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

by Yukimi Song

Season 3

Trailer: Season 3 Episode 12, Dr. Jee-Hoon Krska -- Founder of Keys to Success, Electrical Engineer, and Pianist

Here is the little teaser of The Piano Pod’s latest episode with a guest., Dr. Jee-Hoon Krska: Founder of Keys 2 Success, Electrical Engineer, & Pianist, which premieres this Tuesday, February 7, at 8:00 pm ET. Please continue listening to the conversation with Dr. Jee-Hoon Krska by downloading the entire episode, which will be released and available this Tuesday, Feb 7, at 8 pm Eastern Time on all the podcasting platforms!

Feb 3, 2023

2:18

Trailer: Season 3 Episode 11 with Latin Grammy Award Winner, Pablo Estigarribia.

Trailer

This is a teaser for this season’s 11th episode, feat. Mr. Pablo Estigarribia, 2022 Latin Grammy Winner & Tango pianist/arranger/composer! During the interview session, we discussed Pablo’s Latin Grammy Award-Winning album, “Horacio Salgán Piano Transcriptions,” his path to becoming a tango pianist, his performance at one of the most famous Jazz venues in the world, Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC, his passion for composing, arranging and teaching, and more. He also explained the distinctive characteristics of Argentine tango music and shared the secrets to playing tango piano music stylistically. The full episode will be released tonight (Tues 1/24) at 8:00pm! So, be sure to download and rate our show!

Jan 24, 2023

2:04

The Piano Pod Season 3 Introductory Episode

Bonus

TPP Team, Yukimi Song and Clara Zhang, took a 3-month summer hiatus, and we are back! We missed you–hope you had a wonderful summer being able to rest up, take a trip, work on new projects, spend some time in nature, and/or, of course, practice piano. Now we are back and excited to launch the new season, Season 3! In this introductory episode, we will cover: 👉 Why we wanted to start a podcast show 👉 What we learned from the past seasons 👉 What we expect in Season 3: guests and patronage and more! 😍 This introductory episode is so monumental for us--for the first time in the 2-year history of The Piano Pod, our team met at Yukimi's home and taped the show! Prior to this episode, we were taping the show via Zoom--so co-hosts were in two separate locations. Guess what? We are now on Patreon--now more than ever TPP needs your support! Please go to our Patreon's site at 🔗www.patreon.com/thepianopod. We want to create excellent content for YOU, but without your support, it's impossible. You can also help us by visiting 🌴 https://linktr.ee/thepianopod so that you know who will be on our show for the next 3 episode in Season 3! We love you and want to bring the latest news on piano music to you! Hope you enjoyed this episode. Please tell us what you think via thepianopodnyc@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you.

Aug 31, 2022

22:16

Season 2

The Piano Pod Season 2 Finale: Nicholas McCarthy -- One-handed Concert Pianist, Yamaha Artist, & Motivational Speaker

The TPP team had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Nicholas McCarthy – One-handed International Concert Pianist, Yamaha Artist, and Motivational Speaker — for our season 2 finale episode! Born without a right hand, Mr. McCarthy was told he would never succeed as a concert pianist, yet he refused to be discouraged and went on to study at one of the world’s most prestigious music schools, the Royal College of Music in London where he became the first one-handed pianist to graduate in its 135-year history. Mr. McCarthy has performed extensively in the UK as well as internationally. His concert performances, recordings, and press coverage have drawn critical acclaim, and he continues to encourage young people through his work in music education. As a speaker, Mr. McCarthy has created and delivered high-impact keynote talks for the world’s most dynamic brands. He has helped companies motivate their workforce, improving profitability and loyalty by sharing his truly unique and inspiring story and teaching them how to operate at a level of peak performance. During the interview, Nicholas shared stories: ✅ How he beat the odds to be accepted by the RCM ✅ His incredible international career as a concert pianist ✅ The history of the left-hand piano literature ✅ The source of his positive mindset [Nicholas McCarthy] 🌐Website: https://nicholasmccarthy.co.uk/ 📚Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nichola...) 🎙Nicholas’ appearance on the Tim Ferriss Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🗣TED Talk: https://youtu.be/m9dNZKNVqrw 🎊NO Limits Festival with Nicholas McCarthy: https://manchestercamerata.co.uk/perf... 🏅2012 Paralympic Games Anthem: https://youtu.be/0a4_cJ2q4hs 🏆2012 Paralympic Games: Coldplay “Strawberry Swing” supported by The British Paraorchestra Paralympics closing ceremony: https://youtu.be/Pu9CvbGJmss 🎹Chopin Etude Op.25 no.12 arr Godowsky: https://youtu.be/UoLE31Y83LM 📗Duet for Three Hands by Cyril Smith and Joyce Egginton: <a href=

S2 · E17

Jun 1, 2022

1:03:10

The Piano Pod Season 2 Episode 16: Donna Weng Friedman--Award-winning pianist, Chamber Musician, Producer & Educator

To celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we invited Donna Weng Friedman— Award-winning pianist, chamber musician, producer, and educator -- for this upcoming episode. Clara & Yukimi had a wonderful conversation with Donna this morning. She is such a great storyteller--we all got choked up during the show hearing her incredible stories! During the interview, we covered topics such as: Donna's upbringing/training at Princeton and Juilliard, and with Nadia Boulanger. Her international performance career Her Heritage and Harmony programs Her creation of "The Music Bee Club" -- interactive classical music apps for children. [Donna Weng Friedman] Ms. Friedman created the Heritage and Harmony programs - including the video series in collaboration with WQXR, and the education program Heritage and Harmony: Her Art, Her Voice in collaboration with the National Women’s History Museum – with the aim of promoting empathy, understanding, and tolerance among people of all backgrounds. Ms. Friedman has performed in concert halls as a soloist with major symphony orchestras internationally and as a chamber musician, collaborating with world-renowned musicians. As a recording artist, she released an EP during the pandemic, named Heritage and Harmony: Silver Linings, which was recently honored with two silver medals at the 2022 Global Music Awards. Ms. Friedman currently serves as a faculty member at the Mannes School of Music while conducting master classes worldwide including at the Shanghai and Beijing Conservatories. She is also the creator/developer of “The Music Bee Club”—an interactive classical music app for children, which was produced by multiple Grammy-Award winner, David Frost. [Links] WQXR Her/Music Her/Story: https://www.wqxr.org/shows/her-music-... Heritage and Harmony: https://www.wqxr.org/story/heritage-h... About Quiet Poems: https://icareifyoulisten.com/2022/03/... Listen to Quiet Poems: https://youtu.be/qLWQJXyAldo Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7iJ84K... Mannes: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVNnUVdWVnpPalhQYXQyOE5lS1RQT

S2 · E16

May 18, 2022

1:10:06

The Piano Pod, Season 2 Episode 15: Juhi Bansal, composer/conductor, & Nic Gerpe, pianist/educator

Explicit

The Piano Pod team had a wonderful conversation with the musical power couple, Juhi Bansal & Nic Gerpe, from L.A.! 📝 Juhi Bansal (composer/conductor): "Radiant and transcendent," the music of Juhi Bansal weaves together themes celebrating musical and cultural diversity, nature and the environment, and strong female role models. Her music draws upon elements from Hindustani music, the spectralists, progressive metal, musical theatre, and choral traditions to create deeply expressive sound-worlds. As an Indian composer brought up in Hong Kong, her work draws upon both those traditions with the gestures of western classical music. Recent seasons have included commissions from the Los Angels Philharmonic Association, Beth Morrison Projects, New York Virtuoso Singers, and more. Her music is regularly performed throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia and is available on the Naxos, Albany, and Roven Records labels. She currently serves as a music faculty member at Pasadena City College. 🎹 Nic Gerpe (pianist): Hailed as magnetic by Dan Johnson from L.A. Downtown News. L.A. Times music critic Mark Swed described his playing as "wonderfully illuminating… his tone is crystalline. His technique is dazzlingly fluid." A dedicated proponent of new music, Nic has worked with composers such as Steve Reich, Gernot Wolfgang, and Anne LeBaron, and has given numerous world premieres in the Los Angeles area and abroad. Nic has performed in such venues as Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. As one of four young pianists featured on L.A.-based Piano Spheres’ new Satellite Series, he recently performed a critically-acclaimed solo recital at the Roy And Edna Disney Cal Arts Theater. Nic is also a dedicated educator and has been on the Piano Faculty of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music since 2006. In this interview, we covered topics including: ✅ Juhi's latest projects include "Waves of Change" and "Edge of a Dream. ✅ Nic's latest project, "Macrokosmos 50" ✅ Promoting contemporary piano music through their collaboration of writing late-intermediate piano pieces, "Travels." ...and so much more! [Links] 🌐Juhi Bansal: https://juhibansal.com/ 🌐Nic Grepe: http://www.nicgerpe.com/ [Resources for Contemporary Music] Playlists on YouTube: - Juhi Bansal: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7p8... - George Gianopoulos: https://www.youtube.com/c/GNGianopoul... FB groups: - Los Angeles Contemporary Music Enthusiasts: https://www.facebook.com/groups/50943...</a

S2 · E15

May 4, 2022

1:13:04

The Piano Pod, Season 2 Episode 14: The Piano Pod Team -- Yukimi Song & Clara Zhang

The guests for Season 2 Episode 14 are the TPP team-- Yukimi Song & Clara Zhang 🎉🥳 In this episode, we are going to introduce ourselves to our listeners and viewers by sharing some fun and personal stories. ㊙️We will also reveal 5 EASY steps to start a podcast show!🤩 So, if you are hoping to launch your own podcast show, you don’t wanna miss this opportunity! 🎹 Yukimi Song: https://linktr.ee/yukimisong 🎹 Clara Zhang: https://www.rationalmusic.com/

S2 · E14

Apr 20, 2022

1:04:43

Part 2 of Season 2 Episode 13: Dr. Marilyn Nonken--Concert Pianist, Steinway Artist, Musicologist, & Educator

The Piano Pod team had a wonderful conversation with Dr. Marilyn Nonken--concert pianist, recording artist, Steinway Artist, musicologist, author, and educator.   Dr. Nonken is one of the most celebrated champions of the modern repertoire of her generation, known for performances that explore transcendent virtuosity and extremes of musical expression. Upon her 1993 New York debut, she was heralded as “a determined protector of important music" (New York Times). Recognized as “one of the greatest interpreters of new music" (American Record Guide), she has been named “Best of the Year" by some of the nation's leading critics.   Dr. Nonken has performed at the world's most prestigious concert venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Guggenheim Museum, the Theátre Bouffe du Nord in Paris, and the Chicago Symphony Center. The composers, who have written music for her, include Michael Byron, Richard Carrick, Victoria Cheah, Jason Eckardt, and many others.   Dr. Nonken is the author of The Spectral Piano(Cambridge, 2015) and Identity and Diversity in New Music(Routledge, 2019). In addition, she has recorded more than 30 discs and has published articles on various topics regarding 20th-century music. Since 2006, Dr. Nonken has been Director of Piano Studies at NYU's Steinhardt School, where she is a Professor of Music.   In Part 2 of this episode, we focused on topics including: Her insight about never-ending challenges for all pianists: access, self-preservation, education, and engagement with other artists and communities Her latest album, Syncopated Musings, pieces by Scott Joplin and his collaborators …and so much more!   🌐 Please visit Dr. Nonken’s website for her bio, recordings, books, and latest news: http://www.marilynnonken.com/ 📰 The article/essay written by Dr. Nonken and mentioned during the interview: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/ZQQJQWCIRJIEVEKSYRVP/full?target=10.1080%2F07494467.2022.2033572&fbclid=IwAR3GLKfj9dWICKVnxLs6HduI8BuFJTa-qmu0oLZQpyozec3h0WZcs048Lok   👉 Be sure to check out Part 1 of this episode: https://thepianopodnyc.simplecast.com/episodes/the-piano-pod-season-2-episode-13-part-1-dr-marilyn-nonken-concert-pianist-steinway-artist-musicologist-educator <

S2 · E13

Apr 12, 2022

43:55

Part 1 of Season 2 Episode 13: Dr. Marilyn Nonken--Concert Pianist, Steinway Artist, Musicologist, & Educator

The Piano Pod team had a wonderful conversation with Dr. Marilyn Nonken--concert pianist, recording artist, Steinway Artist, musicologist, author, and educator.  Dr. Nonken is one of the most celebrated champions of the modern repertoire of her generation, known for performances that explore transcendent virtuosity and extremes of musical expression. Upon her 1993 New York debut, she was heralded as “a determined protector of important music" (New York Times). Recognized as “one of the greatest interpreters of new music" (American Record Guide), she has been named “Best of the Year" by some of the nation's leading critics. Dr. Nonken has performed at the world's most prestigious concert venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Guggenheim Museum, the Theátre Bouffe du Nord in Paris, and the Chicago Symphony Center. The composers, who have written music for her, include Michael Byron, Richard Carrick, Victoria Cheah, Jason Eckardt, and many others. Dr. Nonken is the author of The Spectral Piano(Cambridge, 2015) and Identity and Diversity in New Music(Routledge, 2019). In addition, she has recorded more than 30 discs and has published articles on various topics regarding 20th-century music. Since 2006, Dr. Nonken has been Director of Piano Studies at NYU's Steinhardt School, where she is a Professor of Music. In Part 1 of this episode, we focused on topics including: Dr. Nonken's incredible career as a pianist, recording artist, and musicologist Latest news from NYU Steinhardt School. …and so much more! 🌐 Please visit Dr. Nonken’s website for her bio, recordings, books, and latest news: http://www.marilynnonken.com/ 📰 The article/essay written by Dr. Nonken and mentioned during the interview: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/ZQQJQWCIRJIEVEKSYRVP/full?target=10.1080%2F07494467.2022.2033572&fbclid=IwAR3GLKfj9dWICKVnxLs6HduI8BuFJTa-qmu0oLZQpyozec3h0WZcs048Lok 📆 Part 2 of this episode will be available on Monday, April 11, at 8:00 pm EDT!  [The Piano Pod 🎙]  🌐 https://thepianopod.com 

S2 · E13

Apr 5, 2022

52:08

Season 2 Episode 12: Claudio Constantini--Concert Pianist, Recording Artist, Bandoneonist, & Composer

Explicit

The Piano Pod team had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Claudio Constantini, an internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist: piano🎹 and bandoneon🪗, and a composer✍🏼 in demand from Madrid🇪🇸.  During the interview, we covered topics including Mr. Constantini's upbringing, his career as a classical pianist and bandoneonist, and his latest projects, such as his brand new composition, Genesis, recording of complete works by Debussy, and so much more! [Claudio Constantini—Concert Pianist/Bandoneonist/Composer] Born and raised in Lima (Peru) into a musical family, his unique style is defined by its solid classical roots paired with a passion for popular music genres, among which Latin American music and improvisation play a key role. Mr. Constantini has performed worldwide in top venues such as Amsterdam's Concértgebouw, The Berliner Philharmonie, and The Los Angeles Opera House, among many others.  Next season, Mr. Constantini will appear as a soloist with distinguished orchestras such as the WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne and the Robert Schumann Philharmonie. He will also premiere his composition, Concerto for Bandoneón & Orchestra, commissioned to commemorate Astor Piazzolla's birth centenary and perform Rhapsody in Blue with the Tacoma Symphony in Seattle. Mr. Constantini has released six CD albums; one of them, titled AMERICA, has earned him a nomination for a LATIN GRAMMY award in 2019 in the "Best Classical Album" category. In addition, he has been working on the complete piano works by Claude Debussy, of which he has already released two albums. And the first volume was selected among the ten best albums of the year 2015 by Fanfare magazine, USA.  Mr. Constantini recently released two singles, Genesis and Alone, which precede his upcoming new album to be released in spring 2022.    [Claudio Constantini Links] 🌐Website 📺YouTube 💿Spotify 🤳Instagram: @ constantinimusic   [Watch Claudio’s Performances] 🪗Concerto for Bandoneon & Orchestra (written/performed by Constantini): 🔥Genesis 🪗🎹 Simultaneously

S2 · E12

Mar 23, 2022

59:07

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