July 16, 2026 Ekaterina Litau

Music School of Entrepreneurship: A Conversation with Marina Monakhova

Музыкальная школа предпринимательства: беседа Екатерины Литау с Мариной Монаховой

How did music prepare society to embrace innovation as a value in its own right? What do John Cage’s piece “4’33” and Kazimir Malevich’s “Black Square” have in common? And why can Mozart be seen not only as a great composer but also as a successful entrepreneur?

In the new episode of our podcast “Post-Innovative Economy,” my guest was art history PhD and musicologist Marina Monakhova. We discussed how the concept of musical composition, authorship, and creative freedom has changed, the importance of observing and listening to music for developing an aesthetic sense, and why this is crucial for understanding modern entrepreneurship.

It’s impossible not to notice the clear parallels between the creative output of the composer and the entrepreneur. Both create something previously unheard of, offering society a new language and a new sensory experience. And yet, at the same time, they must navigate the arduous journey of finding an audience that will appreciate their vision, finding the resources and like-minded individuals to do so.