The Piano Pod - a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music

The Piano Pod - a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music

di Yukimi Song

Arti dello spettacolo Interviste musicali

Stagione 5

The Piano Pod is Now on Substack!

🎉 The Piano Pod is Now on Substack! 🎉 Welcome to The Piano Pod! I’m Yukimi, a classical pianist, educator, and the Executive Producer of this global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music, broadcasting from the heart of New York City. Whether you’re a loyal fan or discovering us for the first time, I’m so glad you’re here! For those new to The Piano Pod, here’s a little background: this podcast is a vibrant space where we explore the ever-evolving world of classical music, with a special focus on the piano. Since our launch in 2020, we’ve featured over 70 inspiring guests—Grammy Award winners, Steinway Artists, digital influencers, and neurodiverse specialists, to name a few. Together, we’ve delved into topics like inclusive piano literature, pedagogy, entrepreneurship, and audience engagement. 👉 Check out our exciting guest list here. Support Our Mission! Substack is an all-in-one platform where creators like me can connect directly with you, share exclusive content, and build a thriving community. By subscribing, you’ll get behind-the-scenes updates, early access to new episodes, and special perks designed just for our audience. Your Substack subscription helps us create more of these meaningful conversations and support initiatives that uplift the classical music community. Please subscribe The Piano Pod on Substack and become a paid member today: https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe This journey is about more than music—it’s about bridging the gap between classical music traditions and today’s world. If you share this passion, join us as we celebrate the beauty, complexity, and relevance of this art form. 🎵 Let’s make classical music vibrant, engaging, and accessible—together! 🎵 Warmly, Yukimi, Executive Producer for The Piano Pod

Official Trailer ✅: "Virtuoso Reimagined" feat. Sophia Agranovich, Multi-Award-Winning Virtuoso and Steinway Artist

🎥 Watch the Trailer for Our Final 2024 Episode feat. Sophia Agranovich! Join us for the last episode of The Piano Pod in 2024, featuring the extraordinary Sophia Agranovich, proudly sponsored by The Compass Concerts, tomorrow, December 17, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET! Sophia is a celebrated pianist, a trailblazer in IT, an advocate for holistic wellness, and a devoted educator. Her journey is a remarkable testament to resilience, determination, and the enduring power of passion. In the 1980s, Sophia made the bold decision to pause her flourishing music career to excel as an IT executive at MetLife and Merrill Lynch—all while staying connected to her first love, the piano. In 2008, she returned to the stage, reigniting her career as a concert pianist. Today, she’s a Steinway Artist with 11 acclaimed solo albums and performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. In this episode, we explore: ✨ Balancing two careers: how she kept her music alive while excelling in IT and raising a family. ✨ Her triumphant return to music, including global performances and acclaimed recordings. ✨ How stepping away gave her a fresh perspective and deepened her artistry. ✨ Insights into her passion for connecting music, wellness, and education. Sophia’s story is about reinvention—proving that talent, passion, and dedication can thrive through any career path. 🎹 Join the broadcast of this special episode this coming Tuesday, December 17 at 8:0 0pm ET, on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/uDGhZ9EdveY 🎧 The audio episode will also be available simultaneously on your go-to podcast platforms: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio 👉 Don’t forget to like, follow, and share this post with friends and fellow music lovers! . #ThePianoPod #PodcastEpisode #SophiaAgranovich #PianoMusic #ClassicalMusic #SteinwayArtist #MusicAndWellness #RediscoverPassion #ClassicalMusicPodcast

Official Trailer ✅: Season 5 Episode 7, "Crafting Creative Paths - Exploring Brazilian Rhythms, Creative Coaching, and the Art of Self-Compassion" feat. Rebecca Hass, Composer & Pianists

🎥 Here’s the Trailer for Season 5 Episode 7 feat. - Rebecca Hass: Pianist, Composer, Creative Coach, and Musicians’ Mental Health Advocate! The Piano Pod’s upcoming episode, “Crafting Creative Paths,” features an uplifting and insightful conversation with Rebecca Hass, a multifaceted artist whose work bridges music, coaching, and mental health advocacy. Recorded on November 6, right after the 2024 🇺🇸 Presidential election, this episode offers a moment of reflection and inspiration for creative minds. Rebecca’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, authenticity, and self-compassion. From her passion for Brazilian rhythms to her innovative coaching practices, Rebecca has forged her own unique path in the music world. ✨ Highlights from the Episode: Discovering Brazilian Music: Rebecca fell in love with Brazilian rhythms through influences that transformed her artistry. Her albums, Florescer and Bright Little Worlds, capture the wit, lyricism, and joy inspired by these vibrant sounds. She also shares an excerpt from Gingando and offers a quick lecture exploring the diversity of Brazilian music. The 100-Day Project & Composing Journey: Rebecca discusses how #The100DayProjects sparked her creative growth. By committing to compose at least 8 bars of music daily for 100 days, she embraced the cumulative power of small, consistent efforts. This practice shaped her approach to composition and led to her stunning 2024 album, Bright Little Worlds, featuring 22 genre-blending pieces. Exploring Creativity in Music Making: Rebecca explains how integrating improvisation, genre exploration, and composition into piano practice enhances creative expression, intuition, and emotional connection. Her perspective offers actionable advice for musicians of all levels. Creative Coaching & Mental Health: Learn about Rebecca’s coaching philosophy, which focuses on self-compassion, energy management, and realistic to-do lists. She introduces her workbook, Fuel Your Creative Work, a tool designed to help creatives maintain balance and joy in their work. Authenticity, Community, and Connection: Rebecca shares her insights on building supportive networks, embracing your unique identity, and navigating the challenges of crowdfunding two albums. Her advice is a beacon for anyone forging a nontraditional path. Balancing Purpose and Self-Care: From overcoming burnout to finding confidence as an introverted artist, Rebecca reflects on how small, intentional habits have shaped her journey and helped her stay grounded. Don’t miss this powerful episode! Rebecca’s story is filled with insights for musicians, composers, and creatives seeking purpose, balance, and joy in their careers. 🗓 Premiere Date: Tuesday, December 3, at 8:00 PM ET 🎧 Available on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio 📺 Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ia6hZhSgghI #ThePianoPod #RebeccaHass #Creativity #Piano #Composer #SelfCompassion #BrazilianMusic #CreativeCoaching #100DayProject #Podcast

Official Trailer ✅: Season 5 Episode 6: "Healing, Heritage, & Musical Transformation" -.Yamaha Artist, Dr. Artina McCain

🎥Check out the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode: Season 5 Episode 6 feat. Dr. Artina McCain! In this special episode of The Piano Pod, “Healing, Heritage, and Musical Transformation: Exploring Artina McCain’s Journey of Resilience, Advocacy, and Wellness,” I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Artina McCain, an award-winning pianist, Yamaha Artist, wellness advocate, and dedicated educator. As a passionate advocate for underrepresented composers, Artina has dedicated her career to promoting diversity in classical music. I was thrilled to ask her about the challenges she faced in pushing for greater representation and the positive stories of success in her advocacy work. We also discussed her inspiring solo album Heritage, which blends spirituals, classical forms, and folk influences, spotlighting Black and underrepresented composers. 🎹✨ But that’s not all! Artina also shared some exciting news with The Piano Pod’s listeners exclusively: her next 💿 album, coming out next year, and her recent collaboration with Solange 🤯🤩 🌟 Highlights of This Episode 🌟 🔹 Progress on Inclusivity: Artina’s insights on her ongoing efforts to represent underrepresented and BIPOC composers in classical music. 🔹Showcasing Exceptionally Talented Contemporary Composers and Arrangers from Diverse Backgrounds, including Aldo Lopez Gavilan and Joseph Joubert 🔹 Diversity in Institutions: Strategies for conservatories and orchestras to better support minority composers and create opportunities for musicians of color as conductors, professors, and producers. 🔹 Healing Through Music: Overcoming a 6-year performance hiatus with the help of Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) and reengineering her playing for wellness. 🎶 Tune in for an enriching conversation with Dr. Artina McCain as she shares her journey of resilience, artistic exploration, and commitment to shaping the next generation of musicians through wellness and authenticity. 📅 Premiere Date: Tuesday, November 19, at 8:00 PM ET 🎧Via podcast platforms: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio 📺 Via YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Vwhth2QqkLI #ThePianoPod #ArtinaMcCain #YamahaArtist #WellnessAdvocate #ClassicalMusic #DiversityInMusic #RepresentationMatters #UnderrepresentedComposers #BlackComposers #Solange #MusicEducation #PianoMusic #MusicPodcast #Piano

Official Trailer ✅ for Season 5 Episode 5: "Dances, Improvisations, and Song: Exploring Mark Markham’s Legacy and Journey of Passion, Artistry, and Deep Collaborations," feat. Steinway Artist, Mark Markham.

Here is the official trailer of TPP Season 5 Episode 5, "Dances, Improvisations, and Song: Exploring Mark Markham’s Legacy and Journey of Passion, Artistry, and Deep Collaborations," feat. Mark Markham. 🎉In this special episode of The Piano Pod, “Dances, Improvisations, and Song: Exploring Mark Markham’s Legacy and Journey of Passion, Artistry, and Deep Collaborations,” we welcome Mark Markham, acclaimed Steinway Artist celebrated soloist, collaborative pianist, jazz improviser, and renowned vocal coach. With a career spanning decades and continents, Mark is widely known for his masterful range, from performing classical masterpieces to collaborating with the legendary 🎵Jessye Norman in over 300 concerts worldwide. Highlights of This Episode: ✅ Mark’s insights on his artistic journey: from Bach to contemporary compositions, and why embracing new repertoire inspires him. ✅ An in-depth discussion on improvisation in classical and jazz settings, along with the art of tone production and technique. ✅ Mark’s experiences working with celebrated vocalists, emphasizing the importance of voice-piano synergy. ✅ His impactful role as an educator and mentor at institutions like Peabody Institute (Johns Hopkins University) and through global masterclasses, including the Art Song Preservation Society of New York ✅ Reflections on legacy, purpose in music, and innovative ways to connect with modern audiences. Tune in to hear Mark’s fascinating journey and his thoughts on the future of classical music! 📅 Premiere Date: Tuesday, November 12, at 8:00 PM ET 🎧 Available on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio 📺 Available on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/e-KSnqcDgio #ThePianoPod #ClassicalMusic #Podcast #Piano #MarkMarkham #JessyeNorman #Improvisation #VocalCollaboration #ClassicalPianist #MusicEducation #NewEpisode #PianoTechnique

Important Announcement: New Episode Dates for Season 5

Hello, Piano Pod friends and listeners! Today is U.S. Election Day, and we’re making a small adjustment to our usual release schedule. Instead of our biweekly episode scheduled for today, we’re taking a brief pause to encourage everyone to vote and stay engaged with the election. Here’s what’s coming up: Season 5, Episode 5 with Mark Markham will now premiere on November 12th. Mark dives into the art of improvisation, piano technique, and his remarkable career as both a soloist and collaborator. Season 5, Episode 6, featuring Artina McCain, will follow on November 19th. Artina shares insights on advocacy, her support for underrepresented composers, and her dynamic approach to teaching and performance. Thank you for your understanding and support! Don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss these exciting conversations. See you on November 12th!

Official Trailer ✅ for Season 5 Episode 4: “Kaleidoscope: Championing Women” feat. Dr. Isabel Pérez Dobarro – International Concert Pianist, Advocate for Women Composers, and Champion of Global Sustainability 🎹

Enjoy The Piano Pod’s Official Trailer ✅ for Season 5 Episode 4: “Kaleidoscope: Championing Women” feat. Dr. Isabel Pérez Dobarro – International Concert Pianist, Advocate for Women Composers, and Champion of Global Sustainability 🎹 We are beyond excited to welcome Isabel to our latest episode of The Piano Pod for Season 5, Episode 4! The interview recording session took place on October 11, 2024—the very day of the release of Isabel’s new solo piano album, Kaleidoscope. She chose us, THE PIANO POD, to share the news exclusively! 🥳🎶 In this episode, Isabel dives deep into the inspiration behind Kaleidoscope, a stunning collection of works by women composers from around the world. 🌍 She shares what motivated her to bring their voices into the spotlight and the powerful message she hopes to convey through this incredible project. 🎶 We also explored: 🎙️ Isabel’s passion for promoting music by women composers globally 🎙️ The origin of the album title, Kaleidoscope, and the stories behind the pieces 🎙️ Her approach to programming that highlights musical diversity across cultures 🎙️ Challenges and progress in advocating for women composers in classical music 🎙️ Her impactful advocacy work, from iconic performances to speaking at the United Nations on sustainability and gender equality 🎙️ How she balances her roles as a pianist, activist, and international relations advocate 🙌 Get ready for an inspiring journey—from performing at Carnegie Hall and Teatro Colón, to using her platform to advocate for gender equality and sustainability in the arts. Don’t miss this empowering conversation! 🎧✨ 📅 Premiere Date: Tuesday, October 22, 8:00 PM ET 📺 Join the premiere via YouTube: https://youtu.be/UC5c4-Jl218🔗 Listen on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/TPP2.0 #ThePianoPod #ClassicalMusic #Podcast #WomenInMusic #KaleidoscopeAlbum #ConcertPianist #UNAdvocate #GenderEquality #SustainabilityInMusic #IsabelPerezDobarro #UnitedNations #WomenComposers #WomenArtists

Official Trailer ✅ for Season 5 Episode 3 feat. Dr. Hayk Arsenyan - Award-Winning Pianist, Composer, Eductor, and Scholar

🎥Here is the trailer for Season 5 Episode 3, featuring Dr. Hayk Arsenyan, an Award-winning Pianist, Composer, Educator, and scholar! In this exciting episode, “Soler and Arsenyan’s World,” we explore his extraordinary journey from Armenia to Paris, Moscow, and finally New York City. 🌟 Dr. Arsenyan shares his deep passion for Antonio Soler, an often overlooked 18th-century composer, and his dedication to preserving Soler’s legacy through SolersWorld.com. 🎶 We also explore how his Armenian heritage has influenced his artistry, his early years as a violinist, and his experiences as a global concert pianist. 🎓 Dr. Arsenyan is a dedicated educator, running a thriving piano studio in Manhattan and mentoring the next generation of classical musicians as a professor at NYU Tisch. In this episode, you’ll discover: 🔹 Dr. Arsenyan’s scholarly work on Antonio Soler’s life, music, and contributions 🔹 Insights into performing Soler’s unique compositions 🔹 The inspiration behind his SolersWorld project, complete with concerts and masterclasses 🔹 How Armenian composers and cultural identity shape his performances 🔹 Dr. Arsenyan’s incredible journey across the globe as a pianist and educator 🔹 The story behind receiving the Evgeny Kissin Award and its impact on his career 🔹 Highlights from his remarkable performances around the world This episode is packed with wisdom, authenticity, and joy you won’t want to miss! 💫 📅 Premiere Date: Tuesday, October 8, at 8:00 PM ET 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform 📺 Join the broadcast on our YouTube channel [About Dr. Hayk Arsenyan] 🌐Dr. Arsenyan’s Research on Antonio Soler 🌐Dr. Arsenyan’s Website 📺Dr. Arsenyan is on YouTube 👏👏👏👏 Check out all the 🎹 pieces mentioned in the episode here 🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵 [🎹🎙️ ABOUT THE PIANO POD] Watch our intro video of Season 5 ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate HERE ❤️❤️ 🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor) 🌐 Official Site 📱 Connect with us on Social Media .

Official Trailer for Season 5 Episode 2 "Between Keys & Creativity" feat. Jed Distler - Composer, Steinway Artist, Educator, & Host of a Renowned Radio Show, "Between the K

🎉 Enjoy the Trailer for Season 5 Episode 2 feat. Jed Distler! The Piano Pod had an exhilarating conversation with Jed Distler—composer, Steinway Artist, educator, and host of the renowned radio show Between the Keys, hosted by Jed Distler on WWFM. 🎹🎙️ In this episode, you’ll hear: 🔹The inside scoop on Jed’s 9+ year-running radio show Between the Keys 🔹 His wisdom on what makes a great recording and the power of thoughtful programming 🔹 Jed's take on the future of CDs in the streaming age 🔹 From Mahler symphonies to innovative 4-hand piano literature, his creative performances always shine 🔹 How he balances personal achievement with building community and lasting relationships 🚀 Exciting ventures like his new podcast The Piano Maven with Jed Distler and his ambitious project to compose 1,827 Bagatelles to honor Beethoven’s 250th anniversary in 2027 This conversation is packed with the names of brilliant but underappreciated composers, along with wisdom, authenticity, and joy you won’t want to miss! 💫 📅 Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 24, at 8:00pm ET 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform 📺 Watch on https://youtu.be/7gvv4W2Q_x8 [About the Guest] Jed Distler is a versatile force in the music world. As a composer, pianist, and educator, he’s known for his brilliant transcriptions of jazz legends like Art Tatum and Bill Evans and his innovative piano recitals featuring contemporary music. He founded ComposersCollaborative, Inc., setting a Guinness World Record in 2013 for the largest keyboard ensemble with 175 electronic keyboards. His solo piano CD, Fearless Monk, and extensive recordings for Spirio are must-listens. In addition to hosting Between the Keys, Jed launched his new podcast, The Piano Maven, in July 2024. 🌐http://jeddistler.com/ 📻Jed’s Long-Running Radio Show, “Between the Keys”: https://www.wwfm.org/show/between-the-keys-with-jed-distler ☢️“The Piano Maven by Jed Distler”: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven/ [ABOUT THE PIANO POD🎹🎙️] Catch up on our intro video of Season 5 ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate 🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor) 🌐 Official Site 📱 Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thepianopodnyc

Official Trailer for Season 5 Episode 1 "Transcendent Musical Vision" feat. Dr. Sara Davis Buechner

The Trailer for Season 5 Episode 1 of The Piano Pod 🎙 feat. Dr. Sara Davis Buechner is Here! We’re kicking off The Piano Pod’s new season focused on Joy and Authenticity with an amazing guest—renowned pianist and educator, Dr. Sara Davis Buechner! In this episode, we dive into Dr. Buechner’s extraordinary 40+ year journey as a trailblazing artist. We explore her brilliant piano technique, unique interpretations, and advocacy for lesser-known composers and the LGBTQ+ community. Episode Highlights: Reflections on celebrating 40 years since her NYC debut at Merkin Hall Her dedication to lifelong learning and discovering new works by lesser-known composers Balancing technical precision with expressive depth in her performances Mastering piano technique through the teachings of Alberto Jonás and how it continues to shape her artistry How sight-reading skills, honed during her time at Juilliard, helped her grow as a musician Candid reflections on being a transgender artist and advocate for diversity and inclusion in classical music This episode is packed with wisdom, authenticity, and joy that you won’t want to miss! ✅ Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 10, at 8:00pm ET ✅ Listen on Your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/TPP2.0 ✅ Watch on Our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/TXarT4CbdHs?si=JD0NDnXDZZzCusiv About Dr. Sara Davis Buechner: Celebrated for her "intelligence, integrity, and technical prowess" (New York Times), Dr. Buechner is a celebrated concert pianist and educator. She has performed with orchestras like the New York Philharmonic and at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall. As a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, she continues to inspire change in the classical music world. #ThePianoPod #SaraDavisBuechner #ClassicalMusic #PodcastSeason5 #AuthenticityAndJoy #Piano #LGBTQAdvocate #MusicEducation #MerkinHall #PodcastCommunity #NewEpisode #Pianist #YamahaArtist #ConcertPianist

10 di 24