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Mariko Sato — From Searching to Freedom

Long before discovering the Taubman Approach, Mariko Sato was already searching.

As an accomplished concert artist and professor, she had built an international career. Yet she continued asking deeper questions:

How can I play more efficiently? More expressively? Without fatigue or injury?

The turning point came not in her own playing — but in her son’s.

After developing tendonitis from over-practicing, her son sought help from teachers, doctors, and specialists. Nothing offered lasting recovery. Then he discovered the Taubman Approach at the Golandsky Institute in New York. Under the guidance of Edna Golandsky — and with a pivotal lesson from Dorothea Taubman herself — he fully recovered and completed his master’s degree injury-free.

For Mariko, this felt miraculous.

Curiosity turned into commitment. In the late 1990s, she attended the Taubman Summer Symposium — and everything changed.

Over nearly 30 years of study with mentors including Mary Moran, Edna Golandsky, Bob Durso, and John Bloomfield, Mariko refined her understanding of coordinated movement at the piano. She became an Associate Faculty Member and Master Teacher with the Golandsky Institute — one of only three certified Taubman teachers in Canada, and the only one at the master level.

In this episode, Mariko shares:

• How forearm rotation replaced stretching and tension
• Why pressing into the keys creates fatigue and sound distortion
• How small hands and physical “limitations” can become strengths
• The transformation that allowed her to perform repertoire she once avoided
• Why comparison — twisted vs. untwisted, pressed vs. released — is the key to learning

She speaks candidly about childhood discouragement — being told her hands were not suited for a professional career — and how understanding coordinated movement allowed her body to “become piano hands.”

Through the Taubman Approach, she not only solved technical problems. She gained the ability to analyze and solve them independently.

Her story is not about quick fixes. It is about refinement, logic, and lived experience.

After three decades of study, she describes the work not as static doctrine, but as a living research community — one that continues to evolve, deepen, and empower pianists to play with freedom and confidence.

For anyone navigating tension, injury, doubt, or physical limitation — this conversation offers clarity, hope, and practical direction.

About Mariko Sato

Mariko Sato is a Tokyo-born concert pianist, professor, and Master Teacher of the Taubman Approach based in Montréal. She has performed internationally across three continents and contributed to six CD recordings. A longtime faculty member at Université Laval and the Cégep régional de Lanaudière, she has studied the Taubman Approach since 1995 and has taught it since 2006. She serves as an Associate Faculty Member at the Golandsky Institute and specializes in injury prevention, coordinated movement, and sustainable piano technique.

Episode Themes

 • Injury recovery and tendonitis
 • Efficient forearm rotation
 • Twisting vs. coordinated alignment
 • Small hands and physical myths
 • The Taubman community and ongoing research

The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence.
Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

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In this episode, Benjamin Harding interviews Ricky Moreira, a recent graduate who has embraced the Taubman Approach in his piano teaching and playing. Ricky shares his journey from a self-taught musician to a passionate advocate for the Taubman Approach, discussing its profound impact on his teaching style and understanding of piano technique. He emphasizes the importance of natural movement and finding equilibrium in playing, while also addressing common hesitations about the Taubman Approach. The conversation highlights the supportive community within the Golandsky Institute and the ongoing learning process involved in becoming a great teacher.

For more information about Ricky visit:

https://www.alegriaensemble.com/

The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence.
Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail

Today we welcome the wonderful pianist Matthew Camastro to the show! Having studied with Edna Golandsky for a number of years now, he is a certified teacher of the Taubman Approach through the Golandsky Institute. His journey is fascinating and I think you are really going to enjoy this episode. Let's dive in. 

Website: www.camastunes.com

Retraining Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/N87grQkCI_I?si=yvPpyNxKeTsInDsF 

Matthew's Instagram: @camastunes 

The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence.
Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Benjamin Harding welcomes back pianist and composer Jennifer Rosenfeld to discuss her latest solo album, 'Piano Girl,' and the profound impact of the Taubman Approach on her piano technique and creative process. Jennifer shares her journey of personal growth through music, the evolution of her practice techniques, and her current and future projects, including her work in composition and musical theater. The conversation highlights the importance of mindset, efficiency in practice, and the joy of revisiting challenging repertoire.

Jennifer was a guest on Episode #13 in Season 1 of this podcast. 

Visit www.jenniferrosenfeld.com for more information on Jennifer's work and creative projects. 

The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence.
Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Inside the Taubman Approach, the podcast from the Golandsky Institute—a vibrant community of pianists, teachers, and musicians dedicated to the pursuit of artistic freedom, technical mastery, and expressive depth.

I’m your host, Benjamin Harding, and this episode marks the beginning of Season Two of our series. Over the past year, we’ve heard from remarkable artists who have shared their journeys with the Taubman Approach—how it has transformed their playing, teaching, and understanding of music. And this season, we continue that exploration with even more inspiring voices from within our Golandsky community.

To open the season, I’m joined by Barbara Banacos—a gifted pianist and teacher whose insight, generosity, and curiosity embody the spirit of our community. In this conversation, we talk about her journey with the Taubman work, her teaching, her writing on Substack, and the wonderful camaraderie that continues to make the Golandsky Institute such a special home for pianists around the world.

It’s a joyful and reflective way to begin Season Two.
Here’s my conversation with Barbara Banacos.

In this episode of Inside the Taubman Approach, host Benjamin Harding welcomes Barbara Banakos to discuss her journey with the Taubman approach, her teaching experiences, and her new Substack project aimed at promoting the Taubman work. They explore the importance of community within the Golandsky Institute, the challenges and joys of teaching piano, and the significance of mentorship in developing as a musician and educator. Barbara shares insights on building a diverse studio and the excitement surrounding annual gatherings that foster learning and connection among pianists.

https://barbarabanacos.com/

https://substack.com/@barbarabanacos

The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence.
Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

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Visit: www.marcusostermiller.com  to be in touch with Marcus. 

Summary

In this conversation, Marcus Ostermiller discusses his journey as a musician, focusing on the challenges he faced with physical pain and how the Taubman work transformed his playing and teaching. He shares insights on the importance of physical well-being in music performance, and how his teaching methodology evolved through his experiences. The discussion highlights the profound impact of understanding physical movement and technique on a musician's confidence and ability to express themselves.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
01:45 Marcus's Journey with Injury and Recovery
06:39 Understanding the Root Causes of Pain
08:58 Transformation Through Taubman Technique
10:12 Exploring the Taubman Approach with Bob Durso
14:45 Marcus's Musical Journey and Teaching Philosophy
23:09 The Impact of Taubman Work on Performance Confidence

Takeaways

Musicians often come with a depth of musicianship they crave to express.
Physical therapy and strength training are crucial for musicians.
Expressive constipation can hinder musical expression.
The experience of rotation in playing evolves over time.
Taubman work helped me become symptom-free within six months.
Understanding physical challenges can lead to better performance.
My technique improved significantly after Taubman work.
Performances became more confident and grounded after addressing physical issues.
Teaching methodology changed as a result of personal experiences.
Revisiting past pieces can be a healing journey for musicians.

The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence.
Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail

Today's guest is Nikos Syropoulos. For more information on Nikos visit his website at: https://www.nikospiano.com/

Summary

In this conversation, Nikos shares his transformative journey with the Taubman Approach, detailing his initial struggles with injury as a jazz pianist and how he found relief and improvement through this technique. He discusses the unique challenges jazz musicians face when integrating Taubman movements into their improvisation and addresses common skepticism about the approach. Nikos emphasizes the continuous discovery and growth that comes with practicing the Taubman technique, encouraging musicians of all backgrounds to explore its benefits.

Takeaways

Nikos's journey with the Taubman Approach began due to a life-changing injury.
He experienced severe pain while playing piano, which led him to seek help.
After various unsuccessful treatments, he found relief through the Taubman Approach.
The Taubman Approach opened a new world of playing for Nikos.
Jazz pianists face unique challenges when learning the Taubman technique.
There is something in the Taubman Approach for every pianist, regardless of style.
Skepticism about the Taubman Approach is common among jazz musicians.
The commitment to the Taubman Approach can lead to significant long-term benefits.
Continuous improvement and discovery are key aspects of the Taubman technique.
Nikos encourages musicians to find certified teachers to guide them. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Taubman Approach
07:00 Nikos's Journey Through Injury and Recovery
13:27 The Jazz Pianist's Perspective on Taubman Technique
21:00 Overcoming Skepticism in Jazz Pianists
26:21 Innovations in Jazz Pedagogy and Taubman Techniques

The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence.
Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

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WALTER'S INFO

www.walteraparicio.com

IG: @wfaparicio

Aires Indios: Piano Music of Bolivia

https://open.spotify.com/album/4WUNbg5MaINRCKG8OuKmKa?si=gRyhvZqPSwOukVEwy956rQ

Nonprofit org: Foundation for Bolivia Artists 

www.bolivianartistfoundation.org

Composer Names Mentioned:

Eduardo Caba (1890-1953)

Daniel Alvarez Veizaga https://alvarez-daniel.com

Fugas Bolivianas

https://open.spotify.com/album/2wkuxHpaHw7M8uJwsYPuBx?si=9WpgWjTUSv-joFq3gl7BuA

The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence.
Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail

For more information on Jeff Nations visit: www.jeffnations.net

Born in Kyoto Japan and raised in North Carolina, pianist Jeff Nations began studying at the age of eight and playing professionally by the age of sixteen, performing in local establishments in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Actively competing by the age of twelve, he was the recipient of numerous awards, and by age 17 was the first prize winner in the Young Artist Competition held by the Raleigh Piano Teachers' Association. The next year he took first prize in the Concerto Division of the same competition, performing the final movement of Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto in G minor.

He was a finalist in the Sanford Scholarship Competition to attend The North Carolina School of the Arts, where his teachers were Marian Hahn and Robert McDonald. While attending NCSA, Mr. Nations was a member of the ONYX Contemporary Ensemble, under which he premiered his own work "Night Fantasy" for solo piano (not to be confused with the work by Elliot Carter of the same title).

Upon graduating from NCSA with the prestigious Irwin Freundlich Award in Piano, he was offered a scholarship to study with pianist David Bradshaw in New York City.

He has performed in various cities throughout the U.S., including New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., San Antonio, as well as throughout North Carolina and Ohio. His Philadelphia performances include recitals at The Church of Saint Luke and the Epiphany, The Ethical Society of Philadelphia, The Fleischer Art Memorial, Jacob's Music, and The Karin Fuller Capanna Memorial Concert at the Settlement Music School.

A classical artist who is accomplished in a variety of musical genres including popular idioms, musical theater, and gospel, he has consistently endeavored to break through barriers that have often stood between the classical musician and the public. From 1995 to 1998 he was a regular pianist for The Philadelphia Gospel Seminars Choir and the Villanova Gospel Choir.

Recognized for his performances of works by American composers, he has collaborated extensively with Soprano Diana Barnhart and has also served as Artistic Ambassador for the United States Government, performing in over twenty recitals in countries throughout the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Syria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Oman and Egypt as well as conducting master classes at the Cairo and Alexandria Conservatories.

He has lectured on the Taubman Approach and since 1998 has been studying the Taubman Approach with Robert Durso, Senior Faculty Member of The Golandsky Institute.

A former faculty member of the Settlement Music School, Mr. Nations now teaches privately in Philadelphia and the surrounding area.

The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence.
Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail

You are going to love this episode with Jason Gallagher. 
Here is Jason's background in his own words:

I've always loved piano. Ever since I was a kid, I loved all the different sounds the piano could make. From the blues to rock to the classics, I played everything.

 As I got older and more serious, I realized there were things I couldn’t do. When I tried to play the music I loved, it hurt. I had pains in my wrists, and there were many techniques my body refused to do. I decided to go to college for music because I knew I had limits, and I wanted to go past them.

After getting a Bachelor’s and a Master’s, I play well. Professional level. I’ve studied with masters such as Phyllis Lehrer, Ingrid Clarfield, and Robert Durso, and I’ve overcome every difficulty I ever had. Thanks to that, I love piano more as an adult than I ever did as a child.

 Here’s the thing:

 A lot of what I learned in college can be learned in high school. Middle school. Even elementary school! I can prevent your child from having to face many of these difficulties. I can show your child short cuts to playing the music of their dreams. Because I went through those struggles, I know what to look for, and I know how to fix it.

 No matter what your child wants to do with music, I am on the lookout for ways to help them succeed. Yes, everyone believes in hard work, but hard work simply isn’t enough. You need a guide who knows how to get results from that effort. My students have won top awards that led them to performances at Carnegie Hall, Baruch Performing Arts Center, and Gill Memorial Chapel.

You can find more information about Jason's studio at: 
https://jasonwgallagher.com/

The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence.
Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.