Mada & Hugh on Crushing Classical Podcast

We’re thrilled to announce our guest appearance on the Crushing Classical podcast, hosted by the brilliant Jennet Ingle! This podcast is a favorite of ours, as it dives deep into topics that resonate profoundly with our journey: innovative entrepreneurship, creative freedom, and forging “outside-the-box” career paths in the classical music world. Jennet’s thoughtful interviews shine a light on musicians who are redefining success on their own terms, and we’re honored to be part of that conversation.

Building a career in classical music is challenging for any musician, but for pianists, the path can feel especially daunting. Unlike orchestral instrumentalists—violinists, flutists, trombonists—who can audition for established ensembles, pianists rarely have ready-made performance opportunities waiting for them. Outside of academia or running a private teaching studio, those of us who aspire to perform professionally must carve out our own artistic identity and create a career from the ground up, much like launching a solo startup. It’s a journey that demands creativity, resilience, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

We’re incredibly grateful to Jennet for creating such a thoughtful platform where musicians can share their unique career journeys. Our conversation touched on a wide range of topics, from Madalina’s cultural perspective growing up in Romania, to Hugh’s post-Curtis ventures—including developing the AirTurn page-turning pedal and his current role as VP at Cunningham Piano, bridging performance with the world of retail and marketing. We hope our story offers both inspiration and practical insights for fellow musicians navigating their own creative paths, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build a life in music.