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

Yukimi Song

...where tradition meets innovation. Together, we bring PIANO into the FUTURE. a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music Hey, 🎹 enthusiasts out there! My name is Yukimi, a classical pianist and educator from NYC and executive producer of The Piano Pod. The Piano Pod🎙 is a one-of-a-kind podcast that delves deep into the fascinating world of classical music, with a specific focus on the 🎹 piano. In a biweekly format, the show explores intriguing discussions with guests breaking exciting new ground in the classical music industry. The Piano Pod aims to nurture a thriving community that embraces innovative approaches to ensure classical music's relevance and vitality in today's dynamic landscape. "How can I present the beautiful tradition of classical music to the 21st-century audience in a fun, contemporary, and engaging way?" When I started building a piano studio in the trendy neighborhood of Downtown Manhattan in 2007 while in the NYU graduate program in piano studies, I began to ponder this question. I realized the stark difference in expectations toward classical music and music education between music professionals and the general public. Then, one of the NYU music department's professors suggested I start a podcast: the platform would allow classical musicians to address this disparity and spark conversations about audience engagement. Finally, fast forward to 10+ years later, The Piano Pod was born in the summer of 2020. Since then, I have had the privilege of interviewing A-listers in the classical music industry: international concert pianists, composers, arrangers, digital streamers/influencers, music educators, entrepreneurs, neurodiverse specialists, and performance psychologists. Through fascinating conversations, we have explored how classical music should continue to evolve to remain relevant to our lifestyle, society, and culture. Over the past three seasons, The Piano Pod has achieved remarkable success by reaching faithful listeners on audio platforms and viewers via YouTube. As the show is celebrating the past season's achievements and gearing toward the new season in the fall, my mission as the Executive Producer is crystal clear: to provide a platform for classical musicians and educators to reflect and discuss ways to keep our industry robust and meaningful in this ever-changing world and move it forward in the post-pandemic era. 🔗Follow TPP on social media accounts to get the latest news about 🎹. Thanks for listening♥️🎹

  1. The World of MICROVIDS 🎶 Composer, Stefania de Kenessey on Music, Poetry & Love

    2 DAYS AGO

    The World of MICROVIDS 🎶 Composer, Stefania de Kenessey on Music, Poetry & Love

    🎶✨ How can nineteen tiny piano miniatures blossom into one of the most expansive, collaborative, and award-winning projects of our time? Welcome to Season 6 Episode 3: The World of MICROVIDS — Composer & Advocate for Women in Music, Stefania de Kenessey. In this episode of The Piano Pod, I sit down with Stefania de Kenessey, a composer whose works have been heard at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, La MaMa, and around the world. Her latest project, Microvids, began as nineteen piano miniatures written during the pandemic — and has since grown into a global tapestry of music, poetry, improvisation, orchestral performance, and film. In our conversation, Stefania opens up about: ✅ The surprising origins of MICROVIDS and how “tiny nothings” became her richest work ✅ Collaborations with pianist Donna Weng Friedman, violinist Curtis Stewart, narrator Krystal Joy Brown, and the New Jersey Youth Symphony under Helen Cha-Pyo ✅ Award-winning films inspired by MICROVIDS, including Silent Cry ✅ How MICROVIDS can connect with youth orchestras and piano students around the world ✅ Her advocacy for women in music, her Hungarian roots, and her expansive multi-genre style — from opera to dance to provocative video works like Menstrual Rosary 👉 Stay tuned until the end for rapid-fire fun, candid reflections, and exclusive performance excerpts from MICROVIDS, Unorthodox, and Menstrual Rosary. https://www.navonarecords.com/catalog/nv6751/ 🌐 Stefania's Website🎬 Watch Silent Cry (award-winning short film)🎬 Watch Menstrual Rosary (winner of 33 film awards) [The Piano Pod] 💖 Subscribe TPP on Substack to unlock exclusive content 🎵 Listen to our Sounds of Inspiration – Piano Works from Season 6 playlist 📫 Subscribe to our newsletter🚨 Latest News: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod 🌐 Website: https://thepianopod.com

    1h 23m
  2. Encore Conversations 1: Beyond the Keys & Radiance - Jeeyoon Kim on Love, Resilience, and Creativity

    30 SEPT · BONUS

    Encore Conversations 1: Beyond the Keys & Radiance - Jeeyoon Kim on Love, Resilience, and Creativity

    🔥 “Music isn’t just about playing the notes — it’s about living beyond the keys.” 🔥Welcome to the premiere of Encore Conversations — The Piano Pod’s new series, where past guests return for short, powerful conversations about their latest projects and evolving journeys. To kick it off, I’m joined by Jeeyoon Kim — pianist, educator, podcaster, and now a two-time author. You may remember her from Season 3, when she shared her debut book, Whenever You’re Ready, and her bold mission to transform the concert experience. Now she’s back with her new book Beyond the Keys and companion album Radiance — projects that dive even deeper into love, resilience, and the creative spirit. 🎶 The episode opens with Jeeyoon’s stunning performance of Piazzolla’s Libertango (arr. Kyoko Yamamoto), also featured on Radiance. From her unforgettable 2023 Carnegie Hall debut to the raw personal stories she reveals in Beyond the Keys, Jeeyoon shows us how music, writing, and life lessons intertwine to create something extraordinary. 📌 Explore More 🎶 Watch the full Libertango performance (from Radiance):📖 Download 4 free chapters of Beyond the Keys🛒 Order Beyond the Keys on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3DTUMik✨ If you missed Jeeyoon’s first Piano Pod appearance (Season 3, Episode 14), go back and listen. You’ll see why her originality and authenticity continue to inspire this community.👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Encore Conversations and Season 6 episodes that celebrate Creativity & Connection. [The Piano Pod - a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music] 💖 Subscribe to our Substack page for free or unlock exclusive materials with a paid subscription🎵 Subscribe to our Sounds of Inspiration – Piano Works from Season 6📫 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/40kiukh Stay Connected:🚨 Latest News: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod🌐 Website: https://thepianopod.com 📱

    46 min
  3. Official Trailer ✅ Encore Conversations Ep. 1 | Jeeyoon Kim — Beyond the Keys & Radiance

    SEASON 6 TRAILER

    Official Trailer ✅ Encore Conversations Ep. 1 | Jeeyoon Kim — Beyond the Keys & Radiance

    In this special premiere of Encore Conversations, The Piano Pod’s brand-new alumni series, I sit down with award-winning pianist, author, and educator Jeeyoon Kim. You may remember her from Season 3, where she inspired us with her originality, authenticity, and mission to make concerts deeply personal. Now she returns with her most intimate project yet — her second book Beyond the Keys and companion album Radiance. In our Encore Conversation, Jeeyoon opens up about: ✅ The inspiration behind Beyond the Keys ✅ Why she chose to share her deepest challenges with her readers ✅ What she discovered about herself through writing ✅ How her new album Radiance expands on the book’s themes of love, resilience, and connection🎬 Join the broadcast of this special Encore Conversation on September 9, 2025, at 8:00pm ET: https://youtu.be/0bpMQiBLkaY [Jeeyoon Kim] 🎹 Watch Libertango from Radiance: https://youtu.be/LK3dnspkqEY?si=5Ml6VZcQ6_OPu8_R 📖 Free preview (4 chapters) of Beyond the Keys: https://dedicated-thinker-5780.kit.com/3ee9541685 🛒 Order the book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3DTUMik 🌐 Website: https://www.jeeyoonkim.com[The Piano Pod - a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music] 💖 Subscribe for free or unlock exclusive materials with a paid subscription: https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe 🎵 Subscribe to our Sounds of Inspiration – Piano Works from Season 6: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeBrJAY2RQ_uqBAHXTkMwM4nISe9vxvDa 📫 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/40kiukh

    1 min
  4. "Boundless Creativity" feat. Mada & Hugh Piano Duo on Love, Life, & Artistic Freedom

    23 SEPT

    "Boundless Creativity" feat. Mada & Hugh Piano Duo on Love, Life, & Artistic Freedom

    🎹🔥 What makes a four-hand piano duo so powerful, intimate, and endlessly creative? Welcome to Season 6 Episode 2: Four Hands, Boundless Creativity — Mada & Hugh, the Award-Winning Duo on Love, Life & Artistic Freedom In this captivating episode of The Piano Pod, I sit down with the award-winning Mada & Hugh Piano Duo — Romanian-born pianist Mădălina-Claudia Dănilă and Korean-American pianist Hugh Sung. Known for their electrifying four-hand performances, imaginative arrangements, and engaging video productions, Mada & Hugh are redefining what it means to collaborate in classical music today. In our conversation, they open up about: The artistry and intimacy of four-hand piano playing Their daring arrangements, from Romanian folk gems to Sweet Child O’ Mine Behind-the-scenes secrets of their video production and vlogs Mădălina’s journey from Romania to the U.S. and her research on George Crumb Hugh’s entrepreneurial path — inventing AirTurn and pushing the boundaries of music tech The risks they’ve taken to reinvent themselves and the courage it takes to build a new artistic life together👉 Stay tuned until the end for rapid-fire fun, candid reflections on creativity and connection, and exclusive performance excerpts — including Suita din Dobrogea and Silence and a Face from Christian Mecham’s Three Omens. [Mada & Hugh Piano Duo] Website:YouTube Channel🎼Download their amazing 4-hand arrangements HERE[The Piano Pod] Subscribe to TPP on Substack for free or unlock exclusive materials with a paid subscriptionSubscribe to our Sounds of Inspiration – Piano Works from Season 6 playlistLatest NewsWebsite

    1h 53m
  5. Music Transforms -- Chad Lawson on creativity, healing, and human connection

    9 SEPT

    Music Transforms -- Chad Lawson on creativity, healing, and human connection

    🎹✨ Can music heal, comfort, and truly transform lives? In this special Season 6 premiere of The Piano Pod, I sit down with Billboard-charting pianist and composer Chad Lawson — also the first musician ever appointed as a U.N. Ambassador for the World Federation for Mental Health. His composition “The Light Within” became the official theme song for World Mental Health Day, and his music has touched millions through streaming, concerts, hospitals, and beyond. In our conversation, Chad opens up about: The inspiration behind his latest album, Where We Are: Unity EditionHow he turned adversity into artistry with his debut Set on a HillWhy combining music and wellness has become his missionAnd the story of how he became a U.N. Ambassador through music👉 Stay tuned until the end for rapid-fire fun, personal insights, secrets to building a successful creative career, and an exclusive excerpt of Chad’s breathtaking piece “Sanctuary.” [Chad Lawson] Sanctuary full video: https://youtu.be/QZwL3ojac0I?si=dR6CUnz-UECGgH5gThe Light Within: https://youtu.be/QZwL3ojac0I?si=dR6CUnz-UECGgH5gWebsite: https://www.chadlawson.com/Podcast: https://www.calmitdownpodcast.com/[The Piano Pod - a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music] 💖 Subscribe for free or unlock exclusive materials with a paid subscription: https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe🎵 Subscribe to our Sounds of Inspiration – Piano Works from Season 6: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeBrJAY2RQ_uqBAHXTkMwM4nISe9vxvDa📫 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/40kiukhStay Connected:🚨 Latest News: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod🌐 Website: https://thepianopod.com📱 Instagram: @thepianopod😃 Facebook: https://facebook.com/ThePianoPodNYC⏳ TikTok: @thepianopod

    1h 39m
  6. Official Trailer ✅: "Music Transforms" Chad Lawson on creativity, healing, and human connection

    SEASON 6 TRAILER

    Official Trailer ✅: "Music Transforms" Chad Lawson on creativity, healing, and human connection

    🎹✨ Can music heal, comfort, and truly transform lives? In this special Season 6 premiere of The Piano Pod, I sit down with Billboard-charting pianist and composer Chad Lawson — also the first musician ever appointed as a U.N. Ambassador for the World Federation for Mental Health. His composition “The Light Within” became the official theme song for World Mental Health Day, and his music has touched millions through streaming, concerts, hospitals, and beyond. In our conversation, Chad opens up about: ✅ The inspiration behind his latest album, Where We Are: Unity Edition ✅ How he turned adversity into artistry with his debut Set on a Hill ✅ Why combining music and wellness has become his mission ✅ And the story of how he became a U.N. Ambassador through music 🎬 Join the broadcast of this special episode on September 9, 2025, at 8:00pm ET: [Chad Lawson] 📺 Sanctuary full video: https://youtu.be/QZwL3ojac0I?si=dR6CUnz-UECGgH5g 🎹 The Light Within: https://youtu.be/QZwL3ojac0I?si=dR6CUnz-UECGgH5g 🌐 Website: https://www.chadlawson.com/ 🎧 Podcast, Calm It Down: https://www.calmitdownpodcast.com/ [The Piano Pod - a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music] 💖 Subscribe for free or unlock exclusive materials with a paid subscription: https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe 🎵 Subscribe to our Sounds of Inspiration – Piano Works from Season 6: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeBrJAY2RQ_uqBAHXTkMwM4nISe9vxvDa 📫 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter: https://bit.ly/40kiukh Stay Connected: 🚨 Latest News: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod 🌐 Website: https://thepianopod.com 📱 Instagram: @thepianopod 😃 Facebook: https://facebook.com/ThePianoPodNYC ⏳ TikTok: @thepianopod

    1 min

Trailers

About

...where tradition meets innovation. Together, we bring PIANO into the FUTURE. a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music Hey, 🎹 enthusiasts out there! My name is Yukimi, a classical pianist and educator from NYC and executive producer of The Piano Pod. The Piano Pod🎙 is a one-of-a-kind podcast that delves deep into the fascinating world of classical music, with a specific focus on the 🎹 piano. In a biweekly format, the show explores intriguing discussions with guests breaking exciting new ground in the classical music industry. The Piano Pod aims to nurture a thriving community that embraces innovative approaches to ensure classical music's relevance and vitality in today's dynamic landscape. "How can I present the beautiful tradition of classical music to the 21st-century audience in a fun, contemporary, and engaging way?" When I started building a piano studio in the trendy neighborhood of Downtown Manhattan in 2007 while in the NYU graduate program in piano studies, I began to ponder this question. I realized the stark difference in expectations toward classical music and music education between music professionals and the general public. Then, one of the NYU music department's professors suggested I start a podcast: the platform would allow classical musicians to address this disparity and spark conversations about audience engagement. Finally, fast forward to 10+ years later, The Piano Pod was born in the summer of 2020. Since then, I have had the privilege of interviewing A-listers in the classical music industry: international concert pianists, composers, arrangers, digital streamers/influencers, music educators, entrepreneurs, neurodiverse specialists, and performance psychologists. Through fascinating conversations, we have explored how classical music should continue to evolve to remain relevant to our lifestyle, society, and culture. Over the past three seasons, The Piano Pod has achieved remarkable success by reaching faithful listeners on audio platforms and viewers via YouTube. As the show is celebrating the past season's achievements and gearing toward the new season in the fall, my mission as the Executive Producer is crystal clear: to provide a platform for classical musicians and educators to reflect and discuss ways to keep our industry robust and meaningful in this ever-changing world and move it forward in the post-pandemic era. 🔗Follow TPP on social media accounts to get the latest news about 🎹. Thanks for listening♥️🎹

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