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 5

Official Trailer ✅: Season 5, Episode 16 “Unlocking the Brain: Neuroscience in Music Practice,” featuring Dr. Molly Gebrian – Violist, Neuroscience Researcher, and Author

🎬Here is the trailer for our upcoming episode: Season 5, Episode 16 “Unlocking the Brain: Neuroscience in Music Practice,” featuring Dr. Molly Gebrian – Violist, Neuroscience Researcher, and Author “How many hours did you practice today?” If that question still defines your worth as a musician, this episode might change your life. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Molly Gebrian—violist, neuroscience researcher, educator, and author of Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing—joins The Piano Pod to challenge everything we thought we knew about practice. Together, we explore why the illusion of mastery fools us, how interleaved practice transforms learning, and why breaks and sleep are not just helpful but essential to progress. Molly breaks down the science behind habit formation, memory systems, mental practice, and performance consistency, offering musicians practical tools backed by decades of cognitive research. Whether you’re a student struggling with frustration, a teacher eager to support diverse learners, or a professional performer looking to sharpen your edge, this episode is for you. Get ready to rethink the way you practice, teach, and perform. 📅 Premieres Tuesday, April 22 at 8:00 PM ET 🎥 Watch here on YouTube 🎧 Audio also available wherever you listen to podcasts 😎For our VIP Substack members, the full audio episode will be accessible tonight, Monday, April 22, at 8:00pm ET! 📝 Read more on our Substack blog 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss a new episode! #ThePianoPod #MollyGebrian #LearnFasterPerformBetter #NeuroscienceAndMusic #MusicEducation #PracticeSmarter #InterleavedPractice #PerformancePsychology #Neurodiversity #MentalPractice #MusicPodcast

Official Trailer ✅: Season 5 Episode 14 "Mastering Musical Heritage" feat. Jose Ramos Santana

Enjoy the Trailer of The Piano Pod’s Upcoming Episode feat. Jose Ramos Santana! Finally! After a one-episode (2-week) delay due to technical issues, The Piano Pod is back with a powerful conversation! 🎬 Mastering Musical Heritage – Exploring Spanish Piano Traditions and Embracing Puerto Rican Identity featuring Jose Ramos Santana, Steinway Artist and one of the foremost interpreters of Spanish and Latin American piano music. In this episode of The Piano Pod, I had the privilege of speaking with José about his journey from Puerto Rico to Juilliard, his mentorship under Alicia de Larrocha, and his mission to preserve and promote the rich traditions of Spanish and Caribbean piano music. 🎶 We discussed: 🔹 The legacy of Albéniz, Granados, and de Falla 🔹 The 10th anniversary of the Puerto Rico International Piano Festival 🔹 Cultural identity in piano education 🔹 Latin American composers like Tavares, Cervantes, and Sierra 📝 Read more about this upcoming episode HERE. 📅 Premiering Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 8:00 PM ET on YouTube as a video format. Set a reminder HERE. 🎧 Audio episode also available simultaneously on your go-to podcast platforms: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio 💌 Substack VIPs get early access on April 7. Become a VIP subscriber on Substack today to receive exclusive early access to this and future episodes—plus VIP-only perks: HERE Let us know how Spanish or Latin American music has influenced your own musical path. #ThePianoPod #JoséRamosSantana #MasteringMusicalHeritage #SpanishPianoMusic #PuertoRicanMusic #ClassicalMusicPodcast #Albéniz #Granados #LatinAmericanMusic #SteinwayArtist

Official Trailer ✅ for Season 5 Episode 13, "Composing with Humanity"

Here is the trailer of our upcoming episode feat. Nimrod Borenstein. In this episode of The Piano Pod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nimrod Borenstein—acclaimed composer and conductor—about his remarkable journey in music. From his early days as a violinist to becoming one of today’s most celebrated composers, Nimrod shares his artistic philosophy, the evolution of his piano works, and the influences that have shaped his unique voice. We dive deep into his signature piano works, including Reminiscences of Childhood and his 24 Études, explore the inspiration behind his Shirim collection, and discuss his collaborations with legendary musicians like Vladimir Ashkenazy. His insights into the challenges of composing for piano, the storytelling power of music, and his artistic legacy make this an episode you won’t want to miss! IN THIS EPISODE: 🔹 Defining artistry, mission, and passion 🔹 The piano as a powerful medium of expression 🔹 Signature piano works: Reminiscences of Childhood & Études 🔹 Shirim: Bringing sophisticated music to all pianists 🔹 The making of Borenstein’s Piano Concerto 🔹 His greatest influence: His father, painter Alec Borenstein 🔹 Collaborating with Vladimir Ashkenazy 🔹 Legacy, storytelling, and the composer’s role today Check out Nimrod’s solo piano and orchestral works on YouTube: Nimrod Borenstein - Prayer to the Moon (overture) Nimrod Borenstein: Ostinato Étude opus 66 No. 1 World premiere with Irina Lankova Nimrod Borenstein: Baba Yaga Étude performed by Kseniia Vokhmianina Clélia Iruzun plays Nimrod Borenstein's Barcarolle 💬 What does music mean to you? How do you connect with a composer’s storytelling? Let’s discuss in the comments! 📅 Tune in Tuesday, March 11, at 8 PM Eastern Time for the official premiere of this episode on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. [Nimrod Borenstein] 🌍 https://www.nimrod-borenstein.com/ 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@nimrodborensteincomposer

Official Trailer ✅: "Blurred Boundaries: Classical Meets Jazz" feat. Ophelia Gordon

I had an incredible conversation with Ophelia Gordon —concert pianist, recording artist, and one of the world’s leading interpreters of Nikolai Kapustin’s music—for Season 5, Episode 12! Ophelia’s artistry defies categorization. She seamlessly blends the rhythmic pulse of jazz with the technical depth of classical music—a rare and extraordinary balance. Her discovery of Kapustin’s music was a pivotal moment, leading her to a composer who, like her, refused to be boxed into a single genre. 💡 How do you bridge two musical worlds that seem at odds? 💡 What does staying authentic in a tradition-bound field really mean? 💡 How can improvisation reshape classical performance? We explore these questions and more in this inspiring episode. What to Expect in This Episode: 🎹 Kapustin’s Legacy – A classical composer with a jazz heart. 🎵 Improvisation & Freedom – Redefining technique and expression. 🎷 The Jazz-Classical Intersection – Breaking down genre barriers. 🔎 Finding Your Artistic Identity – How Ophelia forged her own path. 🎤 Recording & Interpreting Kapustin – Behind the scenes of Between the Lines. 🔥🔥 Read the full blog post and learn more about Ophelia Gordon HERE. For our paid subscribers on Substack, enjoy exclusive early access to this exciting episode on our Substack page on February 24 at 8:00 PM ET—one day before the official release! https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe 📅 Premieres Tuesday, Feb 25, at 8:00 PM ET Watch on YouTube → https://youtu.be/VTHMvumdAZE Listen on your favorite podcast platform → https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio 👏👏 Don’t miss this episode—it’s a deep dive into what it means to be a musician in the 21st century!

How I Conduct Meaningful Engaging Interviews

🎤 Want to become an excellent interviewer? Here’s how I do it! After conducting countless interviews with world-class musicians, educators, and industry leaders, I’ve developed a system that makes my interviews engaging, insightful, and natural. In this carousel, I’m breaking down my key techniques—from crafting unique questions to keeping the conversation flowing and handling challenges with grace. 🔥 Listen this bonus episode and learn: ✔️ How I prepare for interviews without bias ✔️ My approach to active listening & guest engagement ✔️ The secret to asking deep, thought-provoking questions ✔️ How I balance guiding the conversation without overshadowing my guest ✔️ Strategies for making interviews feel like stories—not just Q&A 💬 Which of these tips do you want to try in your interviews? Let me know in the comments! 👇 📌 Share this episode on your social media!

Official Trailer ✅: Season 5 Episode 11 "Practising the Piano – Neuroscience, Technique, Musicality, and Performance Mastery for Pianists" feat. Graham Fitch - Pianist, Pedagogue, Writer & Broadcaster

🔥 Get Ready! Season 5 Episode 11 Trailer Just Dropped! 🎹 What does it truly mean to practice the piano with intention and mastery? 🧠🎶 Is it about repetition, discipline, or something deeper—an approach that harmonizes the mind, body, and artistry through the lens of tradition, cutting-edge neuroscience, and creative expression? For Season 5, Episode 11 of The Piano Pod, I had the privilege of speaking with Graham Fitch —a pianist, educator, writer, broadcaster, and one of the leading figures in piano pedagogy. His extensive research spans historical traditions to groundbreaking neuroscience, reshaping how we think about piano practice, technique, and artistic interpretation. In this episode, we explore the intersection of science, technique, and artistry, uncovering how pianists can practice more effectively, express more deeply, and perform with greater confidence. Graham’s approach goes beyond repetition—he reveals how to practice with intelligence, purpose, and artistry, integrating technical mastery, cognitive science, and musical expression to unlock true potential at the piano. 🔥 READ MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE ON OUR SUBSTACK PAGE HERE. 🎧 Tune in on Tuesday, February 11, 2025: Watch the episode on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform. 🎉 Want early access to this episode? Tap HERE – Become a paid Substack subscriber and get exclusive early access to this conversation with Graham Fitch on February 10 at 8:00 PM ET—a full day before the official release! #ThePianoPod #PractisingThePiano #PianoPractice #PianoTechnique #MusicEducation #ClassicalMusic #PianoPodEpisodes

Official Trail ✅: Season 5 Episode 10 "Moving Classics TV: Redefining Contemporary Piano Music and Connecting Global Audiences Through Innovation"

🎥 Enjoy the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode feat. Anna Heller! 🎹✨ What does it take to redefine classical music for a modern audience? 🌍 In our latest episode, “Moving Classics TV: Redefining Contemporary Piano Music and Connecting Global Audiences Through Innovation," we sit down with Anna Heller, founder of Moving Classics TV, to explore her groundbreaking approach to connecting audiences with contemporary piano music. Anna has spent 7 years curating 500 works by living composers, blending innovation, creativity, and humanity in every video. From the Candlelight Concert Series to her research on Creativity Codes, she’s leading the charge in making classical music accessible and relatable for everyone. Want to know how she does it? Discover exclusive insights into Anna’s creative process, her vision for the future of piano music, and her strategies for reaching the broadest audiences. 📧 Head over to our Substack to unlock the story, including behind-the-scenes content and post-episode insights HERE. Don’t miss this chance to hear from a true trailblazer in classical music. Let’s keep the music evolving together! 🎶✨ Episode Drops Tuesday, January 28, 2025: 📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eXsCTLU_VIk 🎙️ Listen on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio 🎉🎉If you’re a paid subscriber on Substack, you get an exclusive perk—early access to this episode January 27, at 8:00 PM ET, a full day ahead of its official release: https://thepianopod.substak.com/subscribe #ThePianoPod #MovingClassicsTV #ContemporaryMusic #CreativityInMusic #ClassicalMusicInnovation #Substack

Official Trailer ✅: Season 5 Episode 9 “Redefining Classical Music: Innovation, Breaking Barriers, and Forging Own Path,” feat. Clare Longendyke

🎹 HERE IS THE TRAILER FOR OUR INAUGURAL 2025 EPISODE: The Trailblazer and Extraordinaria, Clare Longendyke, Concert Pianist & Recording Artist . . . Season 5, Episode 9 of The Piano Pod, “Redefining Classical Music: Innovation, Breaking Barriers, and Forging Own Path,” features 🎉 Clare Longendyke, an extraordinary concert pianist and recording artist who has forged her own path to redefine the boundaries of classical music! Join us as we kick off the new year with an exhilarating episode showcasing Clare’s bold innovation, artistic vision, and dedication to reshaping the future of classical performance. Here’s what to expect: 25 concerts in 9 weeks! Clare reflects on a whirlwind fall season, performing solo, chamber, and orchestral works across 10 cities and 7 states. Billboard Breakthrough! Her album, …of Dreams Unveiled, debuted at #2 on the Billboard Classical Charts. Champion of New Music! Clare has premiered over 30 new works, redefining how tradition meets modern creativity. Forging Her Path. Clare shares how she built a thriving, full-time performance career without relying on teaching, paving a new way for concert artists to flourish. Breaking Barriers. Insights on women in classical music, pushing boundaries on stage, and connecting with audiences through authenticity and vulnerability. 🚨🚨Special Announcement: Clare has an exciting surprise to share during this episode—you don’t want to miss it! 🚨🚨 🎧 Tune in Tuesday, January 14, 2025: Watch the episode on our YouTube channel..An audio episode will drop simultaneously on your favorite podcast platform. 🌟 Clare’s journey is a testament to the power of courage, vision, and innovation in transforming classical music. Let her story inspire you to reimagine possibilities in your own life and work! . . . #ThePianoPod #ClareLongendyke #PodcastEpisode #ClassicalMusic #PianoMusic #WomenInMusic #NewMusic #PianistLife #ForgingYourPath #AuthenticityInArt #ClassicalMusicPodcast #BoldInnovation #ConcertPianist #BillboardCharts #ModernClassical #Trailblazer #MusicInspiration #ClassicalMusicCommunity #BreakingBarriers #ArtisticVision #MusicPodcast

Seaon 5: Bonus Episode feat. José Navarro-Silberstein, A Winner of Kantuta Opus 2

We’re kicking off 2025 with a special bonus episode of The Piano Pod! In this episode, we feature the extraordinary José Navarro-Silberstein concert pianist and winner of the Kantuta Op. 2 Scholarship, awarded by our Sponsor of the Month, the Foundation for Bolivian Artists. 🎭 Mark Your Calendar Catch José's NYC Recital Debut at Merkin Hall on February 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM: 🎟 Get Tickets: Secure your spot for José’s recital HERE. And 🎁 Don't Forget the Exclusive Discount Code only for TPP Listeners - you will find it in the episode! 🌟 Meet José Navarro-Silberstein Bolivian heritage meets extraordinary artistry Grand Finalist of the 65th Busoni International Piano Competition Preparing for his NYC Recital Debut at Merkin Hall on Feb 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM! 🌐 Visit The Piano Pod for more inspiring conversations at our website 💖 Subscribe for free or unlock exclusive materials with a paid subscription HERE 🎗️ Support Our Work through Donation 🎵 Subscribe to our Sounds of Inspiration Playlist (all the music and piano pieces mentioned during our conversations): 📫 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter HERE Stay Connected with us: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod #ThePianoPod #BolivianArtists #MerkinHall #ClassicalMusic #PianoRecital #podcastepisode

Official Trailer ✅: Season 5 Bonus Episode feat. José Navarro-Silberstein, A Winner of Kantuta Opus 2

We’re kicking off 2025 with a special bonus episode of The Piano Pod—coming your way on Tuesday, January 7! 🎉This episode features the extraordinary José Navarro-Silberstein, concert pianist and the Kantuta Op. 2 Scholarship winner, awarded by our Sponsor of the Month, the Foundation for Bolivian Artists, Inc. 📅 Set a Reminder The full version of this fantastic bonus episode premieres on Tuesday, January 7! Be sure to subscribe to The Piano Pod on your go-to podcast platform to get notified and be the first to explore! 👉Prefer video? The episode will also be available simultaneously in a video format. Join the broadcast on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/K1qeCbLT1kY! Meet José Navarro-Silberstein 🌍 Bolivian heritage meets extraordinary artistry 🏆 Grand Finalist of the 65th Busoni International Piano Competition 🎹 Preparing for his NYC Recital Debut at Merkin Hall on February 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM In This Bonus Episode, José Shares: 💡 How his Bolivian heritage shapes his artistry 💡 Insights into his fascinating recital program featuring works by Ginastera, Busoni, Villa-Lobos, and more 💡 What it means to perform at one of NYC’s most esteemed venues Save the Date: José’s NYC Debut Recital, Kantuta Opus 2, at Merkin Hall on February 28! 🎫Get your tickets HERE. Don’t Miss It: TPP Friends and Listners' exclusive discount code will be revealed during the episode! About Our Sponsor: The Foundation for Bolivian Artists, Inc. supports musicians of Bolivian heritage while preserving Bolivia’s rich cultural traditions. 🌎 Learn more and support their mission: https://bolivianartistfoundation.org Share this episode's link with your friends and colleagues who love classical music via social media, and let’s support this fantastic artist together!🎹 Please tag The Piano Pod! Find us on social media: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod ✨ Don’t miss this exciting talent, culture, and artistry celebration! #ThePianoPod #JoseNavarroSilberstein #KantutaOpus2 #BolivianArtists #MerkinHall #ClassicalMusic #BolivianCulture #PianoRecital #PodcastEpisode

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