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 & ResourcesAnne-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_hoelscherFarben des Akkordeons Project: https://farbendesakkordeons.de/⁠Listen to Anne-Maria's latest Haydn Album:⁠ https://ffm.to/njaee3bRepertoire 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=shorturlListen 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 Podcast →⁠ https://ko-fi.com/everythingaccordionhub ⁠⁠Stay ConnectedInstagram → ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/everything_accordion_podcast/⁠Facebook → ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083336361734⁠⁠Website → coming soonSubscribe to the Newsletter→ https://tr.ee/AFkhOVMuE7

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

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 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=100083336361734Subscribe to the Newsletter→ ⁠https://linktr.ee/everything_accordion⁠

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 & ResourcesFanny'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 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 PodcastJoin the Discord community → ⁠https://discord.gg/cjjssYhY⁠Support on Patreon → ⁠https://www.patreon.com/everything_accordion_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

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 & ResourcesAnthony'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/UCbsXkESdwQ02dPFZehXowxAListen 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 PodcastJoin the Discord community → ⁠https://discord.gg/cjjssYhY⁠Support on Patreon → ⁠https://www.patreon.com/everything_accordion_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

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 & ResourcesLeo'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 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 PodcastJoin the Discord community → ⁠https://discord.gg/cjjssYhY⁠Support on Patreon → ⁠https://www.patreon.com/everything_accordion_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

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 accordion through his mother, his move to Austria at the age of fifteen, and how Vienna’s rich cultural history has shaped him as both a musician and a person. He opens up about the importance of playing original compositions, his belief in serving the music as an interpreter, and the creative energy that comes from collaborating with others.Nikola also shares insights into his Serbian heritage, his commitment to authenticity in performance, and his excitement about upcoming projects, including the world premiere of a new work for accordion and orchestra by Austrian composer Gabriele Proy. From personal stories to artistic philosophy, this conversation offers a unique window into what it means to live and breathe music across cultures.Whether you’re an accordionist, a music lover, or simply curious about the intersection of tradition and innovation, this episode will inspire and challenge you to think about music in new ways.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 & ResourcesNikola's Website: ⁠www.nikoladjoric.com⁠Nikola Djoric on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nikola_djoric_accordion/⁠Follow Nikola on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040951942969⁠Listen to Nikola’s latest albums on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/4Sk7if8e4De8M4oWEnw0gz?si=sg4nwHcsTriZ2pkD3xGRYw⁠Watch performances on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@nikoladjoric9968⁠Listen 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 PodcastJoin the Discord community → ⁠https://discord.gg/cjjssYhY⁠Support on Patreon → ⁠https://www.patreon.com/everything_accordion_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

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 artistic identity, the pressures of perfectionism, and why honesty in career choices is essential. They also discuss how social media influences musicians today, the benefits of self-production, and the creative process behind Luka’s latest album, RanDom. Whether you’re a musician, composer, or just passionate about music, this episode is packed with thought-provoking insights on carving out a unique path in the music industry.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube!To find out more about Luka visit his website at www.lukajuhart.com, listen to his latest album on Bandcamp, follow and connect with him on Facebook. Reach out with questions, suggestions, ideas or comments and support the podcast through a monthly donation on Patreon.LINKS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/everything_accordion_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: https://patreon.com/everything_accordion_podcastwebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ghenadierotari.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/ghenadierotariaccordionist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/everything_accordion_podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083336361734

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 influences, and discuss how competitions and festivals impact musicians’ growth.Joaquin’s passion for music and education shines through as he speaks about the importance of creating opportunities for young musicians. He emphasizes the role of audience engagement in a performer’s journey and the need for adaptability in the ever-evolving music world. Collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange play a vital role in his vision for the future of accordion music in Chile.This conversation is a must-listen for musicians, educators, and music enthusiasts looking to understand the evolving landscape of accordion performance and education. Joaquin’s insights provide a fresh perspective on the power of music to connect cultures and inspire future generations.To find out more about Joaquin follow his Instagram account, get in touch with him on Facebook, subscribe to his YouTube channel and find his music on Spotify.Reach out with questions, suggestions, ideas or comments and support the podcast through a monthly donation on Patreon.LINKS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/everything_accordion_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: https://patreon.com/everything_accordion_podcastwebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ghenadierotari.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/ghenadierotariaccordionist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/everything_accordion_podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083336361734page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/54V5A57ed8G3wAeLohSvgR?si=fzW2wlNdTcmT-dBQVV-7RQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Composer's toolkit video course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ghenadierotari.com/video-on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Services you can book on my website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a 30 minute lesson Book a 60 minute lesson One-on-one career coaching session Virtual coffee Gift cards

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. We also discuss the current state of bandoneon literature, its evolution in contemporary music, and Omar's future projects. Whether you're a musician, tango enthusiast, or just curious about this fascinating instrument, this episode is a must-listen!To find out more about Omar, read his blog and get insights about the bandoneon world visit his website at www.omarcaccia.com. ⁠⁠⁠Also subscribe to his ⁠YouTube channel⁠ and ⁠connect with him on LinkedIn.Reach out with questions, suggestions, ideas or comments and support the podcast through a monthly donation on Patreon.LINKS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linktr.ee/everything_accordion_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon: https://patreon.com/everything_accordion_podcastwebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.ghenadierotari.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/ghenadierotariaccordionist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/everything_accordion_podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083336361734page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/54V5A57ed8G3wAeLohSvgR?si=fzW2wlNdTcmT-dBQVV-7RQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Composer's toolkit video course: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ghenadierotari.com/video-on-demand⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Services you can book on my website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book a 30 minute lesson Book a 60 minute lesson One-on-one career coaching session Virtual coffee Gift cards