The American Pianist in Vienna
In this inspiring episode, we interviewed Albert Frantz, an American concert pianist residing in Vienna, Austria. Albert started playing piano at the late age of 17, demonstrating that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passions. He shared his unique journey coming from a non-musical family near Philadelphia, where the arts were not heavily emphasized. Despite these challenges, Albert has risen to become a celebrated musician, showcasing that one’s background does not define their potential.
His path to success was not without its early setbacks. He recounted “false starts,” including a moment when a teacher fired him, deeming him untalented. This experience could have discouraged many, but instead, a high school teammate’s enthusiasm for jazz sparked a curiosity in him. Discovering a love for music, Albert sought further lessons and found a mentor in opera singer Nancy Pelletier. With her guidance, he unveiled his inherent musical talent and dedicated himself to the craft.
TEDx Performance
One of the pivotal moments in Albert’s musical journey was mastering Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue in just a few months. This intense dedication paid off when he performed all 30 pages of the piece to a standing ovation at his debut concert. The experience solidified his commitment to music and was a testament to his hard work.
Switching from a promising engineering career to music during college was a bold move, but Albert credited his mentor Dr. Stephen Smith as instrumental in this transition. Under Smith’s guidance, he immersed himself in the works of Chopin and Liszt, while also learning the intricate depth of Bach’s compositions. This extensive training laid a strong foundation for Albert’s career.
With no Plan B in sight, Albert won a Fulbright scholarship to Vienna—the first pianist in nearly a decade to do so. Drawn by the city’s rich musical heritage, he embraced the opportunity to further his education and career. His dedication led him to become fluent in German, although he humorously recalled a time when he was mistaken for a “slow” Austrian, adding a light-hearted touch to his experience in the city.
Albert praises Vienna for its exceptional quality of life, which includes robust support for the arts, comprehensive universal healthcare, and ample green spaces that contribute to the overall well-being of its residents. His admiration for the city is also reflected in his passionate discussions about pianos, specifically Bosendorfer’s spruce tonewood that, combined with a natural drying process and meticulous handmade construction, yields superior resonance and sound quality.
Interview
Name: Albert Frantz – Occupation: Pianist & Speaker
Location: Vienna, Austria – Nationality: American
In addition to performing, Albert founded Key-notes, an innovative online platform that combines video lessons with applications like Chordio to enhance music theory learning. He emphasized the importance of meaningful learning over rote muscle memory, indicating his dedication to fostering genuine understanding and appreciation for music in his students.
Looking ahead, Albert is excited about his participation in the Vienna City Hall’s inaugural Concert for Children’s Rights. This event will feature works by renowned composers Schumann, Beethoven, and Gershwin, alongside performances by various choirs, all benefiting UNICEF and other organizations dedicated to children’s welfare. His role as a TEDx speaker has positioned him as a significant advocate for children’s rights on an international stage, where he has had the privilege to speak at prestigious venues such as the UN and the Austrian Parliament.
Philosophically, Albert holds a belief that values meaning over happiness, persistently advocating for purpose in the face of life’s uncertainties. His journey serves as an inspiration for many, illustrating that passion, perseverance, and a commitment to one’s values can lead to remarkable achievements. In this episode, we delve deeper into Albert’s experiences, insights, and the impact he hopes to make through his music and advocacy.
TED Talks: How I got involved
Albert Frantz shares his journey into public speaking, highlighting an inspiring turn that shaped his career. He was invited to an early TEDx event in Austria, where they uniquely combined speaking with performing art. This opportunity opened his eyes to the compelling nature of storytelling and its power to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
“To prepare for this significant event, I joined Toastmasters International, an esteemed organization dedicated to honing public speaking and leadership skills through a structured, supportive program that offers constructive feedback,” Frantz explains. He found the experience humbling; as he attended every meeting, he noticed his skills gradually improving. The supportive community of fellow speakers encouraged him to push beyond his comfort zone, embracing not just the technical aspects of public speaking but also cultivating a genuine presence on stage.
Frantz elaborated on how speaking transformed into something far deeper than technique alone. “It became evident to me that, much like music—where practicing scales is important, but true mastery comes from expression—the essence lies in the message we convey.” This revelation led him to focus intensively on children’s rights, collaborating with various nonprofits. This cause, which is profoundly close to his heart, provided him with a sense of purpose and meaning in his speaking engagements.
By sharing his insights on advocacy through public speaking, he aims to raise awareness about children’s rights, inspiring others to join the fight for a better future for vulnerable populations. His journey is not just about personal growth; it’s about making a lasting impact on society, demonstrating how the art of speaking can be a powerful tool for change.
Albert clarifies ”it’s not about happiness but personal meaning—pursuing what matters individually, recognizing our importance, and sometimes fighting for it amid uncertainty”.
Key-notes: PIANO LESSONS
Keynotes is an innovative online piano teaching platform that seamlessly integrates video instruction within an app, designed specifically to enhance the learning of various musical skills tailored to each student’s individual needs. As a teacher, I place a strong emphasis on understanding and learning from my students, keenly diagnosing their struggles and addressing common issues, such as an over-reliance on muscle memory without fully grasping the underlying principles of music theory. This reliance can be likened to typing out Mandarin sentences on a keyboard without comprehending the actual language or the symbols involved, which ultimately leads to insecurity and slower progress in their musical journey. It’s not uncommon for students to invest years of lessons yet remain oblivious to basic chords, which is disheartening and counterproductive to their growth as musicians. In response to this pressing challenge, I developed Cordio, an innovative feature built directly into the Keynotes platform, aimed at making the learning of chords not only easier but also more intuitive, enabling students to forge a deeper connection with the music they create and facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of the piano. Through this approach, I aspire to empower students, helping them to unlock their full potential and achieve their musical aspirations.
Name and Occupation 