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. Sound Liberation: Joe Williams on Black Artistry, Legacy & Belonging in Concert Music

    Jun 2

    Sound Liberation: Joe Williams on Black Artistry, Legacy & Belonging in Concert Music

    What does it mean to become a "Sound Liberator"? In this episode of The Piano Pod, pianist, composer, educator, filmmaker, scholar, and advocate Joe Williams joins host Yukimi Song for a wide-ranging conversation on artistry, legacy, belonging, improvisation, education, and the evolving landscape of concert music. Currently pursuing a PhD in composition at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Williams has built a multifaceted career championing composers of African descent while developing his own distinctive creative voice. From premiering new works and producing documentary films to contributing scholarship on Florence Price and composing music rooted in liberation, spirituality, and human connection, Williams exemplifies what it means to be a 21st-century artist. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear musical excerpts featuring works by Florence Price, Maria Thompson Corley, Richard Thompson, Brian Raphael Nabors, and Joe Williams himself. 🎹 Featured Music & Performances Brian Raphael Nabors – Piano Sonata No. 2 Brian Raphael Nabors – Sonata for Cello and Piano (Sterling Elliott, cello; Joseph Williams, piano)Florence Price – Fantasie Nègre in E Minor James Lee III - Album for the Young at Heart Maria Thompson Corley – Lucid Dreaming 👤 Joe Williams Instagram: @soundliberator 🎙️ The Piano Pod 💖 Become a VIP Member / Unlock Exclusive Content here🎵 Season 6 Piano Playlist🎙 Nominate Guests for Season 7 HERE📫 Join Our Newsletter HERE🌐 Website#JoeWilliams #ThePianoPod #FlorencePrice #BrianRaphaelNabors #MariaThompsonCorley #ConcertMusic #ContemporaryClassical #Juneteenth #PianoPodcast #ClassicalMusic

    1h 42m
  2. Beyond Borders: From Argentina to Poland to Texas—Oscar Macchioni reflects on a life in music

    May 19

    Beyond Borders: From Argentina to Poland to Texas—Oscar Macchioni reflects on a life in music

    In this episode of The Piano Pod, we are joined by Steinway Artist, pianist, and pedagogue Dr. Oscar Macchioni. Born in Argentina, shaped by years of study in Poland, and now serving as Associate Professor of Piano Pedagogy at the University of North Texas, Macchioni reflects on a life in music that moves across borders — culturally, intellectually, and artistically. A central focus of this conversation is his album Mostly Tangos: Piano Music from the Americas. But this episode goes far beyond tango itself. Together, we explore artistic identity, the dangers of labels, concert programming, the evolution of tango into concert music, and how composers such as Astor Piazzolla, William Bolcom, and Karol Szymanowski shaped Macchioni’s artistic world. We also discuss his years teaching in the culturally rich border community of El Paso, Texas, his philosophy on piano pedagogy, and the role universities and artists can play in building meaningful human connection through music. This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on artistry, cultural identity, education, and how music continues to travel across generations and borders. 🌐 Oscar Macchioni Website 🎬 Oscar Macchioni YouTube 🎹 Borderland Chopin International Competition 📖 Read the “Meet Our Guest” blog 💖 Become a VIP Member / Unlock Exclusive Content 🎵 Season 6 Piano Playlist 🎙 Nominate Guests for Season 7 📫 Join Our Newsletter 🌐 The Piano Pod Website 📱 Follow The Piano Pod Instagram Facebook TikTok 🔗 All Links

    1h 49m
  3. Music As Witness feat. Concert Pianist, Anna Shelest

    May 5

    Music As Witness feat. Concert Pianist, Anna Shelest

    In this episode of The Piano Pod, we are joined by concert pianist Anna Shelest. Her work spans major orchestral collaborations, recording projects, and repertoire advocacy — but this conversation centers on her latest album A Romantic from Kharkiv; Music of Sergei Bortkiewicz and the deeper artistic and cultural meaning behind it. Together, we explore how music becomes a form of testimony — shaped by memory, identity, and history — and how Shelest’s connection to Kharkiv, Ukraine informs her interpretation of Bortkiewicz’s music. We also discuss her Donna Voce project, her collaboration with conductor Neeme Järvi on Anton Rubinstein’s piano concertos, and her work as part of the Shelest Piano Duo with her husband, Dmitri Shelest. This episode is sponsored by the Alexander & Buono Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting classical musicians through performance opportunities, recordings, and artistic development. This episode offers a powerful reflection on rediscovery, cultural heritage, and the role of classical music in today’s world. 📖 Read the blog (Meet Our Guest): Anna Shelest — Concert Pianist 🎧 Listen to Anna Shelest on Spotify 🎬 Explore more video clips on YouTube💖 Become a VIP Member / Unlock Exclusive Content on Substack 🎵 Listen to the Season 6 Piano Playlist NOMINATE GUESTS FOR SEASON 7: https://forms.gle/z3Q78dtTBbe5hdYr9 📫 Join our Newsletter 🌐 Visit our Website 📱 Follow The Piano Pod on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok 🔗 Access all links via Linktree 🎧 Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, artistry, and the future of classical music.

    1h 49m
  4. Joy Luck Trio -- Groundbreaking Pipa-Erhu-Piano Trio

    Apr 21

    Joy Luck Trio -- Groundbreaking Pipa-Erhu-Piano Trio

    In this episode of The Piano Pod, we welcome Joy Luck Trio — a newly formed ensemble bringing together pianist Donna Weng Friedman, pipa virtuoso Gao Hong, and erhu virtuoso Karen Han-Ottosson. Together, these three Chinese-American artists unite piano, pipa, and erhu in a rare chamber collaboration rooted in heritage and shaped by contemporary expression. In this conversation, we explore how the trio first came together, the histories and sound worlds of the pipa and erhu, what makes these instruments distinct from Western strings, and the remarkable artistic journeys that led each member to this moment. We also discuss Gao Hong’s expansive career as a pipa virtuoso and composer, Karen Han’s work on major Hollywood soundtracks, Donna’s recent creative accomplishments, and the trio’s artistic vision, repertoire, and the origin of the name Joy Luck Trio. This episode is about identity, reinvention, artistry, and the excitement of building something new after decades of achievement. 📖 Read the Meet Our Guest Blog🌐 Joy Luck Trio Facebook🌐 Gao Hong (Pipa Virtuoso, Composer)🌐 Karen Han-Ottosson (Erhu Virtuoso)🌐 Donna Weng Friedman (Pianist, Filmmaker)📱 Follow The Piano Pod 💖 Become a VIP Member / Unlock Exclusive Content https://thepianopod.substack.com🎵 Sounds of Inspiration (all the music mentioned in Season 6: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeBrJAY2RQ_uqBAHXTkMwM4nISe9vxvDa📫 Join Our Newsletter https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe🌐 Website https://thepianopod.com🔗 All Links https://linktr.ee/thepianopod🎧 Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, artistry, and the future of classical music.

    1h 21m

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

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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