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

by Yukimi Song

Performing Arts Music Interviews

Season 4

Part 1 of Season 4 Episode 1: Dr. Michael Kaykov -- Concert Pianist/Recording Artist/Educator

Welcome to The Piano Pod: Season 4 Premiere! In our inaugural episode of Season 4, we had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Michael Kaykov (@michaelkaykov), a renowned American pianist, recording expert, and educator. 🎹 Episode Insights: Debunking myths surrounding Scriabin’s synesthesia Michael's inspiring association with the legendary pianist, Jerome Lowenthal The heart of creativity in classical piano Navigating the highs and lows of being an independent artist after rigorous training and much more! 🍿 You can also watch this eps on YouTube! 🎹 In Focus: Michael Kaykov: With a rich musical heritage, Michael's performance journey began at age 6. His esteemed education includes Mannes College & Juilliard, mentored by icons Jerome Rose & Jerome Lowenthal. In 2020, he earned his DMA from the Manhattan School of Music, focusing on Scriabin Etudes. His third album, 'Unrivalled', has received widespread acclaim. Beyond performing, Dr. Kaykov is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians. 🎹 About The Piano Pod: 🎙 Hello, piano enthusiasts! I'm Yukimi Song, your NYC-based host. Every two weeks, journey with me into the PIANO universe, engaging with trailblazers in classical music. Our goal? To offer a space for classical musicians and educators to reflect, converse, and strategize on keeping our domain vibrant and pertinent in this dynamic era, especially post-pandemic. ❤️ Support TPP: Show your appreciation by donating here 🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor) 📱 Stay Connected: linktr.ee/thepianoponyc

Trailer for Season 4 Finale feat. Dr. Jon Skidmore, Performance Psychologist

🎥 Here is the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode, "Conquer Performance Anxiety - Stage Fright is Not an Enemy nor a Disease; It’s a Skill Deficit!" Get ready for our upcoming episode with Dr. Skidmore who is joining us again for The Piano Pod’s season finale! Many of you may remember his insightful contribution to our very first episode back in September 2020. It feels truly fitting to bring him back as we wrap up this season. Our Executive Producer and Host, Yukimi Song, has dreamed of creating a piano podcast since her grad school days at NYU in 2008. A professor suggested the idea back then, but it wasn’t until the COVID lockdown that she finally took the plunge. The sudden lifestyle changes caused her students to struggle with performance anxiety, sparking her mission to help them. Her journey led her to an inspiring article in Piano Magazine where Dr. Skidmore’s work was featured. Impressed by his methods and research, Yukimi reached out to him, and their enlightening conversation inspired the launch of this podcast. She wanted to share these valuable insights with fellow pianists and music educators. And now, here we are, coming full circle. In this episode, we cover: ✅ The Importance of Mental Skills Training for Musicians ✅ Understanding Performance Anxiety ✅ The Correct Definition of “Mindset” ✅ From Traditional Practice to Brain Science and Flow ✅ Strategies for Music Educators to Help Their Students And much more! 👏👏👏 Dr. Skidmore will explore the topic of performance anxiety with compassion, drawing on insights from neuroscience and psychology. This is an episode you won't want to miss! 📆 Mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 8:00pm ET to catch the premiere on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel. 🎧 The audio podcast will also be available on Tuesday, June 11, at 8:00pm ET: https://linktr.ee/TPP2.0 🎹 About Dr. Jon Skidmore: Website Article 👉 If you haven't checked out our first episode, listen HERE. 🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor) 🌐 Official Site 📱 Connect with us on Social Media #Podcast #MusicEducation #ClassicalMusic #PianoPerformance #PerformanceAnxiety #MentalSkills #MusicTeachers #MusicStudents #StageFright #BrainScience #FlowState #MusicPodcast #PianoLife #Pianist #MusicCommunity #SeasonFinale #TuneIn #PodcastPremiere #MusicInsights #ArtistSupport

Trailer for Season 4 Episode 19: Megan Ihnen, Connecting Contemporary Audiences – Live Music Project: Bridging Musicians and Audiences, Empowering Next Generation Innovators "

🎥 Here is the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode, "Connecting Contemporary Audiences – Live Music Project: Bridging Musicians and Audiences, Empowering Next Generation Innovators with Megan Ihnen" Get ready for our upcoming episode with Megan Ihnen, Mezzo-Soprano and Executive Director of the Live Music Project, for an exhilarating conversation! During our conversation, we delved into the Live Music Project's significant impact and reach within the music industry and among global communities of music lovers. We discussed how the platform connects classical musicians with broader audiences and explored the topic of audience engagement — a subject that has captivated Piano Pod listeners from the beginning. In this episode, we focused on the overview of the Live Music Project ✅ Bridging the Gap Between Musicians and Audiences ✅ Becoming a Hub for Orchestras, Ensembles, Choirs and Independent Musicians ✅ Inviting Novice Listeners with the “Spontaneous Free Tickets Program” We also discussed Megan’s Multifaceted Entrepreneurial Career: ✅ Megan’s Celebrated Career as a Mezzo-Soprano ✅ Helping Fellow Musicians Develop Entrepreneurial Skills through Her Coaching Business ✅ Nurturing the Next Gen of Musical Innovators Through Her Role in the Peabody LAUNCHPad And much more! 📆 Mark your calendar for May 28, 2024 — you won't want to miss this fascinating episode with Megan Ihnen! 📺 Catch the premiere on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/iM6AP_YRpw0?si=QUBCkCWcNUhgftUq 🎧 Subscribe to The Piano Pod on Your Favorite Podcast Platform: https://linktr.ee/TPP2.0 🎻 About the Live Music Project – The Live Music Project is dedicated to making live classical music performances more accessible to a broader audience. It aims to connect people with local live classical music events through a comprehensive, user-friendly online platform that lists concerts, recitals, and other musical events. The project often focuses on community engagement, fostering a vibrant cultural scene, and supporting musicians and composers by promoting their performances and helping to build audiences for live classical music. Visit https://www.livemusicproject.org/ to learn more! 🎹 About Megan Ihnen – Megan Ihnen, a "new music force of nature," is an acclaimed mezzo-soprano and advocate for composers. As Executive Director of the Live Music Project, she enhances the classical music scene's vibrancy and accessibility. She also teaches the "Breakthrough Curriculum" at Peabody Institute, nurturing future musical innovators. Passionate about creative placemaking and audience development, Megan forges impactful cultural partnerships, enriching communities and expanding the arts' societal impact. Visit https://meganihnen.com/ to learn more! 🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor) 🌐 Official Site 📱 Connect with us on Social Media #podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #audienceengagment #concertcalendar #nonprofit #entrepreneur #classicalmusic #classicalmusician #classicalconcert #concertartist #artist #piano #pianist #concertprogram

Official Trailer: Keys to Identity - Season 4 Episode 18 feat. Grammy-Winning Steinway Artist, Kristhyan Benitez

🎥 Here is the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode, "Keys to Identity: A Profound Conversation with Grammy Award-Winning Steinway Pianist Kristhyan Benitez" Get ready for an exhilarating conversation with Kristhyan Benitez, a Grammy-winning concert pianist and esteemed Steinway Artist known for his mastery of Latin American music, for our upcoming episode! In our discussion, we delved into Kristhyan’s impressive career accomplishments, exploring his numerous stellar awards and recognitions, and examining how his diverse identity shapes his creative journey. Join us on May 14 for an electrifying episode of The Piano Pod with Kristhyan, where we'll explore how he's revolutionizing the music landscape through innovative production techniques, spanning from traditional concert performances to bold experimental projects. In this revealing interview, we'll touch upon ✅ Kristhyan's critically acclaimed third studio album, "Latin American Classics," which clinched the Latin Grammy for "Best Classical Album" in 2021. ✅ His Passion for Piano Exploration through Improvisation: insights into his creative process when approaching improvisation in both studio and live settings. ✅ Collaborations with Renowned Figures, Spanning from Legendary Conductors to Latin American Music Icons. ✅ The Influence of Identity Complexity on Artistic Expression and Career Trajectory. ✅ His exciting venture with his alter-ego, "Benitez," experimenting with electro-acoustic music. And much more! 🎹 About Kristhyan Benitez – Grammy-winning pianist Kristhyan Benitez captivates global audiences with his vibrant concerts, blending Classical and Latin American music with depth and charisma. Hailed by luminaries like Jose Antonio Abreu and Philippe Entremont, he has graced renowned stages worldwide, from Berlin to New York. Benitez has performed with illustrious conductors and orchestras, earning accolades including a Latin Grammy for "Latin American Classics." As a Steinway Artist, he continues to enchant listeners with his virtuosity and passion. 📆 Set a reminder for May 14, 2024 — you won't want to miss this fascinating episode with Kristhyan Benitez! 📺 Catch the premiere on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel 🎧 Subscribe to The Piano Pod on Your Favorite Podcast Platform ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate https://bit.ly/3EsvRDg❤️❤️ 🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor) 🌐 Official Site 📱 Connect with us: #podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #steinwayartist #kristhyanbenitez #latinamericanmusic #latingrammys #grammyawardwinner #pianist #concertpianist #recordingartist #piano #venezuelanmusic #venezuela #latinamerica #classicalpiano #classicalmusic

🎥Piano, Pedagogy, Pioneering! Check Out the Sneak Peak of TPP’s Upcoming Episode feat. Irina Gorin 🎹❤️

Explore the innovative world of piano education with Irina Gorin, the visionary behind the "Tales of a Musical Journey" method book series and founder of The Gorin Institute. Renowned for her innovative approach to teaching piano, Ms Gorin emphasizes musicality, expressiveness, and foundational skills from the onset. Her acclaimed method books, enriched with storytelling and vibrant imagery, captivate learners and foster effective piano instruction. In this insightful interview, we explored: ✅ The inspiration behind Irina's pioneering piano method. ✅ Insights into "Tales of a Musical Journey" and its unique educational storytelling. ✅ Irina’s philosophy on teaching fundamental piano techniques to beginners. ✅ Her perspective on common challenges and misconceptions among piano teachers today, especially in the post-pandemic landscape. ✅ How she supports and empowers piano teachers through innovative courses and a supportive community at The Gorin Institute. 📆Join us tomorrow, April 16 at 8pm ET, for the premiere of an inspiring episode on The Piano Pod's YouTube channel featuring Piano Pedagogue Irina Gorin. Discover how she revolutionizes piano pedagogy with her inventive teaching techniques and empowers piano teachers worldwide through The Gorin Institute's comprehensive courses, workshops, and masterclasses. 📺Set the reminder of the premiere of this episode on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel. 🎧The audio podcast of this episode will be split into 2 parts. Part 1 will be published on your fav podcast platform simultaneously with the YouTube premiere: https://linktr.ee/TPP2.0 ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate HERE❤️❤️ 🎬 Executive Producer: Yukimi Song 🎙️🎹 🌐 Official Site 📱 Connect with us #podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #improvisation #musiceducator #pianist #classicalpianist #pianopedagogue #irinagorin #talesofamusicaljourney #pianoteachers #piano #pianoteaching #pianomethod #pianolife #classicalpiano #philosophy #methodbooks #pianists

Trailer 2: Season 4 Episode 15 - Danny Holt: Pianist, Percussionist, Composer, and Producer

😎 Have you had the chance to explore the collaborative album "Trailblazers" by our guest, 🎹 Danny Holt with violist Molly Gebrian yet? In this short excerpt from our latest episode, Danny discusses the inspiration behind the album, the incredible female composers, a.k.a. "Trailblazers," and the challenges they faced in its production amidst geographical distance and the disruptions caused by COVID-19. In case you missed Part 1 of this fun episode with pianist, percussionist, and composer, Danny Holt, check it out on your favorite podcasting platform today 👇👇 https://rss.com/podcasts/the-piano-pod/1418338/ Stay tuned for Part 2, which will be released on Tuesday, April 9, at 8:00 pm ET. In Part 2, we'll delve deeper into: ✅ Danny's latest album "Trailblazers" ✅ His innovative classical concerts in Desert Hot Springs, CA ✅ His insights on creativity as a classical musician 📺 The entire episode is available as a video on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/_pNO_KahT-g 🎧 Subscribe to The Piano Pod on your favorite podcasting platform today: https://linktr.ee/TPP2.0 ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate https://bit.ly/3EsvRDg❤️❤️ 🎬 Executive Producer: Yukimi Song 🎙️🎹 🌐 Official Site: https://thepianopod.com 📱 Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thepianoponyc #podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #improvisation #percussionist #pianist #classicalpianist #southafricanpianists #composers #improviser #piano #musicians #musicpodcast #pianolife #classicalpiano #philosophy #pianoteachers #pianists #dannyholtmusic

Trailer for Season 4 Episode 15: Danny Holt - Pianist, Percussionist, Composer and Producer

🎥 Check Out the Sneak Peak of TPP’s Upcoming Episode feat. Danny Holt 🎹🥁 Join us for an enlightening conversation with the exceptionally talented Danny Holt, a virtuoso whose skills span across being a concert pianist, percussionist, composer, and producer. During our chat, we delved into: How the pandemic reinforced Danny's conviction in the irreplaceable magic of live performances. The art of curating a compelling repertoire and organizing community-centric concerts that are open to the public and supported by grants. We also discussed Danny's eclectic approach to music and career: Transitioning from performing traditional classical piano pieces and conservatory training to embracing a broader spectrum of music through college and master's degrees in innovative programs in New England where Danny's unique artistic expression was nurtured, steering him beyond solo piano performances, leading to the creation of his distinctive Piano-Percussion Project. In this engaging interview, we unveil: ✅ The hidden gems of piano repertoire chosen by Danny ✅ The early influences that drew him to percussion ✅ An inside look at his pioneering piano-percussion project ✅ Highlights of his recording activities, including his latest album "Trailblazers" ✅ The unparalleled experience of attending his classical concerts in Desert Hot Springs Discover the world of Danny Holt’s artistry today by watching this episode! 📆 So tune in Tuesday, April 2, at 8:00 pm ET to discover Danny's secrets to his successful performing arts career and deep reflections on classical musicians' role in society and their duty to educate and inspire! 📺Join the premiere of this episode on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel 🎧The audio podcast of this episode will be split into 2 parts. Part 1 will be published on your fav podcast platform simultaneously with the YouTube premiere ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate HERE ❤️❤️ 🎬 Executive Producer: Yukimi Song 🎙️🎹 🌐 Official Site: https://thepianopod.com 📱 Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thepianoponyc #podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #improvisation #percussionist #pianist #classicalpianist #southafricanpianists #composers #improviser #piano #musicians #musicpodcast #pianolife #classicalpiano #philosophy #pianoteachers #pianists #dannyholtmusic

Part 2 of Season 4 Episode 14 feat. Liam Pitcher Coming Soon!

The Second Installment of this season's thrilling 14th episode with the celebrated South African Classical Pianist, Liam Pitcher, will be released tomorrow! During this segment, we delve into a myriad of topics, including the origins of his musical journey, his deep-seated love for music, his efforts to champion South African composers, and more 🎧In case you missed the first part of this special episode, where we tackled subjects like the intricacies of piano improvisation, captivating audiences, and the societal roles of classical musicians, be sure to catch up on your favorite podcasting platform today: https://thepianopod.com/part-1-of-season-4-episode-14-feat-liam-pitcher-classical-pianist-composer-south-africas-leading-improviser/ 📺You can also watch this entire episode on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/Kbo34d24erY Make sure to hit that subscribe button on your preferred podcasting platform to get notified as soon as we drop the latest episode. Don't forget to give this post a like, subscribe, and follow The Piano Pod. See you tomorrow for Part 2 of our thrilling episode featuring Liam Pitcher! ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate https://bit.ly/3EsvRDg❤️❤️ 🎬 Executive Producer: Yukimi Song 🎙️🎹 🌐 Official Site: https://thepianopod.com 📱 Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thepianoponyc . . . . . #podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #improvisation #southafricanmsucians #pianist #classicalpianist #southafricanpianists #composers #improviser #piano #musicians #musicpodcast #pianolife #classicalpiano #philosophy #pianoteachers #pianists

Trailer for Season 4 Episode 14: Liam Pitcher - Classical Pianist, Composer, & South Africa's Leading Improviser

Get ready to dive into the captivating world of piano improvisation! Come along as I engage in an exclusive dialogue with the esteemed South African Classical Pianist, Liam Pitcher for Season 4 Episode 14! Renowned for his remarkable improvisational prowess, Liam seamlessly merges classical melodies with electro-acoustic and electronic elements, earning him widespread admiration. In our discussion, we explored various topics ranging from the art of piano improvisation to engaging audiences and the societal responsibilities of classical musicians. We also discussed the importance of educating the public about the diverse world of classical music and challenging today's popular music, which often relies on repetitive and addictive formulas.  This engaging interview offers insights into: ✅ Liam's improvisation philosophy ✅ His extensive "Improvisations" CD album series, which includes more than 10 volumes ✅ The unique aspects of his improvisational style that set him apart in today's music scene ✅ A closer look at his piano improvisation methods and his relationship with the instrument ✅ A glimpse into the world of South African classical music composers So tune in tomorrow, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, for Part 1 of this exciting episode to discover Liam's secrets to improvisation and his profound reflections on classical musicians' role in society and their duty to educate and inspire! #trailer #pianists #pianomusic #pianoimprovisation #southafricanmusic #improvisation #classicalpianist #classicalpiano

Trailer for Season 4 Episode 12: Tim Topham - Founder/Director of TopMusicCo & Author of "No Book Beginners"

🎥 Here is the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode feat. Tim Topham - Founder & Director of TopMusic CO , Music Educator, & Author of “No Book Beginners.” Get ready for a captivating new episode of The Piano Pod featuring Tim Topham! Our discussion revolved around his recently released book, "No Book Beginners: A Step-by-Step Framework for Creative Piano Teaching, Starting from Lesson One." This book encapsulates his experiences as a music educator and piano instructor, drawing from extensive research from Kodaly to Music Learning Theory. It serves as a valuable resource, delving into various aspects such as the inspiration behind its creation, the current landscape of music education with a particular emphasis on piano instruction, and providing a historical context to elucidate the evolution of teaching methods in the industry.  The book critiques the prevalent note-reading-centric approach in piano instruction, advocating a more holistic teaching method instead. Additionally, it offers a practical framework for instructing beginner piano students, emphasizing an approach that doesn't rely on specific method books for the initial 10 weeks. We also explored the digital empire he built to support fellow music educators, offering a wealth of resources, including blogs, vlogs, courses, and a membership community. These resources aim to empower teachers, enabling them to evolve into 21st-century educators within their respective communities. Tim shared valuable insights on the requisites for being a 21st-century music business owner, the challenges among teachers, and the prevailing trends in piano teaching. 📆 Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation next Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 8:00 pm ET on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/FLt0COSdgMM 🎧 The audio episode will be published on your favorite podcasting platform simultaneously with the YouTube premiere: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-piano-pod/ 👉 Follow The Piano Pod for latest #pianonews 😎 Executive Producer: Yukimi Song 🕹Audio/Video Editor: Yukimi Song Studio  #musiceducator #pianoteacher #podcast #podcaster #pianoteaching #musicindustry #pianomusic #topmusicco #musicians #musicpodcast #pianolife #classicalpiano #philosophy #musiceducation

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