Your Story, My Music: How Listeners Inspired an Entire EP

Have you ever experienced something that made you feel sad, deeply moved, or affected someone you love?

It all started when Ron Adelaar asked his followers this question. He shared a video on social media, inviting his followers to share their personal stories. He would then read all of them and make six compositions based on six different stories he received. And so, the journey of the EP ‘Jouw Verhaal, Mijn Muziek’ (Your Story, My Music) began.

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Listen to the EP here.

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Ron’s Innovative Approach to Music Creation

Ron is no stranger to unique and participatory projects. Previously, he released an EP titled 'A Song for You', where he named compositions after people who suggested titles. This time, he sought even deeper involvement from his audience. Together with Andante Piano, 'Your Story, My Music' concept was developed where listeners played a central role in shaping the compositions.

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Value Co-Creation at the Core

Traditionally, the relationship between musician and listener is passive—artists compose, and audiences consume. With this project, Ron redefined that dynamic. His listeners had the chance to become integral contributors to the music, sharing their personal experiences and emotions, which were then transformed into compositions. This process, also called value co-creation (Prahalad and Ramaswamy, 2004), is based on collaboration between creators and their audiences, making them active participants rather than passive listeners (Mulligan, 2011; Gamble & Gilmore, 2013).

Although audience input has been used in various genres, it is rarely found in neoclassical piano music due to its absence of lyrics. However, ‘Jouw Verhaal, Mijn Muziek’ challenges this, enabling a high level of listener involvement in the creative process.

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Turning the Stories into Music

Following the public call on social media, listeners and followers shared their personal stories with Ron. As he explained, this project stands out because of its unique approach to composing:

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"This EP took a completely different direction in how I compose. Normally, my inspiration comes from the beauty of nature, human connections, family, and life’s journeys. This time, I had to draw inspiration from six deeply personal stories shared with me."

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Ron dedicated much of his time to this EP by meeting with the individuals behind the stories and listening to their experiences firsthand. These personal interactions didn’t just inspire the compositions but they shaped their tone and emotional depth. Describing his process, Ron shared:

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"After our meeting, I asked each person to write a short text expressing their emotions. That text stayed on my piano as I composed."

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The Profound Impact of the Project

The results of this unique process were deeply moving. For Ron, witnessing the participants’ reactions was incredibly rewarding. “It’s an intense experience to touch people so deeply with my music.”

For the participants, the connection was equally powerful. Cornel, whose friendship with Jeroen was immortalized in 'Vriendschap', describes: “At some point, the connection between my words and the notes really hit me.” Frans, another participant, echoes this sentiment, saying, “Strangely enough, the music hit me right away. I don’t experience that often.” Ester, one of the participants, recalls, “When I first listened to the piece, I immediately felt emotion and connection.”

Beyond the compositions themselves, the project fostered stronger bonds between Ron and his audience. Many participants have since attended his concerts, and he maintains ongoing relationships with them. “I still stay in touch with all of them,” Ron shares. “They continue to send me warm compliments.”

Marie-Paule, whose story inspired ‘Haar Natuurlijke Ritme’, expressed how deeply she resonated with her piece: “I recognized in the song feelings that I personally experience in my body.” While, a few participants described the process of making the songs as a gift, revealing that its impact was deeply meaningful.

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The Stories Behind the Music

Each composition on Jouw Verhaal, Mijn Muziek tells a powerful and deeply personal story:

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Een Nieuw Begin (Frans) – A New Beginning

After losing his wife of many years, Frans faced overwhelming grief and uncertainty. With support from a close friend, Ergül, he slowly rebuilt his life. Their friendship blossomed into something new, bringing him a sense of renewal and hope.

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Watch Frans' story

Watch Frans' first reaction

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Vriendschap (Cornel) – Friendship

Cornel and Jeroen shared an unbreakable bond filled with humor, music, and deep conversations. Their friendship was a cornerstone of their lives—until Jeroen’s passing. This composition is a tribute to their cherished connection, preserving it through music.

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Watch Cornel's story

Watch Cornel's first reaction

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Ik Mag Mij Zijn (Ester) – I Am Allowed to Be Me

After years in an abusive relationship, Ester found the courage to break free. Her journey led her to write a book about her experience, empowering herself and others. This composition captures her strength and the newfound freedom she embraces.

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Watch Ester's story

Watch Ester's first reaction

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Valentijn (Geeske) – A Mother’s Love

Geeske wanted to honor her son Valentijn, a compassionate and joyful young man who dedicates his time to caring for the elderly. This piece reflects his warmth, energy, and kindness—qualities that inspire those around him.

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Watch Geeske's story

Watch Geeske's first reaction

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Haar Natuurlijke Ritme (Marie-Paule) – Her Natural Rhythm

Marie-Paule’s story highlights the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle and breaking societal taboos. By recognizing its impact on energy and productivity, she seeks to empower women and raise awareness. This composition translates that rhythm into a musical narrative.

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Watch Marie-Paule's story

Watch Marie-Paule's first reaction

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Julie (Ellen)

Julie was just 12 years old when she was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Despite her short life, she remained strong, positive, and full of humor. Her mother, Ellen, wanted to keep Julie’s spirit alive, and this piece serves as a lasting tribute to her resilience and light.

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Watch Ellen's story

Watch Ellen's first reaction

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‘Jouw Verhaal, Mijn Muziek’ is a powerful example of co-creation in the neoclassical piano music world, where both the composer and the audience played essential roles. Ron invited his followers to be part of the creative process, with each side contributing unique value. Without their stories, this EP wouldn’t exist—and without the invitation and music, those stories wouldn’t have been shared and transformed into art.

You can explore all the videos and the stories behind these compositions on our Instagram. For the full experience, we recommend listening to 'Jouw Verhaal, Mijn Muziek' while diving into the heartfelt stories that inspired each piece.

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Listen to the EP.

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