137 episodes

...where tradition meets innovation, and together, we bring PIANO into the 21st Century.
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♥️🎹

The Piano Pod Yukimi Song

    • Music
    • 5.0 • 18 Ratings

...where tradition meets innovation, and together, we bring PIANO into the 21st Century.
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♥️🎹

    Season 4 Finale: "Conquer Performance Anxiety," feat. Dr. Jon Skidmore, Performance Psychologist

    Season 4 Finale: "Conquer Performance Anxiety," feat. Dr. Jon Skidmore, Performance Psychologist

    🥹How can we shift the cultural perception of performance anxiety from a personal weakness to a natural aspect of the human experience, deserving of compassion and support?
    Welcome to the Season 4 Finale, titled “Conquer Performance Anxiety” with a guest Dr. Jon Skidmore! We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Jon Skidmore, Performance Psychologist, back to The Piano Pod! Many of you may remember his insightful contribution to our very first episode back in September 2020. It feels truly fitting to bring him back as we wrap up this season.
    In this episode, we cover:
    ✅ The Importance of Mental Skills Training for Musicians✅ Understanding Performance Anxiety✅ The Correct Definition of “Mindset”✅ “Stage Fright is Not an Enemy nor a Disease; It’s a Skill Deficit!”✅ From Traditional Practice to Brain Science and Flow✅ Strategies for Music Educators to Help Their StudentsAnd much more! 👏👏👏 Dr. Skidmore will explore the topic of performance anxiety with compassion, drawing on insights from neuroscience and psychology. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
    [About Dr. Jon Skidmore]
    🌐Website📘His Book: Conquer Anxiety📚His Course: Musicians’ Path to Peak Performance, starting in November📝Register to Join Dr. Skidmore’s Free Monthly Workshops on 2nd Wednesdays at 9:00 am MT or 3rd Wednesdays at 5:00 pm MT 📆 Schedule a 30 min Discovery Call with Dr. Skidmore.👉 If you haven't checked out our first episode, listen HERE.[The Piano Pod🎙️]
    Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)🌐 TPP Official Site📱 Connect with us on Social Media👉👉👉 NOMINATE YOURSELF OR SOMEONE IN OUR INDUSTRY TO BE A GUEST ON THE PIANO POD!
    #Podcast #MusicEducation #ClassicalMusic #PianoPerformance #PerformanceAnxiety #MentalSkills #MusicTeachers #MusicStudents #StageFright #BrainScience #FlowState #MusicPodcast #PianoLife #Pianist #MusicCommunity #SeasonFinale #TuneIn #PodcastPremiere #MusicInsights #ArtistSupport

    • 1 hr 30 min
    Trailer for Season 4 Finale feat. Dr. Jon Skidmore, Performance Psychologist

    Trailer for Season 4 Finale feat. Dr. Jon Skidmore, Performance Psychologist

    🎥 Here is the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode, "Conquer Performance Anxiety - Stage Fright is Not an Enemy nor a Disease; It’s a Skill Deficit!"
    Get ready for our upcoming episode with Dr. Skidmore who is joining us again for The Piano Pod’s season finale! Many of you may remember his insightful contribution to our very first episode back in September 2020. It feels truly fitting to bring him back as we wrap up this season.
    Our Executive Producer and Host, Yukimi Song, has dreamed of creating a piano podcast since her grad school days at NYU in 2008. A professor suggested the idea back then, but it wasn’t until the COVID lockdown that she finally took the plunge. The sudden lifestyle changes caused her students to struggle with performance anxiety, sparking her mission to help them.
    Her journey led her to an inspiring article in Piano Magazine where Dr. Skidmore’s work was featured. Impressed by his methods and research, Yukimi reached out to him, and their enlightening conversation inspired the launch of this podcast.
    She wanted to share these valuable insights with fellow pianists and music educators. And now, here we are, coming full circle.
    In this episode, we cover:
    ✅ The Importance of Mental Skills Training for Musicians✅ Understanding Performance Anxiety✅ The Correct Definition of “Mindset”✅ From Traditional Practice to Brain Science and Flow✅ Strategies for Music Educators to Help Their StudentsAnd much more!
    👏👏👏 Dr. Skidmore will explore the topic of performance anxiety with compassion, drawing on insights from neuroscience and psychology. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
    📆 Mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 8:00pm ET to catch the premiere on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel.🎧 The audio podcast will also be available on Tuesday, June 11, at 8:00pm ET: https://linktr.ee/TPP2.0🎹 About Dr. Jon Skidmore:
    WebsiteArticle👉 If you haven't checked out our first episode, listen HERE.
    🎬 Credits:
    Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)🌐 Official Site📱 Connect with us on Social Media#Podcast #MusicEducation #ClassicalMusic #PianoPerformance #PerformanceAnxiety #MentalSkills #MusicTeachers #MusicStudents #StageFright #BrainScience #FlowState #MusicPodcast #PianoLife #Pianist #MusicCommunity #SeasonFinale #TuneIn #PodcastPremiere #MusicInsights #ArtistSupport

    • 2 min
    Season 4 Episode 19: Connecting Contemporary Audiences – Megan Ihnen, Mezzo-Soprano & Executive Director of the Live Music Project

    Season 4 Episode 19: Connecting Contemporary Audiences – Megan Ihnen, Mezzo-Soprano & Executive Director of the Live Music Project

    Connecting Contemporary Audiences – Live Music Project: Bridging Musicians and Audiences, Empowering Next-Generation Innovators
    Get ready for an exhilarating conversation with Megan Inen, celebrated Mezzo-Soprano and Executive Director of the Live Music Project
    During our conversation, we focused on the Live Music Project: its concept, mission, and significant impact and reach within the music industry and among global communities of music lovers. We discussed how the platform connects classical musicians with broader audiences and explored the topic of audience engagement — a subject that has captivated Piano Pod listeners from the beginning.
    In this episode, we delved into the overview of the Live Music Project
    ✅ Bridging the Gap Between Musicians and Audiences✅ Becoming a Hub for Orchestras, Ensembles, Choirs and Independent Musicians✅ Inviting Novice Listeners with the “Spontaneous Free Tickets Program”We also discussed Megan’s Multifaceted Entrepreneurial Career:
    ✅ Megan’s Celebrated Career as a Mezzo-Soprano✅ Helping Fellow Musicians Develop Entrepreneurial Skills through Her Coaching Business✅ Nurturing the Next Gen of Musical Innovators Through Her Role in the Peabody LAUNCHPadAnd much more!
    📺 The video version of this episode is available on our YouTube channel!
    [ABOUT THE LIVE MUSIC PROJECT]
    🌐 Visit HERE to learn more!📱 Follow LMP on Instagram[MEGAN IHNEN]
    🌐 Visit HERE to learn more!📱Connect with Megan on Instagram:🎵Find Megan on Spotify[ABOUT THE PIANO POD]
    Greetings, piano lovers! I'm Yukimi Song, your host from NYC. Every fortnight, join me as I delve deep into the world of PIANO with groundbreakers from the classical music industry. Our mission? To provide a platform for classical musicians and educators to reflect and discuss how to keep our industry robust and relevant in this rapidly changing world and move it forward in the post-pandemic era.
    ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate https://bit.ly/3EsvRDg❤️❤️🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)🌐 Official Site📱 Connect with us on social media

    • 1 hr 29 min
    Trailer for Season 4 Episode 19: Megan Ihnen, Connecting Contemporary Audiences – Live Music Project: Bridging Musicians and Audiences, Empowering Next Generation Innovators "

    Trailer for Season 4 Episode 19: Megan Ihnen, Connecting Contemporary Audiences – Live Music Project: Bridging Musicians and Audiences, Empowering Next Generation Innovators "

    🎥 Here is the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode, "Connecting Contemporary Audiences – Live Music Project: Bridging Musicians and Audiences, Empowering Next Generation Innovators with Megan Ihnen"
    Get ready for our upcoming episode with Megan Ihnen, Mezzo-Soprano and Executive Director of the Live Music Project, for an exhilarating conversation!
    During our conversation, we delved into the Live Music Project's significant impact and reach within the music industry and among global communities of music lovers. We discussed how the platform connects classical musicians with broader audiences and explored the topic of audience engagement — a subject that has captivated Piano Pod listeners from the beginning.
    In this episode, we focused on the overview of the Live Music Project
    ✅ Bridging the Gap Between Musicians and Audiences✅ Becoming a Hub for Orchestras, Ensembles, Choirs and Independent Musicians✅ Inviting Novice Listeners with the “Spontaneous Free Tickets Program”We also discussed Megan’s Multifaceted Entrepreneurial Career:
    ✅ Megan’s Celebrated Career as a Mezzo-Soprano✅ Helping Fellow Musicians Develop Entrepreneurial Skills through Her Coaching Business✅ Nurturing the Next Gen of Musical Innovators Through Her Role in the Peabody LAUNCHPadAnd much more!
    📆 Mark your calendar for May 28, 2024 — you won't want to miss this fascinating episode with Megan Ihnen!
    📺 Catch the premiere on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/iM6AP_YRpw0?si=QUBCkCWcNUhgftUq
    🎧 Subscribe to The Piano Pod on Your Favorite Podcast Platform: https://linktr.ee/TPP2.0
    🎻 About the Live Music Project – The Live Music Project is dedicated to making live classical music performances more accessible to a broader audience. It aims to connect people with local live classical music events through a comprehensive, user-friendly online platform that lists concerts, recitals, and other musical events. The project often focuses on community engagement, fostering a vibrant cultural scene, and supporting musicians and composers by promoting their performances and helping to build audiences for live classical music. Visit https://www.livemusicproject.org/ to learn more!
    🎹 About Megan Ihnen – Megan Ihnen, a "new music force of nature," is an acclaimed mezzo-soprano and advocate for composers. As Executive Director of the Live Music Project, she enhances the classical music scene's vibrancy and accessibility. She also teaches the "Breakthrough Curriculum" at Peabody Institute, nurturing future musical innovators. Passionate about creative placemaking and audience development, Megan forges impactful cultural partnerships, enriching communities and expanding the arts' societal impact. Visit https://meganihnen.com/ to learn more!
    🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)
    🌐 Official Site
    📱 Connect with us on Social Media
    #podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #audienceengagment #concertcalendar #nonprofit #entrepreneur #classicalmusic #classicalmusician #classicalconcert #concertartist #artist #piano #pianist #concertprogram

    • 2 min
    Season 4 Episode 18: Keys to Identity - A Profound Conversation with Grammy Award-Winning Steinway Pianist, Kristhyan Benitez

    Season 4 Episode 18: Keys to Identity - A Profound Conversation with Grammy Award-Winning Steinway Pianist, Kristhyan Benitez

    Get ready for an exhilarating conversation with Kristhyan Benitez, a Grammy-winning concert pianist and esteemed Steinway Artist known for his mastery of Latin American music, for our upcoming episode!
    In our discussion, we delved into Kristhyan’s impressive career accomplishments, exploring his numerous stellar awards and recognitions, and examining how his diverse identity shapes his creative journey.
    In this revealing interview, we'll touch upon
    ✅ Kristhyan's critically acclaimed third studio album, "Latin American Classics," which clinched the Latin Grammy for "Best Classical Album" in 2021.
    ✅ His Passion for Piano Exploration through Improvisation: insights into his creative process when approaching improvisation in both studio and live settings.
    ✅ Collaborations with Renowned Figures, Spanning from Legendary Conductors to Latin American Music Icons.
    ✅ The Influence of Identity Complexity on Artistic Expression and Career Trajectory.
    ✅ His exciting venture with his alter-ego, "Benitez," experimenting with electro-acoustic music.
    And much more!
    🎧 The audio episode of this fun episode will be split into 2 parts. Part 1 will be available on your favorite podcasting platform simultaneously with the YouTube premiere.
    [ABOUT KRISTHYAN BENITEZ]
    🌐Website
    🎵Kristhyan’s Grammy-Award Winning Album, "Latin American Classics" under the Steinway and Sons label
    🎵Kristhyan’s Grammy-Nominated Album, "Afro Cuban Dances"
    📱Kristhyan’s Instagram Accounts: https://www.instagram.com/kristhyan and https://www.instagram.com/benitezsounds/
    [ABOUT THE PIANO POD]
    Greetings, piano lovers! I'm Yukimi Song, your host from NYC. Every fortnight, join me as I delve deep into the world of PIANO with groundbreakers from the classical music industry. Our mission? To provide a platform for classical musicians and educators to reflect and discuss how to keep our industry robust and relevant in this rapidly changing world and move it forward in the post-pandemic era.
    ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate HERE❤️❤️
    🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)
    🌐 Official Site
    📱 Connect with us
    #podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #steinwayartist #kristhyanbenitez #latinamericanmusic #latingrammys #grammyawardwinner #pianist #concertpianist #recordingartist #piano #venezuelanmusic #venezuela #latinamerica #classicalpiano #classicalmusic

    • 1 hr 31 min
    Official Trailer: Keys to Identity - Season 4 Episode 18 feat. Grammy-Winning Steinway Artist, Kristhyan Benitez

    Official Trailer: Keys to Identity - Season 4 Episode 18 feat. Grammy-Winning Steinway Artist, Kristhyan Benitez

    🎥 Here is the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode, "Keys to Identity: A Profound Conversation with Grammy Award-Winning Steinway Pianist Kristhyan Benitez"

    Get ready for an exhilarating conversation with Kristhyan Benitez, a Grammy-winning concert pianist and esteemed Steinway Artist known for his mastery of Latin American music, for our upcoming episode!
    In our discussion, we delved into Kristhyan’s impressive career accomplishments, exploring his numerous stellar awards and recognitions, and examining how his diverse identity shapes his creative journey.
    Join us on May 14 for an electrifying episode of The Piano Pod with Kristhyan, where we'll explore how he's revolutionizing the music landscape through innovative production techniques, spanning from traditional concert performances to bold experimental projects.
    In this revealing interview, we'll touch upon
    ✅ Kristhyan's critically acclaimed third studio album, "Latin American Classics," which clinched the Latin Grammy for "Best Classical Album" in 2021.
    ✅ His Passion for Piano Exploration through Improvisation: insights into his creative process when approaching improvisation in both studio and live settings.
    ✅ Collaborations with Renowned Figures, Spanning from Legendary Conductors to Latin American Music Icons.
    ✅ The Influence of Identity Complexity on Artistic Expression and Career Trajectory.
    ✅ His exciting venture with his alter-ego, "Benitez," experimenting with electro-acoustic music.
    And much more!
    🎹 About Kristhyan Benitez – Grammy-winning pianist Kristhyan Benitez captivates global audiences with his vibrant concerts, blending Classical and Latin American music with depth and charisma. Hailed by luminaries like Jose Antonio Abreu and Philippe Entremont, he has graced renowned stages worldwide, from Berlin to New York. Benitez has performed with illustrious conductors and orchestras, earning accolades including a Latin Grammy for "Latin American Classics." As a Steinway Artist, he continues to enchant listeners with his virtuosity and passion.
    📆 Set a reminder for May 14, 2024 — you won't want to miss this fascinating episode with Kristhyan Benitez!
    📺 Catch the premiere on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel
    🎧 Subscribe to The Piano Pod on Your Favorite Podcast Platform
    ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate https://bit.ly/3EsvRDg❤️❤️
    🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)
    🌐 Official Site
    📱 Connect with us:
    #podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #steinwayartist #kristhyanbenitez #latinamericanmusic #latingrammys #grammyawardwinner #pianist #concertpianist #recordingartist #piano #venezuelanmusic #venezuela #latinamerica #classicalpiano #classicalmusic

    • 2 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
18 Ratings

18 Ratings

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