The Piano Pod

Please vote for The Piano Pod HERE!Hi friends! The Piano Pod has been named a semi-finalist for Best Video Podcast in the 2025 Quill Podcast Awards! Today is the last day to vote and help bring classical music to the global stage (May 8, 2025). It's been an incredible five years of dedication and hard work, and I couldn't be prouder of this incredible honor to be a semi-finalist. As the creator and executive producer of The Piano Pod, I've learned so much—whether creating content, interviewing industry leaders, or building this platform from the ground up. And I'm so grateful to all of you who've tuned in every other week, whether on YouTube or your favorite podcast platforms. Thank you for being part of this journey. The Piano Pod has inspired, challenged, and connected so many of us—and now it's time to stand with this mission. Cast your vote today and help bring these stories to the world. ✨ Visit quillpodcasting.com/qpa/quill-podcast-awards to vote—it takes less than a minute! Let's show the world how powerful these stories are. Thank you so much for your support! #Vote #semifinalist #quillpodcastawards #thepianopod

What does it mean to carry a musical legacy forward—not through imitation, but through living artistry? In this powerful and intimate episode of The Piano Pod, I sit down with pianist-scholar Jarred Dunn and concert pianist Anna Górecka, daughter of the legendary Polish composer Henryk Mikołaj Górecki, to explore his emotional, historical, and deeply human world of music.We discuss the making of their new album, Górecki's World of Piano—featuring the first-ever recording of an unpublished Górecki piano work—and what it means to honor a legacy while creating something new. Along the way, we reflect on Górecki's profound impact, his voice as a composer, and the responsibility of carrying forward a family and cultural tradition through music.This conversation isn't just about music; it's about mentorship, intergenerational collaboration, identity, history, and what it truly means to be a classical musician today.

“How many hours did you practice today?” If that question still defines your worth as a musician, this episode might just change your life.In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Molly Gebrian—violist, neuroscience researcher, educator, and author of Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician's Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing—joins The Piano Pod to challenge everything we thought we knew about practice.Together, we explore why the illusion of mastery fools us, how interleaved practice transforms learning, and why breaks and sleep are not just helpful but essential to progress. Molly breaks down the science behind habit formation, memory systems, mental practice, and performance consistency, offering musicians practical tools backed by decades of cognitive research.Whether you're a student struggling with frustration, a teacher eager to support diverse learners, or a professional performer looking to sharpen your edge, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Piano Pod, Mastering Musical Heritage—Exploring Spanish Piano Traditions and Embracing Puerto Rican Identity, I had the privilege of speaking with José Ramos Santana, a Steinway Artist and one of the foremost interpreters of Spanish and Latin American piano music. This conversation is a deep dive into the passion, heritage, and evolution of Spanish and Caribbean piano traditions.From the expressive genius of Albéniz, Granados, and de Falla to the rich cultural legacy of Puerto Rican composers, José shares his insights on interpreting this repertoire with authenticity and heart. He reflects on his journey from Puerto Rico to Juilliard, the mentorship of Alicia de Larrocha, and his ongoing mission to mentor the next generation of pianists through meaningful cultural connection.

Enjoy the Trailer of The Piano Pod's Upcoming Episode feat. Jose Ramos Santana! Finally! After a one-episode (2-week) delay due to technical issues, The Piano Pod is back with a powerful conversation!

In this episode of The Piano Pod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nimrod Borenstein—acclaimed composer and conductor—about his remarkable journey in music. From his early days as a violinist to becoming one of today's most celebrated composers, Nimrod shares his artistic philosophy, the evolution of his piano works, and the influences that have shaped his unique voice.We dive deep into his signature piano works, including Reminiscences of Childhood and his 24 Études, explore the inspiration behind his Shirim collection, and discuss his collaborations with legendary musicians like Vladimir Ashkenazy. His insights into the challenges of composing for piano, the storytelling power of music, and his artistic legacy make this an episode you won't want to miss!IN THIS EPISODE:

Here is the trailer of our upcoming episode feat. Nimrod Borenstein. In this episode of The Piano Pod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nimrod Borenstein—acclaimed composer and conductor—about his remarkable journey in music. From his early days as a violinist to becoming one of today's most celebrated composers, Nimrod shares his artistic philosophy, the evolution of his piano works, and the influences that have shaped his unique voice.We dive deep into his signature piano works, including Reminiscences of Childhood and his 24 Études, explore the inspiration behind his Shirim collection, and discuss his collaborations with legendary musicians like Vladimir Ashkenazy. His insights into the challenges of composing for piano, the storytelling power of music, and his artistic legacy make this an episode you won't want to miss!IN THIS EPISODE:

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.

We're kicking off 2025 with a special bonus episode of The Piano Pod! In this episode, we feature the extraordinary José Navarro-Silberstein concert pianist and winner of the Kantuta Op. 2 Scholarship, awarded by our Sponsor of the Month, the Foundation for Bolivian Artists.

We're kicking off 2025 with a special bonus episode of The Piano Pod—coming your way on Tuesday, January 7!

Here is the official trailer of TPP Season 5 Episode 5, "Dances, Improvisations, and Song: Exploring Mark Markham's Legacy and Journey of Passion, Artistry, and Deep Collaborations," feat. Mark Markham.

Hello, Piano Pod friends and listeners! Today is U.S. Election Day, and we're making a small adjustment to our usual release schedule. Instead of our biweekly episode scheduled for today, we're taking a brief pause to encourage everyone to vote and stay engaged with the election.Here's what's coming up:Season 5, Episode 5 with Mark Markham will now premiere on November 12th. Mark dives into the art of improvisation, piano technique, and his remarkable career as both a soloist and collaborator.Season 5, Episode 6, featuring Artina McCain, will follow on November 19th. Artina shares insights on advocacy, her support for underrepresented composers, and her dynamic approach to teaching and performance.Thank you for your understanding and support! Don't forget to subscribe so you won't miss these exciting conversations. See you on November 12th!

This episode is brought to you by Dr. Jon Skidmore and the Musician's Path to Peak Performance team —helping artists conquer performance anxiety for over 30 years and shine under the spotlight. Visit HERE to learn more.We are thrilled to introduce the esteemed guest of Season 5 Episode 4, – Dr. Isabel Pérez Dobarro – International Concert Pianist, Advocate for Women Composers, and Champion of Global Sustainability

Enjoy The Piano Pod's Official Trailer ✅ for Season 5 Episode 4: “Kaleidoscope: Championing Women” feat. Dr. Isabel Pérez Dobarro – International Concert Pianist, Advocate for Women Composers, and Champion of Global Sustainability

This episode is brought to you by Dr. Jon Skidmore and the Musician's Path to Peak Performance team — helping artists conquer performance anxiety for over 30 years and shine under the spotlight. Visit drjonskidmore.com to learn more.We are thrilled to introduce the esteemed guest of Season 5, Episode 3: Dr. Hayk Arsenyan—award-winning pianist, composer, educator, and scholar!

This episode is brought to you by Keys 2 Success, bringing classical music opportunities to Newark and its surrounding suburban communities Visit their website to learn more.Curious about which episode has the most name drops? Look no further—this one with Jed Distler takes the crown!The Piano Pod had an exciting conversation with Jed Distler, composer, Steinway Artist, educator, and host of the renowned radio show Between the Keys.In this episode, you will hear:Insider scoop on Between the Keys, Jed's 9-plus-year-running radio show on WWFMJed's wisdom on what makes a great recording and the importance of thoughtful programmingHis take on the future of CDs in the age of streamingFrom Mahler symphonies to innovative 4-hand piano literature, Jed's creative performances stand outHis take on balancing personal achievement with building community and lasting relationshipsExciting new ventures like The Piano Maven podcast and his ambitious project composing 1,827 Bagatelles to honor Beethoven's 250th death anniversary in 2027This conversation is packed with the names of brilliant yet underappreciated composers of our time, along with wisdom, authenticity, and joy you won't want to miss!

This episode is brought to you by Keys 2 Success, bringing classical music opportunities to Newark and its surrounding suburban communities Visit their website to learn more.We're kicking off the new season of Joy and Authenticity with an incredible guest—renowned pianist and educator, Dr. Sara Davis Buechner!

The Trailer for Season 5 Episode 1 of The Piano Pod

Connecting Contemporary Audiences – Live Music Project: Bridging Musicians and Audiences, Empowering Next-Generation InnovatorsGet ready for an exhilarating conversation with Megan Inen, celebrated Mezzo-Soprano and Executive Director of the Live Music ProjectDuring 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!

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!

Welcome to an enlightening conversation with Jim Wilson, an award-winning Yamaha recording artist, concert piano technician, and author!As one of the most prominent and sought-after piano technicians in the world, Jim worked closely with big-name artists like Van Cliburn, Lang Lang, Chick Corea, Ivo Pogorelic, Paul McCartney, Elton John, Carole King, and Barbara Streisand to ensure their pianos were perfectly tuned and ready for both recording and live performances, whether at home or on stages around the globe.Tune in for an exhilarating upcoming episode where we'll dive into Jim's journey from a challenging childhood in Amarillo, Texas, to his status as a renowned musician and the go-to piano technician for the celebs!In our revealing interview, we'll cover:✅ Jim's experiences working on pianos for the world's most acclaimed artists in their homes and premier concert venues.✅ His friendships with legends like Chick Corea and Elton John.✅ The unique technical challenges Jim has faced while tuning pianos for renowned musicians.✅ Jim's role in pioneering the first MIDI adapter for acoustic pianos.✅ His impressive music career, including four Billboard Top-20 albums.✅ A sneak peek at his latest book, Tuned In - Memoirs of a Piano Man: Behind the Scenes with Music Legends and Finding the Artist Within

Join us as we continue our conversation with the exceptional pedagogue, Irina Gorin - with Irina Gorin, Creator of the "Tales of a Musical Journey" Series and Founder of The Gorin InstituteIn case you missed Part 1 of this special episode titled, “Piano, Pedagogy, Pioneering,” check it out on your favorite podcasting platform today by tapping HERE.Irina Gorin is celebrated for her groundbreaking approach to piano education, particularly for young children and beginners. Educated in Ukraine, her teaching methods highlight musicality, expressiveness, and a comprehensive grasp of piano fundamentals from the onset. Using storytelling and vivid imagery, her acclaimed method books and tutorial videos make learning piano engaging and effective. As a respected figure in music education, she's a regular at international conferences, masterclasses, and workshops, passionately sharing her insights while guiding piano teachers globally.In Part 2 of this episode, we delved into:✅ Irina's insights on the prevailing challenges and misconceptions among piano teachers in the post-pandemic era.✅ The ways she empowers piano teachers through innovative courses and fosters a supportive community at The Gorin Institute.✅ Irina's views on the critical role of parental involvement in ensuring consistent practice for young beginners.

Get ready for Part 1 of an exhilarating episode next week with the world-renowned piano educator Irina Gorin, the creative force behind the "Tales of a Musical Journey" method book series and founder of The Gorin Institute.Irina Gorin is celebrated for her groundbreaking approach to piano education, particularly for young children and beginners. Educated in Ukraine, her teaching methods highlight musicality, expressiveness, and a comprehensive grasp of piano fundamentals from the onset. Using storytelling and vivid imagery, her acclaimed method books and tutorial videos make learning piano engaging and effective. As a respected figure in music education, she's a regular at international conferences, masterclasses, and workshops, passionately sharing her insights while guiding piano teachers globally.In this insightful interview, we explored:✅ The inspiration behind Irina's pioneering piano method.✅ Insights into "Tales of a Musical Journey" and its unique educational storytelling.✅ Irina's philosophy on teaching fundamental piano techniques to beginners.✅ Her perspective on common challenges and misconceptions among piano teachers today, especially in the post-pandemic landscape.✅ How she supports and empowers piano teachers through innovative courses and a supportive community at The Gorin Institute.

Explore the innovative world of piano education with Irina Gorin, the visionary behind the "Tales of a Musical Journey" method book series and founder of The Gorin Institute. Renowned for her innovative approach to teaching piano, Ms Gorin emphasizes musicality, expressiveness, and foundational skills from the onset. Her acclaimed method books, enriched with storytelling and vibrant imagery, captivate learners and foster effective piano instruction. In this insightful interview, we explored:✅ The inspiration behind Irina's pioneering piano method.✅ Insights into "Tales of a Musical Journey" and its unique educational storytelling.✅ Irina's philosophy on teaching fundamental piano techniques to beginners.✅ Her perspective on common challenges and misconceptions among piano teachers today, especially in the post-pandemic landscape.✅ How she supports and empowers piano teachers through innovative courses and a supportive community at The Gorin Institute.