Everything Accordion Podcast

Ghenadie Rotari

5.0 (2)
Music

A podcast about the musical box also known as the ACCORDION. On this podcast you will hear a about its history, stories from and about accordionists from all over the world, the different types of instruments of its VERY extended family, interviews with prominent musicians and much more!

Oct 22

Beyond Novelty: Music, Education & Artistic Identity with Maria Vlasova

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 collaborations with living composers. With a deep interest in repertoire development and music education, she brings a thoughtful perspective to the relationship between tradition, innovation and artistic expression. In this episode of Everything Accordion podcast, I speak with Maria about her unexpected journey into music, from her childhood to discovering the accordion almost by accident. We reflect on the influence of her first teacher, whose approach went far beyond instrumental technique, encouraging students to explore music, literature, visual arts and the wider cultural world. Maria also shares her experiences studying with Friedrich Lips at the Gnessin Academy and how these formative years shaped her own philosophy of teaching and performing. A central part of our conversation explores the relationship between musical education, specialization and artistic identity. How much should young musicians explore before choosing their own direction? What role should competitions play in their development? And why is a broad understanding of musical traditions essential, even for musicians who eventually dedicate themselves to contemporary repertoire? We also dive into the fascinating question of what constitutes "new music". Maria challenges the idea that novelty, experimentation or unusual instrumental techniques necessarily give a composition artistic value. We discuss the importance of musical substance, the relationship between composers and performers, and why certain works continue to speak to audiences long after they were written. The conversation also touches on Maria's work with contemporary composers, the importance of developing lasting accordion repertoire, and her interest in classical masterpieces such as Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and Tchaikovsky's "The Seasons". Through these examples, we explore how the accordion can connect different musical traditions while continuing to develop its own artistic voice. This episode offers plenty to reflect on for accordionists, composers, educators, students and anyone interested in the relationship between music, creativity and the meaning of artistic expression. This podcast is supported by listeners and friends who believe in the project. A special thank you to Herbert Scheibenreif, a longtime friend of "Everything Accordion", for his continued generosity and support, and to Martin Šidlovský for supporting the podcast through Ko-fi. 🔗 Episode Links & Resources The Episode on YouTube with English subtitles: https://youtu.be/LnBFg3eOhTo Full English Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17DMKB48c08G9fVR63Q7SCRI18JA2Dy_Q/view?usp=sharing Maria's page on Gnessin Academy Website: https://gnesin-academy.ru/employees/vlasova-mariya-vladimirovna/ Maria's videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vlassovamaria ⁠Maria's music on Spotify:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/4YBCz1ynvfsjqN1YU7CSyj?si=-Sn1ir88RcORhascoW5v5Q Listen and Subscribe to Everything Accordion Podcast Spotify → ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5HlkL0C9tEQpaIGb5nvApf⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts → ⁠⁠https://itunes.apple.com/everything-accordion-podcast⁠⁠ YouTube → ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EverythingAccordion⁠ Amazon Music → ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/abf06795-de32-4ea0-b5b4-224f158d130e/everything-accordion-podcast ⁠⁠Support the Podcast →⁠ https://ko-fi.com/everythingaccordionhub ⁠⁠ Stay Connected Instagram → ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/everything_accordion_podcast/⁠Facebook → ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083336361734⁠⁠ Subscribe to the Newsletter→ https://tr.ee/AFkhOVMuE7
Oct 7

Are Accordionists Living in a Bubble?

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 comfortable inside our own ecosystem? I look at what I see as three partly separate worlds surrounding the instrument: the accordion competition, festival, and association environment; the broader classical and contemporary music world, where the accordion exists alongside other instruments and art forms; and the many folk and traditional music cultures in which the accordion already has a natural home. These worlds intersect, but often much less than they could. The question becomes particularly interesting when we consider the familiar idea that the accordion is still misunderstood, stereotyped or not taken seriously. Those challenges certainly exist. But could focusing too strongly on them reinforce a mentality that sends us back toward the places where the instrument is already understood: the accordion competitions, accordion festivals and accordion audiences that feel most familiar? Instead of seeing unfamiliarity with the accordion only as an obstacle, I argue that it can also be an opportunity. There are audiences looking for something they have not heard before, musicians interested in new collaborations and festivals searching for distinctive musical ideas. Chamber music is one possible bridge, but certainly not the only one. Perhaps our job is not always to convince existing institutions that they need an accordion. Perhaps we should look for places where interesting music is already being made and ask how the accordion can contribute or create those places ourselves. Ultimately, the musical idea has to come first. We are not simply presenting an instrument. We are presenting music. I would genuinely like this episode to become a conversation. Have you ever felt that the accordion was rejected or misunderstood? And have you experienced the opposite, a situation where stepping outside the traditional accordion environment opened unexpected doors? Share your thoughts in the comments or get in touch with the podcast. This podcast is supported by listeners and friends who believe in the project. A special thank you to Herbert Scheibenreif, a longtime friend of the podcast, for his continued generosity and support. ⁠⁠Support the Podcast →⁠ https://ko-fi.com/everythingaccordionhub ⁠⁠Stay Connected Instagram → ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/everything_accordion_podcast/⁠ Facebook → ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083336361734⁠⁠ Website → coming soon Subscribe to the Newsletter→ https://tr.ee/AFkhOVMuE7
Jul 1

Anne-Maria Hölscher on Accordion Pedagogy, Technique & Repertoire

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 Podcast, host Ghenadie Rotari speaks with Anne-Maria about her early relationship with music, her path toward the accordion and the people, places and environments that shaped her development as an artist. A central part of the conversation focuses on her pedagogical thinking and the need for a more systematic understanding of the instrument. Anne-Maria shares her perspective on four important areas of accordion playing and teaching: the relationship between the body and the instrument, the geography of the accordion, finger technique, and bellows technique. Together, these areas offer a way to think about technique not as isolated exercises, but as part of a larger musical and physical system. The conversation also explores her artistic work, including chamber music, ensemble playing, her duo with piano and her recording projects. Anne-Maria discusses her Haydn project for accordion and piano, as well as a forthcoming album with newly commissioned works by Fabien Lévy, Márton Illés, and Enno Poppe. These projects reflect her interest in connecting historical repertoire, transcription, contemporary composition and the ongoing development of the accordion’s artistic language. This episode is especially valuable for accordionists, teachers, students and anyone interested in music education, contemporary repertoire, and the future of the instrument. This podcast is supported by listeners and friends who believe in the project. A special thank you to Herbert Scheibenreif, a longtime friend of Everything Accordion Podcast, for his continued generosity and support. 🔗 Episode Links & Resources Anne-Maria's Website: https://anne-maria-hoelscher.de/ ⁠Connect with Anne-Maria on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anne_maria_hoelscher/⁠ Watch Anne-Maria's videos on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@anne-maria_hoelscher Farben des Akkordeons Project: https://farbendesakkordeons.de/ ⁠Listen to Anne-Maria's latest Haydn Album:⁠ https://ffm.to/njaee3b Repertoire Quartet Project: https://blog.hslu.ch/akkordeonpaedagogik/repertoire-quartet/ Contribute to the pedagogical database: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=CECjddHXJEmOeDH-qG9uaL_Jkwy2euRJr_xDp2UF6zpUQkQzWlMyMUI3NUY1Tk84Mk0zWlVSSVkxMi4u&route=shorturl Listen and Subscribe to Everything Accordion Podcast Spotify → ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5HlkL0C9tEQpaIGb5nvApf⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts → ⁠⁠https://itunes.apple.com/everything-accordion-podcast⁠⁠ YouTube → ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EverythingAccordion⁠ Amazon Music → ⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/abf06795-de32-4ea0-b5b4-224f158d130e/everything-accordion-podcast ⁠⁠Support the Podcast →⁠ https://ko-fi.com/everythingaccordionhub ⁠⁠Stay Connected Instagram → ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/everything_accordion_podcast/⁠ Facebook → ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083336361734⁠⁠ Website → coming soon Subscribe to the Newsletter→ https://tr.ee/AFkhOVMuE7
May 6

Accordion, Research and Creativity – Fanny Vicens on Expanding the Instrument

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 helping to redefine what the instrument can be.In this episode of Everything Accordion, host Ghenadie Rotari speaks with Fanny about her musical journey, her work with the duo XAMP (Extended Accordion and Music Project) and her research into instrument development and alternative tuning systems. They explore how microtonality expands the expressive possibilities of the accordion, how the physical relationship between player and instrument influences sound and why the history of the accordion remains deeply emotional and relevant today.The conversation also touches on Fanny’s upcoming CD project featuring works by Mozart and Haydn, her teaching philosophy and the balance between artistic life, research and family. This episode offers a fascinating insight into the future of the accordion and the creative possibilities that lie beyond traditional boundaries.Whether you’re a musician, a researcher or simply curious about new sound worlds, this episode will open your ears to what the accordion can become.🔗 Episode Links & ResourcesFanny's Website: https://fannyvicens.com/Duo XAMP Website: https://duoxamp.com/Connect with Fanny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fannyvicenspro/Watch Fanny's videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/fannyvicensConnect with Fanny on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fanny.vicens.1Read about the Enacting Accordions Research Project: https://www.hemu.ch/recherche/enacting#c8199Buy Fanny's latest CD: https://duoxamp.com/shop/Listen and Subscribe to Everything Accordion PodcastSpotify → ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5HlkL0C9tEQpaIGb5nvApf⁠Apple Podcasts → ⁠https://itunes.apple.com/everything-accordion-podcast⁠YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EverythingAccordionAmazon Music → ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/abf06795-de32-4ea0-b5b4-224f158d130e/everything-accordion-podcast⁠Support the Podcast⁠Linktree → ⁠https://linktr.ee/everything_accordion⁠Stay ConnectedInstagram → ⁠https://www.instagram.com/everything_accordion_podcast/⁠Facebook → ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083336361734⁠Website → coming soonSubscribe to the Newsletter→ ⁠https://linktr.ee/everything_accordion⁠
Apr 8

AQA #1: Accordion Questions Answered – Practice, Popularity & Piano vs Button

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 importance of practicing with clear goals, the role of performance under pressure as an indicator of progress, and how to structure your time to get the most out of each session. Ghenadie also reflects on the current visibility and popularity of the accordion, discussing whether the instrument is experiencing a resurgence and what influences its perception in today’s musical landscape. Finally, he tackles one of the most common beginner questions: piano accordion or button accordion? With a balanced and experience-based perspective, this episode provides valuable guidance for anyone starting their journey with the instrument. Whether you’re a beginner, a student, or an experienced accordionist looking to refine your approach, this episode offers clear, practical advice to help you move forward with confidence. Send in your own questions for the next AQA. Listen and Subscribe to Everything Accordion Podcast Spotify → ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5HlkL0C9tEQpaIGb5nvApf⁠ Apple Podcasts → ⁠https://itunes.apple.com/everything-accordion-podcast⁠ YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EverythingAccordion Amazon Music → ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/abf06795-de32-4ea0-b5b4-224f158d130e/everything-accordion-podcast ⁠ Support the Podcast Linktree → ⁠https://linktr.ee/everything_accordion⁠ Stay Connected Instagram → ⁠https://www.instagram.com/everything_accordion_podcast/⁠ Facebook → ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083336361734 Subscribe to the Newsletter→ ⁠https://linktr.ee/everything_accordion⁠
Jan 21

Fanny Mas on Teaching Music with Love, Movement and Creativity

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 Podcast, host Ghenadie Rotari speaks with Fanny about her journey as both a performer and a teacher and the importance of balancing these two roles. They explore what it means to “teach with love,” why teaching is about much more than passing on knowledge and how educators can help students build a meaningful relationship with music. The conversation dives into Fanny’s innovative teaching methods, including the use of movement in accordion lessons to support learning, creativity and injury prevention. She also introduces the Music Mat, a playful and effective tool designed to make scales and musical concepts more engaging for students of all ages. Throughout the episode, Fanny shares practical insights for music educators and reflects on how music education can foster discipline, creativity and character in people of all ages. This episode is a must-listen for teachers, students and anyone interested in modern, compassionate approaches to music education. Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube! Reach out with questions, suggestions, ideas or comments, join the Discord Server and support the podcast through a monthly donation on Patreon. 🔗 Episode Links & Resources Fanny's Website: ⁠https://ipaia.eu/ The Music Mat Website: https://musicm.at/ The Music Mat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicm.at/ Listen and Subscribe to Everything Accordion Podcast Spotify → ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5HlkL0C9tEQpaIGb5nvApf⁠ Apple Podcasts → ⁠https://itunes.apple.com/everything-accordion-podcast⁠ YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EverythingAccordion Amazon Music → ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/abf06795-de32-4ea0-b5b4-224f158d130e/everything-accordion-podcast ⁠ Support the Podcast Join the Discord community → ⁠https://discord.gg/cjjssYhY⁠ Support on Patreon → ⁠https://www.patreon.com/everything_accordion_podcast⁠ Linktree → ⁠https://linktr.ee/everything_accordion⁠ Stay Connected Instagram → ⁠https://www.instagram.com/everything_accordion_podcast/⁠ Facebook → ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083336361734 ⁠Website → coming soon Subscribe to the Newsletter→ ⁠https://linktr.ee/everything_accordion⁠
10/08/2025

Anthony Schulz on Improvisation, Accordion in Australia and the Power of Community in Music

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 refined instrument while building strong musical communities. In this episode we speak with Anthony about his early memories of the instrument, the evolution of the accordion scene in Australia, and the importance of community and role models in shaping musicians. We explore Anthony’s current projects, including a tango trio and a quartet, as well as his vision for the future of the accordion. The conversation highlights improvisation, musical identity, and the balance between honoring tradition and embracing innovation. Whether you’re an accordionist, a music educator, or simply curious about the instrument’s role in today’s world, this episode offers deep insights into how music can connect, inspire and transform. Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube! Reach out with questions, suggestions, ideas or comments, join the Discord Server and support the podcast through a monthly donation on Patreon. 🔗 Episode Links & Resources Anthony's Website: ⁠https://anthonyschulz-music.com/ Follow Anthony on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/anthonyschulz_music/ Connect with Anthony on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.schulz.71/ Watch Anthony's videos and subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbsXkESdwQ02dPFZehXowxA Listen and Subscribe to Everything Accordion Podcast Spotify → ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5HlkL0C9tEQpaIGb5nvApf ⁠Apple Podcasts → ⁠https://itunes.apple.com/everything-accordion-podcast⁠ YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EverythingAccordion Amazon Music → ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/abf06795-de32-4ea0-b5b4-224f158d130e/everything-accordion-podcast⁠ Support the Podcast Join the Discord community → ⁠https://discord.gg/cjjssYhY⁠ Support on Patreon → ⁠https://www.patreon.com/everything_accordion_podcast ⁠Linktree → ⁠https://linktr.ee/everything_accordion ⁠Stay Connected Instagram → ⁠https://www.instagram.com/everything_accordion_podcast/⁠ Facebook → ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083336361734⁠ Website → coming soon Subscribe to the Newsletter→ ⁠https://linktr.ee/everything_accordion⁠
09/17/2025

Accordion, Performance and Long-Term Vision: A Conversation with Leo Florin

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, structuring practice with his 45-15 minute rule, and the balance between artistic growth and administrative demands. Leo also opens up about the challenges young musicians face in today’s fast-paced world, the accordion scene in Sweden and his vision for connecting with audiences through innovative concerts and collaborations. The conversation also highlights Leo’s upcoming projects, including a duo tour with accordionist Jevgenia Sirosh in Austria, as well as the mission of the Kammerton Festival to promote the accordion and foster cultural exchange. Whether you’re a musician, a music lover, or simply curious about the artistic journey, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into the passion and discipline it takes to build a life in music. Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube! This episode is brought to you by Dr. Herbert Scheibenreif - a long time friend and supporter of the podcast. Reach out with questions, suggestions, ideas or comments, join the Discord Server and support the podcast through a monthly donation on Patreon. 🔗 Episode Links & Resources Leo's Website: ⁠http://www.leoflorin.se/Leo Florin on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/leoflorin_accordionistFollow Leo on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/LeoFlorinAccordionWatch Leo's videos and subscribe on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bPzFnq9ghk0Website of Kammerton Association: http://www.kammerton.org/OPENING Concert of KAMMERTON FESTIVAL 2025: https://www.konserthuset.se/en/programme/calendar/external-concert/2025/imaginary-worlds-kammerton-festival-20252/20251002-1900/ Listen and Subscribe to Everything Accordion Podcast Spotify → ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5HlkL0C9tEQpaIGb5nvApf ⁠Apple Podcasts → ⁠https://itunes.apple.com/everything-accordion-podcast⁠ YouTube → ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EverythingAccordion Amazon Music → ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/abf06795-de32-4ea0-b5b4-224f158d130e/everything-accordion-podcast⁠ Support the Podcast Join the Discord community → ⁠https://discord.gg/cjjssYhY⁠ Support on Patreon → ⁠https://www.patreon.com/everything_accordion_podcast ⁠Linktree → ⁠https://linktr.ee/everything_accordion ⁠Stay Connected Instagram → ⁠https://www.instagram.com/everything_accordion_podcast/⁠ Facebook → ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083336361734⁠ Website → coming soon Subscribe to the Newsletter→ ⁠https://linktr.ee/everything_accordion⁠

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

A podcast about the musical box also known as the ACCORDION. On this podcast you will hear a about its history, stories from and about accordionists from all over the world, the different types of instruments of its VERY extended family, interviews with prominent musicians and much more!

Creator

Ghenadie Rotari
Years Active

2021 - 2026
Episodes

71
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Ghenadie Rotari
Show Website

Everything Accordion Podcast

Daily News

Daily News

Updated Daily
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated Weekly