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

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📣 This Episode is Brought to You by The Art Song Preservation Society of New York (ASPSNY)! "Immerse Yourself in a World of Art Song at the Summer of Song Festival 2025!" 🎶 Learn more about ASPSNY’s festival lineup, workshops, and registration options HERE.

In this special episode of The Piano Pod, “Healing, Heritage, and Musical Transformation: Exploring Artina McCain’s Journey of Resilience, Advocacy, and Wellness,” we welcome Dr. Artina McCain, an award-winning pianist, Yamaha Artist, wellness advocate, and dedicated educator. Known for her vibrant interpretations and commitment to elevating underrepresented voices in classical music, Artina has captivated audiences worldwide through her performances and innovative teaching methods.

🌟 Highlights of This Episode 🌟

• Progress on Inclusivity: Artina’s insights on post-2020 efforts to represent underrepresented and BIPOC composers in classical music.
• Overcoming Barriers: Advocating for minority composers and navigating challenges in traditional classical music spaces.
• Diversity in Institutions: Strategies for conservatories and orchestras to better support minority composers and create opportunities for musicians of color as conductors, professors, and producers.
• Musical Heritage: Showcasing American composers in her album Heritage (2020) and a preview of her exciting upcoming release.
• Healing Through Music: Overcoming a 6-year performance hiatus with the help of Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) and reengineering her playing for wellness.

Tune in for an enriching conversation with Dr. Artina McCain as she shares her journey of resilience, artistic exploration, and commitment to shaping the next generation of musicians through wellness and authenticity.

[About Dr. Artina McCain]

• Website
• Instagram
• Pan Con Timba
• Minstrels
• Ballade no.2 in F Major by Chopin
• Fantasie in C Minor by Mozart
• Were You There arr. Joseph Joubert

[Other Links]

• BBC Podcast Sideways Episode 40
• Check Out Gateways Music Festival
• The Continuum Method
• Aldo López-Gavilán (Composer)
• Joseph Joubert (Composer/Arranger)

Check out all the piano music mentioned in Season 5 HERE

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

🎥Check out the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode: Season 5 Episode 6 feat. Dr. Artina McCain!

In this special episode of The Piano Pod, “Healing, Heritage, and Musical Transformation: Exploring Artina McCain’s Journey of Resilience, Advocacy, and Wellness,” I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Artina McCain, an award-winning pianist, Yamaha Artist, wellness advocate, and dedicated educator.

As a passionate advocate for underrepresented composers, Artina has dedicated her career to promoting diversity in classical music. I was thrilled to ask her about the challenges she faced in pushing for greater representation and the positive stories of success in her advocacy work. We also discussed her inspiring solo album Heritage, which blends spirituals, classical forms, and folk influences, spotlighting Black and underrepresented composers. 🎹✨

But that’s not all! Artina also shared some exciting news with The Piano Pod’s listeners exclusively: her next 💿 album, coming out next year, and her recent collaboration with Solange 🤯🤩

🌟 Highlights of This Episode 🌟

• 🔹 Progress on Inclusivity: Artina’s insights on her ongoing efforts to represent underrepresented and BIPOC composers in classical music.
• 🔹Showcasing Exceptionally Talented Contemporary Composers and Arrangers from Diverse Backgrounds, including Aldo Lopez Gavilan and Joseph Joubert
• 🔹 Diversity in Institutions: Strategies for conservatories and orchestras to better support minority composers and create opportunities for musicians of color as conductors, professors, and producers.
• 🔹 Healing Through Music: Overcoming a 6-year performance hiatus with the help of Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) and reengineering her playing for wellness.

🎶 Tune in for an enriching conversation with Dr. Artina McCain as she shares her journey of resilience, artistic exploration, and commitment to shaping the next generation of musicians through wellness and authenticity.

📅 Premiere Date: Tuesday, November 19, at 8:00 PM ET

🎧Via podcast platforms: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio

📺 Via YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Vwhth2QqkLI

#ThePianoPod #ArtinaMcCain #YamahaArtist #WellnessAdvocate #ClassicalMusic #DiversityInMusic #RepresentationMatters #UnderrepresentedComposers #BlackComposers #Solange #MusicEducation #PianoMusic #MusicPodcast #Piano

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

📣 This Episode is Brought to You by The Art Song Preservation Society of New York (ASPSNY)! "Immerse Yourself in a World of Art Song at the Summer of Song Festival 2025!"

In this special episode of The Piano Pod, “Dances, Improvisations, and Song: Exploring Mark Markham’s Legacy and Journey of Passion, Artistry, and Deep Collaborations,” we welcome Mark Markham, acclaimed Steinway Artist, celebrated soloist, collaborative pianist, jazz improviser, and renowned vocal coach. With a career spanning decades and continents, Mark is widely known for his masterful range, from performing classical masterpieces to collaborating with the legendary Jessye Norman in over 300 concerts worldwide.

🌟 Highlights of This Episode 🌟

• Mark’s insights on his artistic journey: from Bach to contemporary compositions, and why embracing new repertoire inspires him.
• An in-depth discussion on improvisation in classical and jazz settings, along with the art of tone production and technique.
• Mark’s experiences working with numerous celebrated vocalists, emphasizing the importance of vocalist-pianist synergy.
• His impactful role as an educator and mentor at institutions like Peabody Institute (Johns Hopkins University) and through global masterclasses, including ASPSNY’s programs.
• Reflections on legacy, purpose in music, and innovative ways to connect with modern audiences.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Mark as he shares his journey, from pivotal career moments to insights into his creative process and dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

[About Mark Markham]

🌐Website

📺Check out his performances:

• Mark Markham, piano: Dances and Improvisations,
• Francis Poulenc Les Chemins De L'Amour - pianist Mark Markham,
• Mark Markham DEEP RIVER Jessye Norman funeral,
• Jessye Norman sings "Zwei Gesänge", op. 91 - LIVE, 1997

🎵🎵 Check out all the piano music mentioned in Season 5 HERE🎵🎵

[Meet Our Sponsor - the Art Song Preservation Society of New York]

• 🌐Website
• ▶️ YouTube

[🎹🎙️ ABOUT THE PIANO POD]

• ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate https://bit.ly/3EsvRDg ❤️❤️
• 🌐 Official Site
• 📱 Connect with us

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

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.

🎉In this special episode of The Piano Pod, “Dances, Improvisations, and Song: Exploring Mark Markham’s Legacy and Journey of Passion, Artistry, and Deep Collaborations,” we welcome Mark Markham, acclaimed Steinway Artist celebrated soloist, collaborative pianist, jazz improviser, and renowned vocal coach. With a career spanning decades and continents,

Mark is widely known for his masterful range, from performing classical masterpieces to collaborating with the legendary 🎵Jessye Norman in over 300 concerts worldwide.

Highlights of This Episode:

• ✅ Mark’s insights on his artistic journey: from Bach to contemporary compositions, and why embracing new repertoire inspires him.
• ✅ An in-depth discussion on improvisation in classical and jazz settings, along with the art of tone production and technique.
• ✅ Mark’s experiences working with celebrated vocalists, emphasizing the importance of voice-piano synergy.
• ✅ His impactful role as an educator and mentor at institutions like Peabody Institute (Johns Hopkins University) and through global masterclasses, including the Art Song Preservation Society of New York
• ✅ Reflections on legacy, purpose in music, and innovative ways to connect with modern audiences. Tune in to hear Mark’s fascinating journey and his thoughts on the future of classical music!

📅 Premiere Date: Tuesday, November 12, at 8:00 PM ET

🎧 Available on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio

📺 Available on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/e-KSnqcDgio

#ThePianoPod #ClassicalMusic #Podcast #Piano #MarkMarkham #JessyeNorman #Improvisation #VocalCollaboration #ClassicalPianist #MusicEducation #NewEpisode #PianoTechnique

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

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!

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

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 🌍

In this exciting episode of The Piano Pod, Dr. Dobarro shares exclusive details about her brand-new solo album, Kaleidoscope—released on the very day of this interview! Isabel’s album is a beautiful collection of works by women composers from around the world. In this conversation, she delves into the stories behind the music, her advocacy for gender equality, and her mission to promote sustainability in the arts.

We also explored:

• 🎙️ Isabel’s passion for promoting music by women composers globally
• 🎙️ Her approach to programming that highlights musical diversity across cultures
• 🎙️ Challenges and progress in advocating for women composers in classical music
• 🎙️ Her impactful advocacy work, from iconic performances to speaking at the United Nations on sustainability and gender equality

[About Dr. Isabel Pérez Dobarro]

• 🌐 Dr. Dobarro’s Website
• 🌐 Dr. Dobarro’s New Album, Kaleidoscope

🎵🎵 Check out all other pieces here🎵🎵

[Meet Our Sponsor - Dr. Jon Skidmore, Musician’s Path to Peak Performance]

• 🌐 Website
• ▶️ Watch or Listen to Our Conversation with Dr. Skidmore HERE

[🎹🎙️ ABOUT THE PIANO POD]

• Listen to Our Mission Statement HERE
• ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate HERE ❤️❤️
• 🌐 Official Site

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

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 🎹

We are beyond excited to welcome Isabel to our latest episode of The Piano Pod for Season 5, Episode 4!

The interview recording session took place on October 11, 2024—the very day of the release of Isabel’s new solo piano album, Kaleidoscope. She chose us, THE PIANO POD, to share the news exclusively! 🥳🎶

In this episode, Isabel dives deep into the inspiration behind Kaleidoscope, a stunning collection of works by women composers from around the world. 🌍 She shares what motivated her to bring their voices into the spotlight and the powerful message she hopes to convey through this incredible project. 🎶

We also explored:

• 🎙️ Isabel’s passion for promoting music by women composers globally
• 🎙️ The origin of the album title, Kaleidoscope, and the stories behind the pieces
• 🎙️ Her approach to programming that highlights musical diversity across cultures
• 🎙️ Challenges and progress in advocating for women composers in classical music
• 🎙️ Her impactful advocacy work, from iconic performances to speaking at the United Nations on sustainability and gender equality
• 🎙️ How she balances her roles as a pianist, activist, and international relations advocate

🙌 Get ready for an inspiring journey—from performing at Carnegie Hall and Teatro Colón, to using her platform to advocate for gender equality and sustainability in the arts.

Don’t miss this empowering conversation! 🎧✨

• 📅 Premiere Date: Tuesday, October 22, 8:00 PM ET
• 📺 Join the premiere via YouTube: https://youtu.be/UC5c4-Jl218🔗 Listen on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/TPP2.0

#ThePianoPod #ClassicalMusic #Podcast #WomenInMusic #KaleidoscopeAlbum #ConcertPianist #UNAdvocate #GenderEquality #SustainabilityInMusic #IsabelPerezDobarro #UnitedNations #WomenComposers #WomenArtists

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

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! 🙌

In this exciting episode, “Soler and Arsenyan’s World,” we explore his extraordinary journey from Armenia to Paris, Moscow, and finally New York City.

🌟 Dr. Arsenyan shares his deep passion for Antonio Soler, an often overlooked 18th-century composer, and his dedication to preserving Soler’s legacy through SolersWorld.com.

🎶 We also explore how his Armenian heritage has influenced his artistry, his early years as a violinist, and his experiences as a global concert pianist.

🎓 Dr. Arsenyan is a dedicated educator, running a thriving piano studio in Manhattan and mentoring the next generation of classical musicians as a professor at NYU Tisch.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• 🔹 Dr. Arsenyan’s scholarly work on Antonio Soler’s life, music, and contributions
• 🔹 Insights into performing Soler’s unique compositions
• 🔹 The inspiration behind his SolersWorld project, complete with concerts and masterclasses
• 🔹 How Armenian composers and cultural identity shape his performances
• 🔹 Dr. Arsenyan’s incredible journey across the globe as a pianist and educator
• 🔹 The story behind receiving the Evgeny Kissin Award and its impact on his career
• 🔹 Highlights from his remarkable performances around the world

This episode is packed with wisdom, authenticity, and joy you won’t want to miss! 💫

🎧 You can also listen to this episode on your favorite podcast platform!

[About Dr. Hayk Arsenyan]

• 🌐Dr. Arsenyan’s Research on Antonio Soler
• 🌐Dr. Arsenyan’s Website
• 📺YouTube

🎵🎵 Check out all the pieces mentioned during the episode HERE🎵🎵

[Meet Our Sponsor - Dr. Jon Skidmore, Musician’s Path to Peak Performance]

• 🌐Website
• ▶️ Watch or Listen to Our Conversation with Dr. Skidmore
• 📘His Book: Conquer Anxiety

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

🎥Here is the trailer for Season 5 Episode 3, featuring Dr. Hayk Arsenyan, an Award-winning Pianist, Composer, Educator, and scholar!

In this exciting episode, “Soler and Arsenyan’s World,” we explore his extraordinary journey from Armenia to Paris, Moscow, and finally New York City.

🌟 Dr. Arsenyan shares his deep passion for Antonio Soler, an often overlooked 18th-century composer, and his dedication to preserving Soler’s legacy through SolersWorld.com.

🎶 We also explore how his Armenian heritage has influenced his artistry, his early years as a violinist, and his experiences as a global concert pianist.

🎓 Dr. Arsenyan is a dedicated educator, running a thriving piano studio in Manhattan and mentoring the next generation of classical musicians as a professor at NYU Tisch.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• 🔹 Dr. Arsenyan’s scholarly work on Antonio Soler’s life, music, and contributions
• 🔹 Insights into performing Soler’s unique compositions
• 🔹 The inspiration behind his SolersWorld project, complete with concerts and masterclasses
• 🔹 How Armenian composers and cultural identity shape his performances
• 🔹 Dr. Arsenyan’s incredible journey across the globe as a pianist and educator
• 🔹 The story behind receiving the Evgeny Kissin Award and its impact on his career
• 🔹 Highlights from his remarkable performances around the world

This episode is packed with wisdom, authenticity, and joy you won’t want to miss! 💫

• 📅 Premiere Date: Tuesday, October 8, at 8:00 PM ET
• 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform
• 📺 Join the broadcast on our YouTube channel

[About Dr. Hayk Arsenyan]

• 🌐Dr. Arsenyan’s Research on Antonio Soler
• 🌐Dr. Arsenyan’s Website
• 📺Dr. Arsenyan is on YouTube

👏👏👏👏 Check out all the 🎹 pieces mentioned in the episode here 🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵

[🎹🎙️ ABOUT THE PIANO POD]

• Watch our intro video of Season 5
• ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate HERE ❤️❤️
• 🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)
• 🌐 Official Site
• 📱 Connect with us on Social Media

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Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

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 WWFM
• Jed’s wisdom on what makes a great recording and the importance of thoughtful programming
• His take on the future of CDs in the age of streaming
• From Mahler symphonies to innovative 4-hand piano literature, Jed’s creative performances stand out
• His take on balancing personal achievement with building community and lasting relationships
• Exciting new ventures like The Piano Maven podcast and his ambitious project composing 1,827 Bagatelles to honor Beethoven’s 250th death anniversary in 2027

This 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! 💫

💬 Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments and leave a review!

[About Jed Distler]

• 🌐Jed’s Website
• 📻Jed’s Long-Running Radio Show, “Between the Keys”
• ☢️Jed’s Podcast: “The Piano Maven by Jed Distler”

[Pieces Mentioned in the Episode]

• Subscribe to our Sounds of Inspiration Playlist: Piano works mentioned in Season 5.

[ABOUT THE PIANO POD]

Check out our Season 5 Intro Episode HERE.

❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate HERE❤️❤️

• 🌐 Official Site
• 📱 Connect with us on social media