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

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

Yukimi Song•thepianopod.com

...where tradition meets innovation. Together, we bring PIANO into the FUTURE.

a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music

Hey, šŸŽ¹ enthusiasts out there! My name is Yukimi, a classical pianist and educator from NYC and executive producer of The Piano Pod. The Piano PodšŸŽ™ is a one-of-a-kind podcast that delves deep into the fascinating world of classical music, with a specific focus on the šŸŽ¹ 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.

šŸ”—Follow TPP on social media accounts to get the latest news about šŸŽ¹.

Thanks for listeningā™„ļøšŸŽ¹

Episodes

Season 5 Finale: The Fullness of Being: Dr. Maria Thompson Corley on Art, Inclusion & Creative Legacy

This episode is brought to you by Juneteenth LP — celebrating Black artistry and legacy in classical music. šŸŽ‰ Get Your Ticket: https://publictheater.org/performances-jp/2025/j/juneteenth-lp/ šŸŽ¹ What does it mean to live and create with authenticity? In this powerful season finale, we sit down with Dr. Maria Thompson Corley — pianist, composer, novelist, poet, educator, and advocate — for a conversation that is as multifaceted as her artistry. From performing her compositions to championing musi...

Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 44 min•Season 5Ep. 20

Official Trailer āœ…: Season 5 Finale "The Fullness of Being" Maria Thompson Corley on Art, Inclusion & Creative Legacy

šŸŽ¬ Enjoy the official trailer for The Piano Pod’s Season 5 Finale! Episode Title: The Fullness of Being – A Grand Finale with Maria Thompson Corley on Art, Inclusion & Creative Legacyā€œ As we wrap up Season 5 of The Piano Pod, themed Authenticity and Joy, we are proud to feature a visionary artist whose life and work embody both. Dr. Maria Thompson Corley is a Juilliard-trained pianist, composer, novelist, poet, and educator whose multidimensional artistry defies outdated expectations of what...

Jun 17, 2025•3 min

Season 5 Bonus Episode: "Celebrating Juneteenth LP's 10th Anniversary" feat. Dr. Nnenna Ogwo

šŸŽ‰ Bonus Episode – Celebrating Juneteenth with Dr. Nnenna Ogwo šŸŽ‰ To close out Season 5 of The Piano Pod —our season of Authenticity and Joy —we are sharing a special bonus episode in celebration of Juneteenth Month. Dr. Nnenna Ogwo—pianist, educator, and founder of Juneteenth LP —returns to The Piano Pod (after her powerful appearance in Season 4, Episode 4) to update us on the evolution of her visionary organization. In this short but meaningful conversation, Nnenna reflects on the origin, mis...

Jun 04, 2025•24 min

Season 5 Episode 19 "100 Works, One Mission - Reimagining the Classical Canon" feat. Leah Claiborne - Yamaha Artist & Scholar

This episode is brought to you by ‪ Juneteenth LP — Celebrating Black artistry and legacy in classical music. šŸŽ§ What if every child could see themselves in the music they study? In this robust conversation, Dr. Leah Claiborne —pianist, Yamaha Artist, educator, and founder of Ebony Music Inc.—joins The Piano Pod to discuss her mission to expand and redefine the classical canon. From her work on the 100 Works by Black Composers project to her publications and courses on inclusive teaching, Dr. Cl...

Jun 03, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 5Ep. 19

Official Trailer āœ…: Season 5 Episode 19 "100 Works, One Mission," feat. Dr. Leah Claiborne - Yamaha Artist & Scholar

šŸŽ¬ Here is the trailer for our next episode of The Piano Pod —featuring pianist, educator, and visionary Dr. Leah Claiborne ! In this powerful Juneteenth month episode, Dr. Claiborne shares how we can create meaningful change in classical music—through daily action, inclusive pedagogy, and a reimagined canon that reflects all voices. šŸŽ¹ What we explore: The groundbreaking 100 Works by Black Composers project Why beginner-level repertoire matters just as much as advanced repertoire How music educ...

Jun 02, 2025•2 min

Season 5 Episode 18: "Bach Reimagined - Artistic Innovation of Timeless Music for All Audiences" feat. Eleonor Bindman - Pianist, Arranger, & Recording Artist

In this inspiring episode of The Piano Pod, "Bach Reimagined - Artistic Innovation of Timeless Music for All Audiences," Eleonor Bindman - pianist, arranger, and recording artist - joins us for an intimate conversation about her groundbreaking work reimagining the music of J.S. Bach for solo and four-hand piano. From her bestselling Brandenburg Duets with Jenny Lin to her most recent solo project ABSOLUTE—featuring beautifully idiomatic piano transcriptions of Bach’s Lute Suites—Eleonor’s artist...

May 20, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Season 5Ep. 18

Official Trailer āœ…: "Bach Reimagined - Artistic Innovation of Timeless Music for ALL Audiences" feat. Eleonor Bindman

ā€œIt became vital to me to focus on a new way of looking at Bach’s musicā€¦ā€ — Eleonor Bindman Here is the trailer for the upcoming episode of The Piano Pod šŸŽ™, titled Bach Reimagined: Artistic Innovation of Timeless Music for All Audiences, featuring pianist, arranger, and recording artist Eleonor Bindman. She joins us for a deeply personal conversation about her groundbreaking transcription work—and why Bach’s music still matters today. From her bestselling Brandenburg Duets with Jenny Lin to her...

May 19, 2025•3 min

The Piano Pod is officially a Top 3 Finalist for Best Video Podcast in the 2025 Quill Podcast Awards!

šŸŽ‰ The Piano Pod is officially a Top 3 Finalist for Best Video Podcast in the 2025 Quill Podcast Awards! šŸŽ‰ Out of thousands of shows across all genres, our little piano podcast has made it to the top—and it would not have been possible without YOU: our amazing guests, listeners, sponsors, and friends. Thank you for voting, sharing, and cheering us on! šŸ’› šŸ—“ļø Final winners will be announced on May 27—stay tuned! But the journey isn’t over: šŸŽ¹ New episode drops May 20 featuring Eleonor Bindman, w...

May 15, 2025•59 sec

Vote for The Piano Pod - the Best Video Podcast Category for the Quill Podcast Awards!

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...

May 07, 2025•1 min

Season 5 Episode 17: "Inside the World of Górecki: Exploring Górecki’s Piano Music" feat. Jarred Dunn & Anna Gorecka

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 G...

May 06, 2025•1 hr 38 min•Season 5Ep. 17

Official Trailer āœ…: Season 5 Episode 17 - Inside the World of Górecki

šŸŽ¬ Here’s the trailer for tonight’s episode: Season 5, Episode 17 – Inside the World of Górecki: A Conversation with Jarred Dunn & Anna Górecka ✨ In this rare and intimate conversation, we explore the journey from mentorship to collaboration between pianist-scholar Jarred Dunn and concert pianist Anna Górecka. Their newly released album, Górecki’s World of Piano, shines a light on Henryk Mikołaj Górecki’s evocative, avant-garde, and technically demanding piano works—music far less known than...

May 06, 2025•2 min

Season 5, Episode 16: "Unlocking the Brain: Neuroscience in Music Practice" feat. Dr. Molly Gebrian - Violist, Neuroscience Researcher, & Author

ā€œHow many hours did you practice today?ā€ 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 tra...

Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Season 5Ep. 16

Official Trailer āœ…: Season 5, Episode 16 ā€œUnlocking the Brain: Neuroscience in Music Practice,ā€ featuring Dr. Molly Gebrian – Violist, Neuroscience Researcher, and Author

šŸŽ¬Here is the trailer for our upcoming episode: Season 5, Episode 16 ā€œUnlocking the Brain: Neuroscience in Music Practice,ā€ featuring Dr. Molly Gebrian – Violist, Neuroscience Researcher, and Author ā€œHow many hours did you practice today?ā€ If that question still defines your worth as a musician, this episode might 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 ...

Apr 21, 2025•3 min

Season 5 Episode 15 "Reimagining Raga and Jazz" feat. Charu Suri - Pianist, Composer, & Jazz-Raga Pioneer

šŸŽ¶ In this episode of The Piano Pod, "Reimagining Raga and Jazz - Blending Indian Ragas, Jazz, and Classical Music," I sat down with Charu Suri—award-winning pianist, composer, and trailblazer—who is redefining what jazz can be through her original genre: Raga Jazz. As one of the first female jazz artists of Indian origin to perform at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, Charu fearlessly blends Indian ragas, Western classical traditions, Sufi mysticism, and modern jazz into something entirely her ...

Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 5Ep. 15

Season 5 Episode 14: Mastering Musical Heritage feat. Jose Ramos Santana, Steinway Artist

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 JosĆ© 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 AlbĆ©niz , Granados , and de Falla to the rich cultural legacy ...

Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Season 5Ep. 14

Official Trailer āœ…: Season 5 Episode 14 "Mastering Musical Heritage" feat. Jose Ramos Santana

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! šŸŽ¬ Mastering Musical Heritage – Exploring Spanish Piano Traditions and Embracing Puerto Rican Identity featuring Jose Ramos Santana, Steinway Artist and one of the foremost interpreters of Spanish and Latin American piano music. In this episode of The Piano Pod, I had the privilege of speaking wit...

Apr 07, 2025•3 min

Season 5 Episode 13: Composing with Humanity – Nimrod Borenstein on Music, Expression & Legacy

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 Ɖtudes , explore the inspira...

Mar 11, 2025•2 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 13

Official Trailer āœ… for Season 5 Episode 13, "Composing with Humanity"

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 , includ...

Mar 10, 2025•2 min

Season 5 Episode 12: "Blurred Boundaries: Classical Meets Jazz" feat. Ophelia Gordon, Concert Pianist & Recording Artist

šŸ“£ This Episode is Brought to You by the New York Piano Group. Find Your Piano Community with the New York Piano Group! šŸ”— Learn more šŸŽ¶ Can a composer truly belong to both the jazz and classical worlds? In this episode of The Piano Pod , we sit down with concert pianist and recording artist Ophelia Gordon , a leading interpreter of Nikolai Kapustin’s music. Known for her seamless fusion of classical technique with jazz freedom, Ophelia shares her journey of trusting her instincts, finding her v...

Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 46 min•Season 5Ep. 12

Official Trailer āœ…: "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. šŸ’” How...

Feb 23, 2025•3 min

How I Conduct Meaningful Engaging Interviews

šŸŽ¤ Want to become an excellent interviewer? Here’s how I do it! After conducting countless interviews with world-class musicians, educators, and industry leaders, I’ve developed a system that makes my interviews engaging, insightful, and natural. In this carousel, I’m breaking down my key techniques—from crafting unique questions to keeping the conversation flowing and handling challenges with grace. šŸ”„ Listen this bonus episode and learn: āœ”ļø How I prepare for interviews without bias āœ”ļø My appro...

Feb 14, 2025•3 min

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

šŸ“£ This Episode is Brought to You by the New York Piano Group. Find Your Piano Community with the New York Piano Group! šŸ”— Learn more šŸŽ¹ 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...

Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 58 min•Season 5Ep. 11

Official Trailer āœ…: Season 5 Episode 11 "Practising the Piano – Neuroscience, Technique, Musicality, and Performance Mastery for Pianists" feat. Graham Fitch - Pianist, Pedagogue, Writer & Broadcaster

šŸ”„ Get Ready! Season 5 Episode 11 Trailer Just Dropped! šŸŽ¹ What does it truly mean to practice the piano with intention and mastery? šŸ§ šŸŽ¶ 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 figure...

Feb 10, 2025•2 min

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

šŸ“£ This Episode is Brought to You by the Foundation for Bolivian Artists. šŸ‘‰"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 m...

Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 51 min•Season 5Ep. 10

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

šŸŽ„ Enjoy the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode feat. Anna Heller! šŸŽ¹āœØ What does it take to redefine classical music for a modern audience? šŸŒ In our latest episode, ā€œMoving 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...

Jan 27, 2025•3 min

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

šŸ“£ This Episode is Brought to You by the Foundation for Bolivian Artists . šŸ‘‰"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 ā€œartistic ferocityā€ and innovation, Clare’s career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performances worldwide. In This Episode: 25 Concerts in 9 W...

Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Season 5Ep. 9

Official Trailer āœ…: Season 5 Episode 9 ā€œRedefining Classical Music: Innovation, Breaking Barriers, and Forging Own Path,ā€ feat. Clare Longendyke

šŸŽ¹ 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, ā€œRedefining Classical Music: Innovation, Breaking Barriers, and Forging Own Path,ā€ features šŸŽ‰ 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 ...

Jan 12, 2025•3 min

Seaon 5: Bonus Episode feat. JosƩ Navarro-Silberstein, A Winner of Kantuta Opus 2

We’re kicking off 2025 with a special bonus episode of The Piano Pod! In this episode, we feature the extraordinary JosĆ© Navarro-Silberstein concert pianist and winner of the Kantuta Op. 2 Scholarship, awarded by our Sponsor of the Month, the Foundation for Bolivian Artists . šŸŽ­ Mark Your Calendar Catch JosĆ©'s NYC Recital Debut at Merkin Hall on February 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM: šŸŽŸ Get Tickets: Secure your spot for José’s recital HERE . And šŸŽ Don't Forget the Exclusive Discount Code only for TPP L...

Jan 08, 2025•39 min

Official Trailer āœ…: Season 5 Bonus Episode feat. JosĆ© Navarro-Silberstein, A Winner of Kantuta Opus 2

We’re kicking off 2025 with a special bonus episode of The Piano Pod—coming your way on Tuesday, January 7! šŸŽ‰This episode features the extraordinary JosĆ© Navarro-Silberstein, concert pianist and the Kantuta Op. 2 Scholarship winner, awarded by our Sponsor of the Month, the Foundation for Bolivian Artists, Inc. šŸ“… Set a Reminder The full version of this fantastic bonus episode premieres on Tuesday, January 7! Be sure to subscribe to The Piano Pod on your go-to podcast platform to get notified an...

Jan 06, 2025•4 min

The Piano Pod is Now on Substack!

šŸŽ‰ The Piano Pod is Now on Substack! šŸŽ‰ Welcome to The Piano Pod ! I’m Yukimi, a classical pianist, educator, and the Executive Producer of this global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music, broadcasting from the heart of New York City. Whether you’re a loyal fan or discovering us for the first time, I’m so glad you’re here! For those new to The Piano Pod , here’s a little background: this podcast is a vibrant space where we explore the ever-evolving world of cla...

Jan 04, 2025•1 min
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