The Myth of the Classical Music Expert
Breaking the Cycle of Authority and Innovation
Reflections from the Artful Maestro Podcast by Nenad Leonart
What defines greatness in classical music? Is it the consensus of a few “experts” whose opinions dictate the industry’s direction? Or is it something more fluid, dynamic, and audience-driven? In this Artful Maestro episode, we dive into the detrimental grip of self-proclaimed experts on the classical music field and explore how breaking free from their authority could be the key to saving the art form.
Hi, I’m Nenad Leonart—harpsichordist, historical organist, and your guide on this journey of classical music’s transformation. As someone who straddles the worlds of performance, social media, and coaching, I’ve seen firsthand how outdated structures stifle innovation. This episode is about questioning those structures, challenging long-held assumptions, and paving the way for a sustainable future in classical music.
The Authority Complex in Classical Music
Classical music has long been shaped by a handful of gatekeepers—academics, critics, and high-profile performers who set the standards for what is “good” or “bad.” From our earliest lessons, we’re taught to revere certain composers, recordings, or interpretations as the pinnacle of artistry.
But who decides this? More importantly, why do we accept their judgment without question?
The roots of this authority complex lie in tradition. We are trained to believe that mastery requires adhering to the standards set by these experts. Yet, as I reflected in the podcast, much of this so-called expertise is subjective, shaped by personal biases and preferences. The rigidity of this system not only limits creativity but also alienates audiences.
The Disconnect Between Experts and Reality
One of the most startling revelations about classical music’s current state is its unsustainable dependence on external funding. Even top-tier institutions like Zurich’s opera house rely heavily on government subsidies to survive. Despite this precarious foundation, many in the industry cling to outdated ideals, ignoring the realities of modern audiences and markets.
Experts often dismiss marketing, audience engagement, and technological innovation as beneath them. This disdain for “common” strategies keeps the art form insulated, inaccessible, and increasingly irrelevant. The pandemic revealed just how expendable music was deemed when push came to shove.
The Fallacy of the Absolute Truth
During my music studies, I was struck by how different teachers presented their methods and opinions as absolute truths. One teacher’s favorite pianist was another’s overlooked artist. The interpretations that one professor deemed essential were dismissed by another. This inconsistency highlights the subjectivity of expertise.
Yet, instead of acknowledging this subjectivity, many experts double down, reinforcing their biases through their students and colleagues. This creates a vicious cycle where innovation is stifled, and musicians are discouraged from questioning the status quo.
Breaking the Cycle: Lessons from Handel and Bach
Classical music’s history offers two contrasting models: Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel.
- Bach, revered today as a genius, struggled during his lifetime to achieve widespread recognition. His unwavering dedication to his artistic ideals often clashed with the practical demands of his era.
- Handel, on the other hand, embraced the entrepreneurial spirit, adapting his compositions to suit audience tastes and market demands. He built a thriving career by balancing artistic integrity with popular appeal.
While both approaches have merit, Handel’s success as an innovator holds valuable lessons for today’s musicians. By understanding and catering to his audience, he created a lasting impact that resonated far beyond his lifetime.
The Role of Marketing in Modern Classical Music
For many classical musicians, marketing feels like a dirty word. We’ve been conditioned to see it as shallow or inauthentic—a betrayal of our artistic values. But this mindset is a luxury the industry can no longer afford.
Marketing isn’t about selling out; it’s about connecting. It’s about understanding your audience, communicating your vision, and building relationships that sustain your career.
Here are a few actionable strategies to embrace marketing without compromising your artistry:
- Know Your Audience: Take the time to understand who your listeners are and what they value. Use social media and other platforms to engage directly with them.
- Test and Adapt: Like Handel, be willing to experiment with different approaches. Not every attempt will succeed, but each one will teach you something valuable.
- Stay Authentic: Marketing doesn’t mean abandoning your identity. It’s about finding the overlap between your artistic vision and your audience’s interests.
- Invest in Your Online Presence: A strong website, active social media profiles, and engaging content can make you more accessible and relevant to modern audiences.
Reimagining the Role of Experts
If the classical music industry is to thrive, it must move beyond the outdated model of expertise as unquestionable authority. Instead, we need a new kind of expert—one who listens as much as they teach, who values collaboration over hierarchy, and who embraces the evolving landscape of music.
This shift requires a change in mindset. Teachers, critics, and performers must acknowledge the subjectivity of their perspectives and encourage students to explore diverse approaches. Audiences, too, should be empowered to trust their own tastes rather than defer to established norms.
Actionable Takeaways for Musicians
- Question Authority: Don’t accept expert opinions as gospel. Explore different interpretations, styles, and methods to find what resonates with you.
- Embrace Innovation: Use technology, social media, and modern marketing techniques to connect with new audiences and diversify your income streams.
- Prioritize Collaboration: Seek out mentors, peers, and audiences who challenge your assumptions and broaden your horizons.
- Stay Adaptable: The most successful musicians are those who can evolve with changing times. Be open to learning and growing throughout your career.
Conclusion: Choosing a New Path
The classical music industry stands at a crossroads. We can continue to follow the path laid out by self-proclaimed experts, clinging to outdated ideals and practices. Or we can forge a new way forward—one that values innovation, collaboration, and audience connection.
As musicians, we have the power to break the cycle. By questioning authority, embracing change, and prioritizing our relationships with audiences, we can ensure the future of classical music remains vibrant and relevant.
So, what path will you choose? Let’s start a conversation. Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments or join the Artful Maestro Inner Circle to connect with like-minded musicians. Together, we can build a brighter future for classical music.
Thank you for listening, for reading, and for being part of this journey. Let’s create something extraordinary.