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

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

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

    SEASON 5 TRAILER

    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!

    3 min
  2. Season 5 Episode 11: Practising the Piano – Neuroscience, Technique, Musicality, and Performance Mastery for Pianists feat. Graham Fitch

    FEB 12

    Season 5 Episode 11: Practising the Piano – Neuroscience, Technique, Musicality, and Performance Mastery for Pianists feat. Graham Fitch

    📣 This Episode is Brought to You by the New York Piano Group. Find Your Piano Community with the New York Piano Group! 🔗 Learn more 🎹 How can neuroscience and a student-centered approach reshape our practice and teaching the piano? In this episode of The Piano Pod, Practising the Piano – Neuroscience, Technique, Musicality, and Performance Mastery for Pianists, I sit down with Graham Fitch—a pianist, educator, writer, and one of the leading figures in piano pedagogy. What separates Graham is his extensive research in piano pedagogy and neuroscience, his empirical, results-driven approach, and his compassionate, student-centered teaching philosophy that transforms how pianists learn and perform. Is Hanon still relevant? What about Czerny? How do neuroscience and modern practice techniques redefine piano pedagogy today? In this episode, we discuss: Why repetition alone won’t lead to mastery—and what actually works How neuroscience helps train technique, memory, and musical expression Creative strategies for effective practice that go beyond scales and exercises Why a student-centered approach leads to better, more engaged learning The importance of feedback and reflection in piano training How to prepare for performance with confidence and expressive freedom A deep dive into traditional and modern piano techniques—including Neuhaus, Hanon, Czerny, and moreMuscle memory alone isn’t enough—integrate aural and cognitive learning for mastery.Stay Connected with Graham Fitch Practising The PianoYouTube ChannelBooks & Courses Mentioned: 🈹 Subscribe yearly to Practising the Piano Online Academy and enjoy full, unlimited access to all materials—plus, save 30% compared to the monthly plan!🎓 Piano Teachers’ Course UK🎼 Finchcocks📖 What Every Pianist Needs to Know About the Body – Thomas Carson Mark: 🔗 Get it here📖 Tyranny of Tradition in Piano Teaching – Walter Ponce: 🔗 Get it here 📖 Rudolph Ganz Exercises Contemporary and Special for Piano: 🔗 Read here 📖 Heinrich Neuhaus – The Art of Piano PlayingStay Connected with The Piano Pod Subscribe to TPP on Substack for free or unlock exclusive materials💬 What are YOUR biggest takeaways from this episode? Drop a comment below, and let’s discuss!

    1h 58m
  3. Official Trailer ✅: Season 5 Episode 11 "Practising the Piano – Neuroscience, Technique, Musicality, and Performance Mastery for Pianists" feat. Graham Fitch - Pianist, Pedagogue, Writer & Broadcaster

    SEASON 5 TRAILER

    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

    2 min
  4. Season 5 Episode 10: "Moving Classics TV" Redefining Contemporary Piano Music and Connecting Global Audiences Through Innovation

    JAN 29

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

    📣 This Episode is Brought to You by the Foundation for Bolivian Artists. 👉"Celebrate Culture, Discover Hidden Classical Gems, and Explore Bolivia's Talents!" https://bolivianartistfoundation.org/ In this episode of The Piano Pod, we dive into the fascinating world of contemporary classical music with Anna Heller, founder of Moving Classics TV. Anna shares her journey from Siberia to Germany, rebuilding her career and creating a groundbreaking platform that connects audiences to modern piano music. Her innovative work has featured over 500 composers and inspired countless listeners worldwide. In this episode, we discussed: The concept and mission behind Moving Classics TVAnna’s experience rebuilding her career in a new countryThe process of selecting and curating contemporary piano worksTrends in live piano performance formats and contemporary musicAnna’s research on "Creativity Codes" and its connection to innovationInsights into thematic recitals like Aquarelle and Bach in MoviesHer role as a performer for Candlelight Concerts and its unique appealThe challenges and rewards of freelancing as a concert pianistAnna’s vision for the future of classical musicDon’t miss this inspiring conversation with an artist redefining classical piano music's boundaries. Stay Connected with Anna Heller: 🔗 Moving Classics TV 🎥 YouTube Channel 🎵 Discover Creativity CodesPiano Works Mentioned: Kris Lennox - Vapor Trail IIModern Piano - Serban Nichifor - The CircleNew Consonant Music - Pietr Lachert - CropelkiSergey Akhunov - Sketch VII "in memory of Satie" Stay Connected with The Piano Pod: 💖 Subscribe on Substack for free or unlock exclusive materials🎗️ Support Our Work: Make a donation🚨 Latest News🌐 Website🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

    1h 51m
  5. Official Trail ✅: Season 5 Episode 10 "Moving Classics TV: Redefining Contemporary Piano Music and Connecting Global Audiences Through Innovation"

    SEASON 5 TRAILER

    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

    3 min
  6. Season 5 Episode 9: "Redefining Classical Music: Innovation, Breaking Barriers, and Forging Own Path" feat. Clare Longendyke - Concert Pianist & Recording Artist

    JAN 15

    Season 5 Episode 9: "Redefining Classical Music: Innovation, Breaking Barriers, and Forging Own Path" feat. Clare Longendyke - Concert Pianist & Recording Artist

    📣 This Episode is Brought to You by the Foundation for Bolivian Artists. 👉"Celebrate Culture, Discover Hidden Classical Gems, and Explore Bolivia's Talents!" Kick off the new year with an exhilarating episode with Clare Longendyke—an extraordinary concert pianist and recording artist redefining the boundaries of classical music. Celebrated for her “artistic ferocity” and innovation, Clare’s career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performances worldwide. In This Episode: 25 Concerts in 9 Weeks! Clare reflects on her whirlwind 2024 fall season, performing across 10 cities and 7 states.Billboard Breakthrough! Her debut album, …of Dreams Unveiled, debuted at #2 on the Billboard Classical Charts, blending works by Claude Debussy, Amy Williams, and Anthony R. Green.Champion of New Music! Clare has premiered 250 works and commissioned over 30 new compositions, redefining tradition with modern creativity.Forging Her Path. Clare shares how she built a thriving full-time performance career without teaching.Breaking Barriers. Insights on women in classical music, embracing vulnerability, and connecting with audiences.📢 Special Announcement: Clare shares exciting news during this episode—you don’t want to miss it! Clare’s journey is a testament to courage, vision, and innovation in classical music. Let her story inspire your artistic pursuits! LINKS: Clare’s Ravel Piano Concerto: "Nights in the Gardens of Spain"Her album …of Dreams UnveiledClare’s Performance of Amy Beach’s Variations on Balkan ThemesFor all other pieces mentioned during the episode, please check out our Sounds of Inspiration PlaylistClare's Carnegie Performance TicketsStay Connected with The Piano Pod: Subscribe for free or unlock exclusive materials on SubstackSupport Our Work: Make a donationSubscribe to Our Monthly NewsletterLatest News: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod Website: https://thepianopod.com🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

    1h 57m
  7. Official Trailer ✅: Season 5 Episode 9 “Redefining Classical Music: Innovation, Breaking Barriers, and Forging Own Path,” feat. Clare Longendyke

    SEASON 5 TRAILER

    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

    3 min

Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 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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