diff --git a/pom.xml b/pom.xml
index 32b39b6..b38a58e 100644
--- a/pom.xml
+++ b/pom.xml
@@ -93,6 +93,13 @@
             <version>${javafx.version}</version>
         </dependency>
 
+        <!-- JLayer: pure-Java MP3 decoder, used instead of JavaFX Media for Flatpak audio compatibility -->
+        <dependency>
+            <groupId>javazoom</groupId>
+            <artifactId>jlayer</artifactId>
+            <version>1.0.1</version>
+        </dependency>
+
         <!-- SQLite -->
         <dependency>
             <groupId>org.xerial</groupId>
diff --git a/src/main/java/kst4contest/utils/PlayAudioUtils.java b/src/main/java/kst4contest/utils/PlayAudioUtils.java
index ac20333..ed7a6f0 100644
--- a/src/main/java/kst4contest/utils/PlayAudioUtils.java
+++ b/src/main/java/kst4contest/utils/PlayAudioUtils.java
@@ -1,13 +1,18 @@
 package kst4contest.utils;
 
-import javafx.scene.media.Media;
-import javafx.scene.media.MediaPlayer;
+import javazoom.jl.decoder.JavaLayerException;
+import javazoom.jl.player.Player;
 import kst4contest.ApplicationConstants;
 
-import java.io.File;
+import java.io.BufferedInputStream;
+import java.io.FileInputStream;
+import java.io.IOException;
 import java.util.Arrays;
-import java.util.LinkedList;
 import java.util.Queue;
+import java.util.concurrent.ConcurrentLinkedQueue;
+import java.util.concurrent.ExecutorService;
+import java.util.concurrent.Executors;
+import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicBoolean;
 
 /**
  * This part of the client drives the sounds. Its a singleton instance. All audio outs are directed to this instance.<br>
@@ -113,12 +118,16 @@ public class PlayAudioUtils {
 
     }
 
-    private Queue<Media> musicList = new LinkedList<Media>();
-    private MediaPlayer mediaPlayer ;
-    /** Set once when JavaFX media cannot create a player (e.g. no reachable audio
-     *  output in a sandbox/headless session). Prevents repeated failures from
-     *  killing the calling thread and spamming the log. */
-    private boolean audioUnavailable = false;
+    private final Queue<String> musicList = new ConcurrentLinkedQueue<>();
+    /** True once audio fails; prevents repeated error logs and further play attempts. */
+    private final AtomicBoolean audioUnavailable = new AtomicBoolean(false);
+    /** True while the drain loop is running; prevents duplicate concurrent drains. */
+    private final AtomicBoolean playing = new AtomicBoolean(false);
+    private final ExecutorService audioThread = Executors.newSingleThreadExecutor(r -> {
+        Thread t = new Thread(r, "audio-player");
+        t.setDaemon(true);
+        return t;
+    });
 
     /**
      * Plays notification sounds out of the windws 95 box by given action character<br/>
@@ -135,40 +144,31 @@ public class PlayAudioUtils {
      */
     public void playNoiseLauncher(char actionChar) {
 
+        switch (actionChar){
+            case '-':
+                musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/tick.mp3"));
+                break;
+            case '!':
+                musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/NOISESTARTUP.mp3"));
+                break;
+            case 'C':
+                musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/NOISECQWINDOW.mp3"));
+                break;
+            case 'P':
+                musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/NOISEPMWINDOW.mp3"));
+                break;
+            case 'E':
+                musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/NOISEERROR.mp3"));
+                break;
+            case 'N':
+                musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/NOISENOTIFY.mp3"));
+                break;
 
-
-//        ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/NOISESTARTUP.mp3");
-
-
-            switch (actionChar){
-                case '-':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File (ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/tick.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
-                    break;
-                case '!':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File (ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/NOISESTARTUP.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
-                    break;
-                case 'C':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File (ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/NOISECQWINDOW.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
-                    break;
-                case 'P':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File (ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/NOISEPMWINDOW.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
-                    break;
-                case 'E':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File (ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/NOISEERROR.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
-                    break;
-                case 'N':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File (ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/NOISENOTIFY.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
-                    break;
-//                case 'M':
-//                    musicList.add(new Media(new File ("VOICE.mp3").toURI().toString()));
-//                    break;
-
-                default:
-                    System.out.println("[KST4ContestApp, warning, letter not defined!]");
+            default:
+                System.out.println("[KST4ContestApp, warning, letter not defined!]");
 
         }
         playMusic();
-//		mediaPlayer.dispose();
 
     }
 
@@ -187,125 +187,124 @@ public class PlayAudioUtils {
         for (char letterToPlay: playThisInCW){
             switch (letterToPlay){
                 case 'A':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRA.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRA.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'B':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRB.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRB.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'C':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRC.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRC.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'D':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRD.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRD.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'E':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRE.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRE.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'F':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRF.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRF.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'G':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRG.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRG.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'H':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRH.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRH.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'I':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRI.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRI.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'J':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRJ.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRJ.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'K':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRK.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRK.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'L':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRL.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRL.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'M':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRM.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRM.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'N':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRN.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRN.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'O':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRO.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRO.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'P':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRP.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRP.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'Q':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRQ.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRQ.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'R':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRR.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRR.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'S':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRS.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRS.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'T':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRT.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRT.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'U':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRU.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRU.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'V':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRV.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRV.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'W':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRW.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRW.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'X':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRX.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRX.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'Y':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRY.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRY.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'Z':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRZ.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRZ.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '1':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR1.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR1.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '2':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR2.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR2.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '3':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR3.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR3.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '4':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR4.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR4.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '5':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR5.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR5.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '6':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR6.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR6.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '7':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR7.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR7.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '8':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR8.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR8.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '9':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR9.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR9.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '0':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR0.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTR0.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '/':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRSTROKE.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRSTROKE.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case ' ':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRSPACE.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/LTTRSPACE.mp3"));
                     break;
                 default:
                     System.out.println("[KST4ContestApp, warning, letter not defined:] cwLetters = " + Arrays.toString(playThisInCW));
             }
         }
         playMusic();
-//		mediaPlayer.dispose();
 
     }
 
@@ -327,172 +326,166 @@ public class PlayAudioUtils {
         for (char letterToPlay: spellThisWithVoice){
             switch (letterToPlay){
                 case '!':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEBELL.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEBELL.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '?':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEYOUGOTMAIL.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEYOUGOTMAIL.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '#':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEHELLO.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEHELLO.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '*':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE73.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE73.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '$':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICESTROKEPORTABLE.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICESTROKEPORTABLE.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'A':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEA.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEA.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'B':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEB.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEB.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'C':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEC.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEC.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'D':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICED.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICED.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'E':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEE.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEE.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'F':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEF.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEF.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'G':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEG.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEG.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'H':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEH.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEH.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'I':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEI.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEI.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'J':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEJ.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEJ.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'K':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEK.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEK.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'L':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEL.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEL.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'M':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEM.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEM.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'N':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEN.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEN.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'O':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEO.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEO.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'P':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEP.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEP.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'Q':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEQ.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEQ.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'R':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICER.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICER.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'S':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICES.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICES.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'T':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICET.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICET.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'U':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEU.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEU.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'V':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEV.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEV.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'W':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEW.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEW.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'X':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEX.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEX.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'Y':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEY.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEY.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case 'Z':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEZ.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICEZ.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '1':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE1.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE1.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '2':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE2.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE2.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '3':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE3.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE3.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '4':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE4.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE4.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '5':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE5.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE5.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '6':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE6.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE6.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '7':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE7.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE7.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '8':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE8.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE8.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '9':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE9.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE9.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '0':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE0.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICE0.mp3"));
                     break;
                 case '/':
-                    musicList.add(new Media(new File(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICESTROKE.mp3")).toURI().toString()));
+                    musicList.add(ApplicationFileUtils.getFilePath(ApplicationConstants.APPLICATION_NAME, "/VOICESTROKE.mp3"));
                     break;
-//				case ' ':
-//					musicList.add(new Media(new File ("VOICESPACE.mp3").toURI().toString()));
-//					break;
                 default:
                     System.out.println("[KST4ContestApp, warning, letter not defined:] cwLetters = " + Arrays.toString(spellThisWithVoice));
             }
         }
         playMusic();
-//		mediaPlayer.dispose();
 
     }
-    private void playMusic() {
 
-//		System.out.println("Kst4ContestApplication.playMusic");
-        if(audioUnavailable || musicList.peek() == null)
-        {
+    private void playMusic() {
+        if (audioUnavailable.get()) {
             musicList.clear();
             return;
         }
-        try {
-            mediaPlayer = new MediaPlayer(musicList.poll());
-            mediaPlayer.setRate(1.0);
-
-            mediaPlayer.setOnReady(() -> {
-                mediaPlayer.play();
-                mediaPlayer.setOnEndOfMedia(() -> {
-//				mediaPlayer.dispose();
-                    playMusic();
-                    if (musicList.isEmpty()) {
-//					mediaPlayer.dispose();
-                    }
-                });
-            });
-        } catch (Throwable t) {
-            // JavaFX could not create the player (typically: no usable audio output,
-            // e.g. missing audio socket in a Flatpak sandbox or no ALSA->Pulse bridge).
-            // Never let this kill the caller (the messageBusManagementThread).
-            audioUnavailable = true;
-            musicList.clear();
-            System.out.println("[KST4ContestApp, warning, audio playback disabled (could not create media player): " + t + "]");
-        }
-
+        // Only start a drain loop if none is running; the running loop will pick up new items itself.
+        if (!playing.compareAndSet(false, true)) return;
+        audioThread.submit(() -> {
+            String path;
+            while ((path = musicList.poll()) != null) {
+                if (audioUnavailable.get()) break;
+                try (FileInputStream fis = new FileInputStream(path);
+                     BufferedInputStream bis = new BufferedInputStream(fis)) {
+                    new Player(bis).play();
+                } catch (IOException | JavaLayerException e) {
+                    audioUnavailable.set(true);
+                    musicList.clear();
+                    System.out.println("[KST4ContestApp, warning, audio playback disabled (could not create media player): " + e + "]");
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+            playing.set(false);
+            // Items may have been enqueued between the last poll() and playing.set(false);
+            // restart the drain loop if so.
+            if (!musicList.isEmpty() && !audioUnavailable.get()) {
+                playMusic();
+            }
+        });
     }
 }
diff --git a/src/main/java/module-info.java b/src/main/java/module-info.java
index ba504ac..3a614f6 100644
--- a/src/main/java/module-info.java
+++ b/src/main/java/module-info.java
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ module praktiKST {
 	requires java.sql;
     requires javafx.media;
     requires jdk.jsobject;
+    requires jlayer;
     requires java.net.http;
     requires java.desktop;
 	requires jdk.crypto.ec;