In this episode of openARTed, I sit down with Susan Blum, a professional coach helping musicians and creatives navigate their careers. We dive into some of the biggest challenges artists face - from defining their artistic identity to managing time, finances, and collaboration.

Topics we cover:

What it really means to “know your offering” as a musician
Why so many music groups struggle with collaboration and conflict
Time management, avoiding burnout, and building financial stability
Do you really need to make music your full-time career to find fulfillment?

Support the Podcast:
If you’re enjoying openARTed, consider joining our Patreon or buying us a coffee - every contribution helps keep these conversations going! You can also check out PianoBuffs, our global piano community, where we share recordings, educational content, and more.

Guest Info:
Learn more about Susan Blum and her work at smblumltd.com

About the host Monika Lozinskienė

• PianoBuffs
• www.monikapianiste.com/
• Instagram

Music performed by M. Lozinskienė (piano), A. Szalucka (piano)

M. Ravel - Gaspard de la Nuit, No. 1, "Ondine"
M. K. Čiurlionis - In The Forest (From the album "Sound meditation" which is partly funded by the Vilnius municipality)

In this PART 2 episode, pianist Ewa Kupiec discusses her experiences as a concert pianist. She reflects on the influences that shaped her journey and shares book recommendations that have profoundly impacted her life philosophy. Listen to PART 1

Support the podcast via Patreon  or

Buy me a coffee

Books:
Sparks of Divinity 

An Actor Prepares

About the host Monika Lozinskienė

• PianoBuffs
• www.monikapianiste.com/
• Instagram

Music performed by M. Lozinskienė (piano), E. Kupiec (Piano)

M. Ravel - Gaspard de la Nuit, No. 1, "Ondine"
F. Chopin - Barcarole In F Sharp Major, Op. 60

In this episode, pianist Ewa Kupiec reveals her life story, career choices, and early passion for music. She is now one of the most sought-after piano professors in Europe, teaching at the Hanover University of Music, Drama, and Media. Her work with piano students blends music-making, mentorship, and mental preparation for lifelong careers in music.

Support the podcast via Patreon

About the host Monika Lozinskienė

• PianoBuffs
• www.monikapianiste.com/
• Instagram

Music performed by M. Lozinskienė (piano), E. Kupiec (Piano)

M. Ravel - Gaspard de la Nuit, No. 1, "Ondine"
F. Chopin - Mazurka In F-sharp Minor, Op. 59: No. 3
 

In this episode, I speak with Tristan de Montebello, a finalist in the 2017 World Championship of Public Speaking. Tristan is the co-founder of Ultraspeaking, a platform designed to help people become more confident and authentic speakers, which he created with his partner, Michael Gendler. But there’s more to it than just mastering public speaking. We explore how learning to speak confidently can transform your life—and how the journey of entrepreneurship profoundly shaped Tristan’s own path. Tune in to find out why these skills go beyond the stage and impact every aspect of life.

Support the podcast via Patreon

About the host Monika Lozinskienė

• PianoBuffs
• www.monikapianiste.com/
• Instagram

Music performed by M. Lozinskienė (piano), N. Kalmykova (violin), L. Loulaki (cello)

L. van Beethoven - Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op.70 No.2, II, IV mvt.
F. Mendelssohn Piano Trio No.1, Op.49 , II mvt.
C. Debussy - Clair de lune, M. Lozinskienė (piano)

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In Lithuania, Dalia Ibelhauptaitė's pioneering ideas on how to use advertising in the arts both inspired and surprised many. Through her determination and strong will, her independent opera company, Vilnius City Opera, became one of the most visited and well-known theater companies in Lithuania. She also mentored and trained a number of Lithuanian singers who are now recognized as some of the world's best. Dalia Ibelhauptaitė is also a producer and director of several blockbuster movies, including Ghosted (2023) and Rocketman (2019). 

Support the podcast via Patreon

About the host Monika Lozinskienė

• PianoBuffs
• www.monikapianiste.com/
• Instagram

Music performed by M. Lozinskienė (piano), N. Kalmykova (violin), L. Loulaki (cello)

L. van Beethoven - Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op.70 No.2, I, IV mvt.
F. Mendelssohn Piano Trio No.1, Op.49 , II mvt.
C. Debussy - Clair de lune, M. Lozinskienė (piano)

Mental toughness is an important trait that helps people handle challenges, stress, and pressure effectively. In this episode, I talk with Doug Strycharczyk, an author and the founder of AQR. Doug is an expert in creating psychometric tests and programs, and he has played a key role in developing the concept of mental toughness. His programs focus on improving wellbeing, satisfaction, employability, performance, and managing transitions.

Support the podcast 

Check out more info about the host Monika Lozinskienė

• Youtube channel PianoBuffs 
• www.monikapianiste.com/
• Instagram

Music - M. Ravel and C. Debussy (M. Lozinskienė and A. Szalucka)

Josh Wright - a pianist, educator and  founder of the Propractice Piano Academy. The academy offers around 500 video lessons covering various aspects of piano playing. On this episode, we discussed what musically inspires Josh, how he structures his work, methods to overcome unnecessary classical musician's ego, and Josh also elaborated on how he shifted his mindset regarding a career in classical music.

Josh Wright Youtube

Support the podcast 

Check out more info about the host Monika Lozinskienė

• Youtube channel PianoBuffs 
• www.monikapianiste.com/
• Instagram

Music - F. Mendelssohn Piano Trio No.1, Op.49 , II mvt. - M. Lozinskienė (piano), N. Kalmykova (violin), L. Loulaki (cello)

In this conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with my high school mate, flautist Beata Preisaitė-Šidiškienė. Our discussion revolved around the complexity of musical careers, emphasizing the importance of recognizing their non-linear nature. We delved into our early experiences as forming musicians, highlighting the significance of nurturing expansive dreams in both music-making and career development.

Beata pursued her musical education at prestigious institutions such as the Saarbrucken Academy of Music in Germany, the Faculty of Music at the University of California, Fullerton in the USA, as well as the Royal Danish Academy of Music, where she earned her master's degree. As a soloist, Beata has performed with the Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra, the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, the Southern California Philharmonic Orchestra and the University of California Fullerton Orchestra. The flutist has also played in the Danish National Radio Orchestra, the Copenhagen Philharmonic and other orchestras.

Support the podcast 

Check out more info about the host Monika Lozinskienė

• Youtube channel PianoBuffs (NEW) 
• www.monikapianiste.com/
• Instagram

Episode music - Rosehip "Bloom". Big thanks to my good friend, inspiring music creator Rosehip, who provided music for this episode. 
Carl Reinecke - Flute Sonata Undine, Op. 167 (Performed by B. Preisaitė-Šidiškienė and Galya Kolarova)

Dawn Bennett has authored over 300 publications including Understanding the Classical Music Profession in 2008. One of her main research areas was classical music including musicians' identities, their employability, and the career thinking of postgraduate classical music performance students. We talked about success, challenges and cultural pressures in this field. Her free Employ-Ability toolkit can be accessed here.  
 

Support the podcast

Check out more info about the host Monika Lozinskienė

• www.monikapianiste.com/
• Instagram
• Youtube channel PianoBuffs (NEW) 

Episode music - L. van Beethoven - Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op.70 No.2, I mvt. | M. Lozinskienė, Nadia Kalmykova (Violin) and Loukia Loulaki (Cello)

Pianist and Head of Keyboard at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Aaron Shorr speaks about finding novelty in classical music, musician's routine, his way of working at the Conservatoire and the purpose of being a musician. 

Support the podcast

Check out more info about the host Monika Lozinskienė

• www.monikapianiste.com/
• Instagram
• Youtube channel PianoBuffs (NEW) 

Episode music - L. van Beethoven - Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op.70 No.2, I mvt. | M. Lozinskienė, Nadia Kalmykova (Violin) and Loukia Loulaki (Cello)