The Artful Maestro Blog

Why Everything Seems to be Broken…

From Bach to Bytes:
Classical Musicians in the Digital Age

Broken People Create a Broken World

Lessons from Trauma and Transformation

Reflections from the Artful Maestro Podcast by Nenad Leonart


What happens when brokenness becomes the foundation of our lives and institutions? How does unaddressed trauma ripple through our personal and professional spheres, influencing not just our well-being but also the systems we live and work within? These were the deep, thought-provoking questions we explored in this Artful Maestro episode, titled Broken People Create a Broken World.

Hi, I’m Nenad Leonart—harpsichordist, historical organist, and your host for this journey into understanding how trauma shapes our individual and collective realities. Over the years, I’ve delved into the worlds of classical music and personal development, discovering surprising connections between the two. This episode isn’t just about understanding the broken systems within the classical music industry; it’s about understanding why they remain broken—and how each of us, as individuals, can begin to mend them.

The Hidden Foundation of Our Lives: Trauma

The phrase broken people create a broken world might sound harsh, but it holds an uncomfortable truth. At its core, it suggests that unhealed trauma shapes not only individuals but also the organizations and societies they build.

Drawing from my training in trauma psychology, I shared the fascinating work of Franz Ruppert, a psychology professor who began his career in corporate conflict resolution. He discovered that most workplace conflicts weren’t just about policies or personalities—they were rooted in unresolved family dynamics. This insight led him deeper into the realm of trauma psychology, uncovering how early life experiences profoundly shape adult behavior.

Most of our traumas, Ruppert found, occur during early childhood or even before birth. As infants, we are incredibly impressionable, and experiences of fear, neglect, or emotional disconnection leave lasting marks. These traumas don’t just vanish—they are stored in the subconscious, shaping our decisions, relationships, and even our creative endeavors.

Understanding Trauma Through the Iceberg Principle

Imagine an iceberg. The small portion above water represents our conscious mind—the thoughts and feelings we are aware of. The much larger portion beneath the surface represents our subconscious mind, where unprocessed memories and traumas reside. While we may not always be aware of what’s beneath, it constantly influences our behaviors and decisions.

In music, as in life, this is evident. Think of how we practice tirelessly to internalize a piece until it becomes second nature. Similarly, our subconscious stores learned behaviors, often rooted in survival mechanisms developed during traumatic experiences. These mechanisms, though helpful in the moment, can become barriers later in life.

A Personal Story of Trauma in Music

As a musician, I’ve experienced how trauma manifests in performance. Early in my studies, I made a mistake during a high-pressure concert—a fortissimo chord played a beat too early. The embarrassment I felt was overwhelming, far exceeding the actual gravity of the mistake.

Why did I react so strongly? The answer lies in earlier, subconscious memories—perhaps times as a child when mistakes were met with harsh criticism or disapproval. This seemingly small performance error triggered a deeply ingrained fear of rejection, paralyzing me in the moment and affecting my confidence for years.

Sound familiar? Many musicians carry similar burdens, from stage fright to perfectionism, often rooted in unacknowledged traumas.

The Ripple Effect: Trauma in the Classical Music Industry

The classical music industry, like any other, reflects the individuals within it. When those individuals operate from a place of unhealed trauma, it creates systemic issues: gatekeeping, rigid hierarchies, and a resistance to change.

Consider how fear of judgment discourages many musicians from taking risks or expressing vulnerability. This culture of perfectionism stifles creativity and connection, alienating both performers and audiences.

But the problem goes deeper. Many decision-makers in the industry—whether concert organizers, educators, or administrators—carry their own unprocessed traumas, shaping policies and practices that perpetuate dysfunction.

Healing as a Path to Transformation

So, what can we do? The good news is that healing is possible. Trauma may leave scars, but it doesn’t have to define us. By addressing our own wounds, we can not only improve our lives but also contribute to healthier, more sustainable systems.

Here are three steps to start this journey:

  1. Acknowledge Your Trauma: Begin by recognizing that trauma isn’t limited to catastrophic events. Everyday experiences, especially in childhood, can leave lasting marks. Reflect on patterns in your life that might stem from unresolved pain.
  2. Seek Support: Healing is rarely a solo endeavor. Whether through therapy, coaching, or support groups, connecting with others can help you process and integrate difficult experiences.
  3. Practice Self-Compassion: Healing takes time and patience. Be kind to yourself as you navigate this journey, celebrating small victories along the way.

Building a New Foundation in Classical Music

For classical musicians, healing isn’t just a personal endeavor—it’s a professional imperative. By addressing our own traumas, we can:

  • Foster Creativity: When we free ourselves from the fear of failure, we can explore new ideas and artistic directions.
  • Engage Modern Audiences: Authenticity resonates. Audiences are drawn to performers who are willing to share their humanity, imperfections and all.
  • Challenge the Status Quo: A healed, confident musician is better equipped to question outdated norms and advocate for change.

Actionable Takeaways for Musicians

  1. Redefine Success: Let go of perfectionism and embrace growth. Success isn’t about never making mistakes—it’s about learning from them.
  2. Share Your Story: Vulnerability is powerful. Sharing your experiences can create deeper connections with your audience and colleagues.
  3. Prioritize Mental Health: Incorporate practices like mindfulness, therapy, or journaling into your routine to maintain emotional well-being.
  4. Build Community: Join groups like the Artful Maestro Inner Circle, where you can exchange ideas and support with like-minded musicians.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

If we want to mend the broken systems in classical music—or any field—we must start with ourselves. By confronting and healing our own traumas, we can break the cycle of dysfunction and create a more compassionate, innovative, and inclusive world.

As you reflect on this episode, consider the ways trauma may have shaped your own journey. What steps can you take to begin the healing process?

Let’s not settle for a broken world. Together, we can create something better.


Ready to Dive Deeper?
For more in-depth discussions on trauma, identity, and personal growth, check out my new podcast, Exaltify Me. And as always, join the conversation in the Artful Maestro Inner Circle.

Your story matters. Let’s share it, heal together, and inspire change.

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Nenad set out on a personal mission to reach younger generations with classical music in a meaningful way. An ambassador for baroque keyboard music, he grew his digital influence with proven methods, reaching millions of people online. He now coaches and inspires classical musicians to do the same.

-> If we manage to excite the coming generations for classical music and create lasting resonant bonds, we open ourselves up to a whole new future with amazing possibilities.

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