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

🎥 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 Musi...

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 j...

🎥 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...

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...

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 Institute In 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 groundbreakin...

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...

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, cap...

Join us as we continue our conversation with the exceptionally talented Danny Holt, a virtuoso whose skills span across being a concert pianist, percussionist, composer, and producer. In case you missed Part 1 of this fun episode with pianist, percussionist, and composer, Danny Holt, check it out on your favorite podcasting platform today! Praised as "phenomenal" by esteemed music critic Alan Rich...

😎 Have you had the chance to explore the collaborative album "Trailblazers" by our guest, 🎹 Danny Holt with violist Molly Gebrian yet? In this short excerpt from our latest episode, Danny discusses the inspiration behind the album, the incredible female composers, a.k.a. "Trailblazers," and the challenges they faced in its production amidst geographical distance and the disruptions caused by COV...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with the exceptionally talented Danny Holt, a virtuoso whose skills span being a concert pianist, percussionist, composer, and producer. Praised as "phenomenal" by esteemed music critic Alan Rich and dubbed one of the "local heroes" of Los Angeles's music scene by LAcitybeat.com , Danny Holt has captivated audiences worldwide with his music. This is your op...

🎥 Check Out the Sneak Peak of TPP’s Upcoming Episode feat. Danny Holt 🎹🥁 Join us for an enlightening conversation with the exceptionally talented Danny Holt, a virtuoso whose skills span across being a concert pianist, percussionist, composer, and producer. During our chat, we delved into: How the pandemic reinforced Danny's conviction in the irreplaceable magic of live performances. The art of...

Welcome to Part 2 of this season's thrilling 14th episode! This time, we're diving deeper into our conversation with the celebrated South African Classical Pianist, Liam Pitcher . Renowned for his remarkable ability to blend classical music with electro-acoustic and electronic elements through improvisation, Liam has garnered widespread recognition. During this segment, we delve into a myriad of t...

The Second Installment of this season's thrilling 14th episode with the celebrated South African Classical Pianist, Liam Pitcher , will be released tomorrow! During this segment, we delve into a myriad of topics, including the origins of his musical journey, his deep-seated love for music, his efforts to champion South African composers, and more 🎧In case you missed the first part of this special...

We had the pleasure of chatting with the acclaimed South African Classical Pianist Liam Pitcher , known for his exceptional improvisation skills, which combine classical music with electro-acoustic and electronic elements, earning him widespread acclaim. In Part 1 of our discussion, we explored various topics ranging from the art of piano improvisation to engaging audiences and the societal respon...

Get ready to dive into the captivating world of piano improvisation! Come along as I engage in an exclusive dialogue with the esteemed South African Classical Pianist, Liam Pitcher for Season 4 Episode 14! Renowned for his remarkable improvisational prowess, Liam seamlessly merges classical melodies with electro-acoustic and electronic elements, earning him widespread admiration. In our discussion...

So excited to present 🇳🇿 Sherry Grant – Classical Pianist, Cellist, Poet, and Festival Organizer – for our Season 4, Episode 13! Sherry's musical odyssey began with the cello, but her passion for music knows no bounds. Dive into her story as she shares how her love for languages and poetry propelled her into a new realm of artistic expression. From thousands of published poems to organizing festiv...

We had an inspiring conversation with 🇦🇺Tim Topham, Founder & Director of TopMusicCo , Music Educator, & Author! Our discussion revolved around his recently released book, " No Book Beginners: A Step-by-Step Framework for Creative Piano Teaching, Starting from Lesson One ." This book encapsulates his experiences as a music educator and piano instructor, drawing from extensive research span...

🎥 Here is the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode feat. Tim Topham - Founder & Director of TopMusic CO , Music Educator, & Author of “No Book Beginners.” Get ready for a captivating new episode of The Piano Pod featuring Tim Topham! Our discussion revolved around his recently released book, " No Book Beginners: A Step-by-Step Framework for Creative Piano Teaching, Starting from Lesson One ."...

Welcome to the fun and inspiring conversation with Miki Sawada , the talented Pianist & CEO of Gather Hear Inc., for The Piano Pod’s Season 4 Episode 11! Since the inception of our show, we've shone a spotlight on pianists who astonish us with their creativity. 😎 Yet, Miki's journey is truly unparalleled. Dive into the details: Launched in 2017, inspired by the divisive atmosphere of the 2016 🇺🇸...

🎥Here is the official trailer for Season 4, Episode 11! Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Miki Sawada, the talented Pianist & CEO of Gather Hear Inc on Tuesday, February 6, 2024! Since the inception of our show, we've shone a spotlight on pianists who astonish us with their creativity. 😎 Yet, Miki's journey is truly unparalleled. Dive into the details: Launched in 2017, inspired...

Get ready for a captivating new episode featuring none other than my dear friend/colleague, Walter Aparicio ! I had an incredible time recording this episode with Walter – a talented Pianist, Educator, and Founder/President of the Foundation for Bolivian Artists . Our connection dates back to our NYU graduate school days in 2007, and delving into Walter's journey and future plans was both meaningf...

🎥 Here is the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode feat. Walter Aparicio 🇧🇴 Get ready for a captivating new episode of The Piano Pod featuring none other than Walter Aparicio! I had an incredible time recording this upcoming TPP episode with Walter – a talented Pianist, Educator, and Founder/President of the Foundation for Bolivian Artists ( https://bolivianartistfoundation.org/ ). Our connection dat...

Here is the second half to conclude our 2024 inaugural episode feat. Dr. Michael Coonrod, a distinguished Classical Pianist, Recording Artist, Educator, and Arranger specializing in music for the Left Hand Alone 🎶 We delve into Dr. Coonrod's compelling journey in the world of concerts and recordings. Explore with us as he shares his experiences overcoming life's obstacles, specifically addressing...

🎥Here is the trailer for Season 4, Episode 9! As an inaugural episode of the new year, we had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Michael Coonrod, a distinguished Classical Pianist, Recording Artist, Educator, and Arranger specializing in music for the Left Hand Alone 🎶 Recently retired from his illustrious 46-year tenure as a piano faculty member at the renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts, D...

🥳Happy New Year! As an inaugural episode of the new year, we had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Michael Coonrod , a distinguished Classical Pianist, Recording Artist, Educator, and Arranger specializing in music for the Left Hand Alone 🎶 Recently retired from his illustrious 46-year tenure as a piano faculty member at the renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts , Dr. Coonrod boasts an impres...