In this episode of The Piano Inspires Podcast, Craig Sale is joined by Samantha Coates who shares her journey from traditional piano lessons to becoming an innovative educator, author, and advocate for making music learning more engaging. She discusses the power of humor in teaching, the importance of creativity in piano education, and how her […] Source
Mar 19, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In this episode of The Piano Inspires Podcast, special guest and technology guru Dr. Mario Ajero joins host Alejandro Cremaschi, as they explore how technology transforms piano education. From the rise of online lessons to the evolution of digital tools, he shares insights on how teachers adapted during COVID-19, the benefits of remote learning, and […] Source
Mar 12, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Host Andrea McAlister is joined by Leila Viss, who shares how creativity, curiosity, and flexibility can transform piano education. She discusses the power of improvisation, adapting lessons to students’ needs, and encouraging exploration beyond the written score. Tune in for inspiring insights on making piano learning more engaging and dynamic. Source
Mar 05, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode of The Piano Inspires Podcast, Dr. Gail Berenson reflects on the transformative role of mentorship in piano education. She shares personal stories about the teachers who shaped her journey, the importance of guiding the next generation, and how collaborative learning creates lasting impact. With insights on pedagogy, musical growth, and lifelong learning, […] Source...
Feb 26, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode of The Piano Inspires Podcast, Jennifer Snow is joined by Courtney Crappell who discusses the evolving world of piano education and the power of lifelong learning. He shares how starting piano later in life shaped his approach to teaching, the importance of breaking down complex skills, and how embracing different musical traditions […] Source
Feb 19, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this episode of The Piano Inspires Podcast, host Pamela Pike is joined by Dr. Barbara Fast, who shares her journey from a musically rich childhood to becoming a leader in piano pedagogy. She reflects on the experiences that shaped her teaching philosophy, the importance of mentorship, and how educators can inspire students through engaging […] Source
Feb 12, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode, Dr. Rochelle Sennet shares her journey as a pianist, educator, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in classical music. She reflects on the importance of representation in piano education, her discovery of Black composers like George Walker, and how she fosters inclusivity in her teaching. Join us for an inspiring conversation […] Source
Feb 05, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode of The Piano Inspires Podcast, Scott McBride Smith shares his unique journey in piano education and his perspectives on the evolving world of music teaching. As a leading pedagogue and advocate for creative, student-centered learning, Scott explores the changing landscape of piano education and how teachers can adapt to new challenges. He […] Source
Jan 29, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In this insightful episode, host Sara Ernst is joined by special guest Penelope Roskell, acclaimed pianist, pedagogue, and author of The Complete Pianist, who shares her wisdom on nurturing resilience, artistry, and a love of music in students. Roskell reflects on her journey as a performer and teacher, the transformative power of music, and her […] Source
Jan 22, 2025•42 min
In this inspiring episode, Jessica Johnson, professor of piano and pedagogy at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, shares how mindfulness and music transform lives. From her rural North Carolina roots to a career of teaching and advocacy, Jessica reflects on the piano as a source of healing, joy, and connection. She discusses overcoming perfectionism, empowering students […] Source...
Jan 15, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Join host Artina McCain as she interviews Anton Nel, South African Concert Pianist and Professor of Piano and Chamber Music at Butler School of Music – University of Texas at Austin. Listeners will gain valuable insights into Nel’s teaching philosophy, the importance of nurturing creativity in students, and his passion for period instruments like the […] Source
Jan 08, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Host Andrea McAlister welcomes award-winning jazz pianist, composer, and educator Jeremy Siskind for an inspiring conversation on jazz, piano pedagogy, and the art of improvisation. Explore Jeremy’s innovative teaching methods, his passion for connecting classical and jazz traditions, and his journey as a musician shaping the future of piano education. Source
Dec 11, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Martha Hilley, Group Piano and Pedagogy Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus, shares her inspiring story on this episode with host Artina McCain. Listen to Hilley reflect on her long career at the Butler School of Music, her advice for young professionals, and her love for group piano and pedagogy. Source
Dec 04, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Irish-born pianist Peter Mack is a nationally renowned performer, clinician, and convention artist, and the 2023-25 MTNA President. Listen to Peter Mack and host Andrea McAlister discuss Mack’s piano journey, his introduction to piano teaching, and the future of music and MTNA. Source
Nov 27, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Catherine Rollin is a pianist, composer, clinician, author, and teacher of prize-winning students. Her more than 400 published pedagogical compositions are recognized worldwide for their combination of musicality and “teachability.” Join host Pamela Pike and guest Catherine Rollin as they discuss Rollin’s piano journey, the inspirations behind her compositions, and her passion for teaching. Source...
Nov 20, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 10
This episode features Sean Chen, pianist, composer, and arranger, playing with audiences around the world in solo and chamber recitals, concerto performances, and masterclasses, after having won the 2013 American Pianists Awards and placing third at the 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Listen to this conversation between host Sara Ernst and Sean Chen as […] Source
Nov 13, 2024•48 min•Season 2Ep. 9
This episode features Midori Koga, a prominent soloist and chamber musician with the Haven Trio, and is the founder of the University of Toronto Piano Pedagogy Program. Join Koga and host Andrea McAlister as they discuss the future of piano pedagogy, and how to inspire students to find their voice and maintain motivation. Source
Nov 06, 2024•42 min
This episode features Pete Jutras, award-winning professor and educator, and current Dean of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Listen to host Jennifer Snow interview Jutras as they discuss his introduction to piano pedagogy, his career focused on education, and advice for budding pianists and teachers. Source
Oct 30, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Join host Jennifer Snow as she interviews Dennis Alexander, who has an international reputation as one of the world’s most prolific and popular composers of educational piano music for students at all levels. Listen to Alexander’s start to the piano, his path as a composer, and the advice he shares for students and composers. Source
Oct 23, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Join host Craig Sale as he interviews the well-esteemed pianist and educator, Annie Jeng. In this episode they discuss Jeng’s career in music, finding the right path for oneself, and promoting inclusion through her project, A Seat at the Piano. Source
Oct 16, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Join esteemed pianist Karen Walwyn and host Leah Claiborne as they discuss Walwyn’s career as a concert pianist and composer, and her dedication to studying underrepresented composers. Source
Oct 09, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Our next episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast features Tim Topham, Founder of TopMusic! Listen to the whole story about how he got started with piano, his ideas behind TopMusic, and his passion for music making in this interview led by Sara Ernst. Source
Oct 02, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Join acclaimed concert pianist Spencer Myer as he shares his musical journey in developing his artistry and a well-rounded career in performing and teaching. Source
Sep 25, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Season 2 of Piano Inspires Podcast kicks off with a special legacy episode featuring Dr. Frances Clark. Source
Sep 18, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Join Ann DuHamel as she discusses the importance of music as an agent of change in the world with Pamela Pike. Ann DuHamel, McKnight Artist Fellow and Past President of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association, currently serves as Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota Morris. She is a bibliophile, chocoholic, eccentric gardener, Futurama fan, […] Source
Jun 26, 2024•49 min•Ep. 17
Join Michelle Conda and Andrea McAlister in a discussion about pedagogy, legacy, and Dr. Conda’s deserving recognition as the 2023 Frances Clark Center Lifetime Achievement Award Winner. Michelle Conda is Professor of Piano Pedagogy at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and is praised for her extraordinary contributions to the field of piano pedagogy. Source...
Jun 19, 2024•41 min•Ep. 16
In this episode of Piano Inspires Podcast, George Litterst, the 2023 Frances Clark Center Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, reflects on his career path in music and technology with Shana Kirk. Source
Jun 12, 2024•Ep. 15
With a vivid onstage presence, dazzling technique, and keen musicianship, pianist Olga Kern is widely recognized as one of the great artists of her generation, captivating audiences and critics alike. She was born into a family of musicians and began studying piano at the age of five. At seventeen, she was awarded first prize at […] Source
Jun 05, 2024•Ep. 14
Ingrid Clarfield is a nationally recognized performer, clinician, and author. She has presented workshops, lecture-recitals, and master classes in over 150 cities in 40 states across North America, including State and National MTNA Conferences, the National Conference of Keyboard Pedagogy, and other prestigious conferences and festivals. Professor Clarfield has written 23 books published by Alfred […] Source...
May 29, 2024•Ep. 13
Join Artina McCain, Concert Pianist and Yamaha Artist, dedicated to promoting the works of Black and other underrepresented composers, as she discusses wellness, persistence, and the importance of sharing music with a wider audience with Andrea McAlister in this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast. Source
May 22, 2024•41 min•Ep. 12