As an experienced musician who has given concerts around the world, how did you get into music in the first place?
I still remember that very well. I was only eight years old and really wanted to play the trumpet. I went to school in Hungary, where it was common to go to an all-day school. You could try out different musical instruments there. Back then it was said that I was not born for the trumpet, because that requires thin lips. But I had stronger lips, so they wanted to push the trumpet on me. But I already knew then that it should definitely be the trumpet. And I loved to use the music lessons in the afternoon to escape homework supervision.
Since the beginning of the year you have been the director of the youth music school Westlicher Hegau. Can you already draw a conclusion after the first few weeks in office?
Yes, I can do that. Because actually I’ve been the one running the music school since August. First as deputy headmaster and shortly afterwards as acting headmaster. My predecessor left the music school after a short time in office. I am particularly impressed by the willingness of the sponsoring communities of Gailingen, Gottmadingen, Hilzingen and Rielasingen-Worblingen to cooperate. You always meet open ears there. I am also enthusiastic about the vigor and enthusiasm with which my teaching colleagues accepted the challenge of the pandemic and are progressing. Together with our students, we carry the youth music school through this time, which is characterized by the corona pandemic.
You have been teaching at the school for two decades. How was that in the beginning?
To be honest, as a young musician, I never thought I’d teach in a music school. In 1996 I won a prestigious prize in a nationwide university competition in Berlin. After that, many musical doors between Berlin and Singapore opened up for me. I was a sought-after musician on international stages, lived out of a suitcase and only came home to have my tails and suits cleaned. Then I met my wife, who is also a musician. At the music school I started with a very small number of hours and continued to give concerts. At some point I put an end to concert life and decided to live a sedentary life with my wife, my family and an increasing amount of money at the youth music school.
How do you deal with the situation of having turned from colleague to boss?
Hardly anything has changed in this regard. My friendly relationship with my colleagues has remained. I know exactly how my friends and colleagues think, what expectations they have, what they need and how quickly they need it. In my new position, I will receive excellent support from Susanne Riedel and Claudia Speichinger in administration and in all areas. The first chairman of the music school, Franz Moser, is also always on hand to offer advice and assistance. I am always available for everyone and rely on an open dialogue. I always feel positive about criticism because it can lead to improvement.
Corona reduces the opportunities to present yourself in public. Do you notice this in the development of the number of students?
Of course we notice that. There are more cancellations and few new students. It is particularly important now that the children make music and are taught. Even if this is only possible online at the moment. Especially at this time it is necessary that children develop further and that they are supported musically. The most important thing is not to play a note perfectly, but to get to know yourself and develop your own personality in this way. Musical education is something that lasts. And regardless of whether a child treads a musical path in later life or not, the seeds have been sown.
Music lessons and an instrument cost money. So is it reserved for privileged students to attend music school?
Under no circumstance. Music is not a luxury, it is a necessity. The sponsoring communities also recognized this. Families who are financially poor can receive a social pass. This covers a large part of the costs. There are also music associations that support music students. Because the clubs are also interested in cherishing and shaping our musical cultural landscape.
What can music do in us?
Music and making music can have a positive influence on people. And how I am as a person and how I present myself influences my surroundings in many things. And one thing is clear to me: positive change is possible through music.
Questions: Sandra Bossenmaier
To person:
Arpad Fodor, 46, was born in Budapest and declared his love for the trumpet at the age of eight. He studied at prestigious schools, received numerous awards and won prestigious competitions. In addition to his concert activities as a soloist and chamber musician, he has participated in numerous CD, TV and radio recordings. Since 2000, he has also been conveying his passion for brass instruments to students at the youth music school in Westlicher Hegau. He is also the first conductor of the Hilzingen Music Association and the association conductor of the Hegau-Bodensee brass band. (bos)
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