Karen Asatrian (piano), Philipp Sageder (voice, electronics, remixing), Horst-Michael Schaffer (winds)

Master rhythmsection of the mdw

Active participation: all instrumentalists, singers
Intensity level: 2

Learn how to improvise in easy steps and get on stage with a master rhythmsection from the Institute for popular music (iPOP) of the mdw! Play the songs you always loved!

Thomas Toppler

Active Participation: all instrumentalists and singers
Intensity level: 2

This workshop invites you to discover your own playfulness, to curiously shape the moment and thereby expand creativity, strength of mind and possibilities for action.

In contrast to the established ensemble work starting from the instrument, the focus of this workshop is on the communication and playfulness of the musicians with each other. Using various contact and improvisation games from the field of acting, we will embark on new paths of musical communication in an ensemble context. Key topics and challenges in the collaboration will be approached playfully and exploratively at the same time, experience a breeze of fresh inspiration and thereby promote expressive ensemble playing.

“Playing” musicians are open, big, beautiful and above all human. Behind this work is the search for inner freedom, personal expression, the individual drive to express oneself musically and the courage to play with the stage. According to the only rule in art, the motto is: Don’t be boring! Everything else is negotiable.

Andreas Vierziger

Active participation: all instrumentalists and singers
Intensity level: 1

The requirements for being a successful classical musician have changed rapidly in recent years. Mastering an instrument now merely forms the basis of an artist’s 360-degree profile. Individual sessions with music manager Andreas Vierziger provide an opportunity to focus on your own career strategies. The contents of these sessions are flexible and can include topics such as concert booking, self-management, project management, creating and optimising artist materials, project development, positioning and branding, websites, marketing skills, networking, and beyond.

The sessions either develop flexibly and organically or you come with a specific list of questions or documents that you would like to revise.

Ewa Pobłocka

Active participation: all pianists
Intensity level: 2

The workshop is designed for pianists and consists of two components. The first is a lecture by Prof. Ewa Pobłocka titled “Mazurkas Op. 6, Op. 24, and Op. 59 – Similarities and Differences.” The lecture will be accompanied by the artist’s presentation of selected performance aspects. The second component involves individual lessons with workshop participants, providing an opportunity to work on repertoire and learn directly from a renowned artist.

Veronika Jana Lubert

Active participation: all instrumentalists and singers
Intensity level: 2

Mental strength is a key factor for successful performances, effective practice, and long-term well-being. In my program, you will have the opportunity to work specifically on the psychological aspects of your musical activities. In interactive workshops, we will address essential topics such as managing stage fright, setting goals for practice and rehearsals, and sustainable stress management.

Daily group sessions provide rejuvenating breaks between rehearsals and lessons. Using techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and mindfulness exercises, you will begin each musical activity refreshed, focused, and positive.

For individual concerns, one-on-one sessions are available to develop tailored solutions together – from performance preparation to personal growth. Chamber music ensembles can benefit from coaching sessions designed to enhance communication, role distribution, and collaboration.

This program is aimed at all musicians who wish to strengthen their mental resilience and achieve a sustainable balance between peak performance and personal fulfillment.

Ulla Pilz

Active participation: all instrumentalists and singers
Intensity level: 2

Musicians are being asked more and more often to present themselves onstage not only with their instruments but also verbally. This workshop provides support, feedback, tips, and tricks for public speaking in the field of music. That which is learned can be practically applied at the concerts of the isaFestival.

Input and workshop by Michael Dörfler-Kneihs, Birgit Huebener, Doris Ingrisch

Active participation: all instrumentalists and singers, isaResearch, isaCommunity
Intensity level: 1

Dealing with burning questions about our future enables us to envision a life worth living for all.
Art, in all its facets, plays an important role in this process, as it constantly invites us to perceive and think differently.
The workshop will open up a space for experimenting, talking and new ways of listening.
For the instrumentalists: Please bring your instruments.

Philipp Nykrin

Aktive Teilnahme: alle Pianist*innen (auch für Zweitfach o. ä. möglich)
Intensitätsgrad: 1

In diesem Kurzworkshop werden die Grundfunktionen und klanglichen Möglichkeiten von Synthesizern und weiteren elektronischen Tasteninstrumenten Einsteiger*innen-freundlich vorgestellt. Die Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer können im Anschluss an den Workshop die Tasteninstrumente des Instituts für Popularmusik (u. a. eine Hammond-Orgel, ein Fender Rhodes Electric Piano und diverse Synthesizer) selbstständig ausprobieren.

Zu diesem Zwecke wird die Mitnahme eigener Kopfhörer (große Klinkenbuchse) empfohlen.