In 2020, FOCUS on You was born out of a simple but powerful idea: classical musicians deserve the tools, knowledge, and support to shape their own careers. Today, as we celebrate our 5th anniversary, we look back with gratitude on the hundreds of performers and composers from every continent who have taken part in our mentoring programs, workshops, consultations, and community. But more importantly, we look ahead—because our mission remains the same: to help musicians step into their power and multiply their opportunities in the classical music world.
Eszter Bodnár
Why We Exist: Agency and Empowerment for Musicians
Classical musicians spend countless hours perfecting their craft. Yet talent and technical mastery alone are not enough to thrive in the 21st-century music business. That’s why FOCUS on You was created: to empower musicians to take agency over their careers.
Too often, musicians wait for someone to “pick them”: a competition jury, a festival director, a record label. Our philosophy is simple: don’t wait to be chosen but choose yourself. You can initiate your own projects, create your own opportunities, and build your own path without waiting for permission.
Our Core Values: The Foundation of FOCUS on You
Over the past five years, we’ve built a program rooted in values that continue to inspire both our team and our participants:
- Agency above everything: Musicians must have control over their careers.
- Advocate for yourself: Don’t wait for others to open doors, create your own.
- Think globally, act locally: Your community matters, but your vision can extend worldwide.
- Creativity is a superpower: Musicians aren’t just interpreters, they are innovators who can shape their own careers and projects with the same creativity they bring to their art.
- Every path is unique: There is no “one-size-fits-all” career. We don’t prescribe solutions—we provide support.
- We give the net, not the fish: Our goal is to equip musicians with long-term skills, not quick fixes. You will be able to use the tools we give you during your entire career.
- Everything can be learned: If you can master an instrument, you can master soft skills like networking, fundraising, and communication.
- Community is key: A strong network of like-minded peers provides resilience, inspiration, and lifelong support.
What We Do: Building Skills for the Modern Musician
Through our mentoring programs, workshops, lectures, and individual consultations, we equip musicians with practical tools to navigate the complexities of the classical music business.
Topics include:
- Season planning for musicians
- Fundraising and grant applications
- Networking and community building
- Communication and storytelling
- Project design and implementation
And it works! Over the past five years, we’ve seen participants launch festivals, ensembles, recording projects, and community initiatives. We’ve seen musicians gain confidence in speaking about their work, raising funds for their ideas, and connecting with new audiences – both locally and globally.
Community: Our Greatest Achievement
Perhaps our proudest accomplishment isn’t just the skills musicians gain, but the community they join. Our alumni often say that beyond mentorship and training, they’ve found a network of peers who truly understand their challenges and aspirations. In an industry that can feel isolating, this sense of belonging is invaluable.
Our online community and in-person events bring together instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers from every corner of the world, creating a web of support and inspiration that extends far beyond the program itself.
Looking Ahead: Multiplying Opportunities
As we step into our next chapter, we remain committed to our vision: helping musicians design careers that are not only sustainable, but fulfilling and true to who they are.
Our upcoming events—including the 2025 FOCUS on You Challenge, new mentoring programs, and workshops on thriving in the classical music business—are designed to continue multiplying opportunities for musicians worldwide.
A Final Note of Gratitude
To all the musicians who have trusted us with their dreams, and to the mentors and experts who have shared their knowledge and wisdom: thank you. You are the reason FOCUS on You has grown into a global community in just five years.
Here’s to the next five years of empowering classical musicians to find their path—on their own terms.
Join us for the next chapter. Explore our programs, mentoring opportunities, and community today. Your career deserves focus – FOCUS on You.