicious cycle imposed by the system these competitions are built into.   🎙️ Hosted by Paulina Wunder and Ingolf Wunder. 💬 Share your thoughts! Email us at: 📧 musicwid...

Would Chopin win the Chopin Competition? Although that’s the starting point of this episode, we go far beyond this famous and important event in the piano world, using it only as an excuse to talk about the ever-changing world. What are the challenges faced by sensitive musicians today? What influences our perception of music performances and the way we talk about them? What is the impact of techn...

Anxiety, self-doubt, high expectations, and high pressure. In this episode, we discuss the factors that influence the stress musicians experience before going on stage and ways to fight it. How to transform fear from a weakness into a strength. We explain why it’s important to reframe stage fright and how to stay above everything we can’t control—without resorting to destructive short-term solutio...

How do you recognize a bad teacher? What qualities define a good one? In this episode, we explore how the differing motivations of teachers and students influence the students’ playing and shape their futures.   🎙️ Hosted by Paulina Wunder and Ingolf Wunder. 💬 Share your thoughts! Email us at: 📧 musicwideopen@gmail.com   📲 Listen now and stay connected: Podcast Website: musicwideopen.com Apple...

How will the profession of musicians change? Why is this change inevitable? How has it evolved over time, and will musicians remain motivated to do their job? In this episode, we take a look into a future that seems just around the corner. We go far beyond the common understanding of what this profession is and explore the influencing factors that have been shaping it and will continue to transfor...

Do you know anyone who thinks they don’t have good taste in music? In this episode, we explore what influences our perception, what corrupts our senses and what compromises our inner gut feeling. We discuss the impact of opinion makers on shaping the current landscape of classical music, their competence (or lack thereof), and the reasons behind the absence of honest and substantive discussions ab...

Perfection in music, classical musicians striving for flawlessness, and the beauty of perfect imperfection — these are the topics we explore in this episode. We also discuss how music competitions and fear can stifle musical expression, the balance between technical and musical perfection, and why true perfection in music is so difficult to define and measure — yet so easy to manipulate.   🎙️ Host...

Energy is everything. It determines our actions and shapes our futures. In this episode, we discuss how our perception of life and ourselves influences both our personal and professional paths. How does it affect musicians? Why and when can it create blockages? And why is it important to recognize the immense power that energy has in shaping our destiny?    🎙️ Hosted by Paulina Wunder and Ingolf W...

A major piano competition can be a life-changing event. Many pianists dream of achieving a success that propels their careers forward and redefines their lives. However, to maximize one’s chances-despite all odds-almost bulletproof preparation is required: the kind where nothing is left to chance. In this episode, we open the door to our own lives and reveal what it took for Ingolf to prepare for...

Many musicians emphasize the importance of “playing exactly as written in the score” in order to serve the composer and their music. But what does that actually mean? In this episode, we discuss the intricate relation between musicians’ words and their understanding and execution of music. Does everyone understand “serving the music” the same way? And why will the classical music circle weaken its...

In this episode, we talk about the piano sound perception and the art of creating a good sound. What lies in pianists' hands and what doesn't? What makes the sound beautiful? What makes the sound ugly? How is the sound created? Which piano sounds well and why? How does it work technically? What makes the sound nice? Your individual sound Good pianos, bad pianos What's in pianists’ hands and what's...

In this episode, we introduce a revolutionary tool for pianists that analyzes their musical style and artistic ancestry. AI tool for pianists Whom are you musically related to? Background story and the team Insights DNA of the interpretations Educational value Grand masters styles Analysis and assessment How it works Understanding the roots Objectivity Personal musical growth Helping piano student...

In this episode, we discuss the impact of social media and new technologies on artists and their performances, as well as the reasons for rapidly changing definitions of quality and value. Fitting into the system Content popularity Attention span Numbers Technological giants Obsession with fame Money games Followers vs. fans Mainstream New Renaissance 📲 🎭 From social media stardom to the pressur...

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of musicians' romantic lives and the main reasons for their unsatisfactory private liaisons. Musicians' romantic life Youth Focus vs. ego Types of couples Challenges Sacrifices Balance Fulfilment Loneliness Temporal solutions Happiness ✨ A deep dive into the romantic lives of musicians—why love and artistry often clash, the sacrifices made for success,...

In this episode, we talk about the current state of AI development and the predictions. We discuss the positive sides and opportunities, as well as threats that will influence the future of musicians and their profession. What is Artificial Intelligence The price of ignorance and arrogance Numbers The future of professions The great opportunities Helpful tools AI powered robots musicians Humanoids...

In this episode, we discuss the mistakes parents make when introducing music to their children, why the first seven years are crucial, and how to avoid common pitfalls. When we hear Beginnings Genius Mozart effect Benefits 7 years Theta waves Pressure Strict childhood Types of parents Counterproductive methods Carlos Kleiber STEM and STEAM Praise: good and bad Motivation Subconscious mind ✨ Disco...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of filtering information and criticism, and how to transform the destructive power of negativity into self-empowerment. To listen or not to listen Judgement Sadistic pleasure Trust Detecting the right voices Seeing through people Negativity Criticism Young musicians Grown-up artists Dangers To care or not to care Opinions to dismiss Honesty Unblock yourse...

In this episode, we discuss the ability to recognize opportunities as well as how to create them independently. We also explore how to stay in charge of one’s mind and maintain focus regardless of the circumstances. How it starts and where is stops Creative musicians What schools don't teach Comfort zone Who is capable of succeeding Dreams and plans It's a game Fears Unknown Visualisation Gut feel...

In this episode, we discuss the intricate relationship between success and happiness, exploring why many successful musicians remain unhappy, and how to manifest happiness and success. What is success What is happiness Positive attitude Manifestation of success Rat race Straightjacket Gatekeepers Freedom Positivity bias Neuroplasticity Gratitude Personal reality Visualisation Zoom out ✨ Explore t...

In this episode, we discuss the aspect of the profession that is often disregarded, despite being the foundation of a musician's artistry, life, and career. The human side Behind the scenes Stories of musicians of the past Musicians now Adrenaline rush Fight or flight response Health problems Performance under stress Cruel business side 'You have to deliver' Theoreticians Fear Taboo What they don'...

In this episode, we discuss the essence of musicality, imitation, and the double-edged sword that musicians unknowingly point at themselves and music itself. What is musicality? What is natural playing? Golden ratio Copycats Good teachers, bad teachers Schools, money and ethics A sense of purpose Code of music Patchworks Do people care? Decline What it means to be great Overstimulation in life Bus...

In this episode, we raise uncomfortable questions, present facts, and discuss the consequences of ignorance. The future is now BCI and it's development Neuralink and others Prospects and the vision Musicians in the past Musicians nowadays Personal growth temptation What it means for musicians What is human? Brain to brain communication Natural music-making Wakeup call ✨ The future is now: dive in...

Music Wide Open Podcast Dear everyone! We're happy to present our MUSIC WIDE OPEN podcast - the place for an honest and thought-provoking conversation. About music, business, life, technology and the future. For curious music enthusiasts and musicians seeking personal growth. The first ten episodes have already been recorded and are waiting to be published: once a week, every Tuesday, available on...