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

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🎉 Enjoy the Trailer for Season 5 Episode 2 feat. Jed Distler!

The Piano Pod had an exhilarating conversation with Jed Distler—composer, Steinway Artist, educator, and host of the renowned radio show Between the Keys, hosted by Jed Distler on WWFM. 🎹🎙️ In this episode, you’ll hear:

• 🔹The inside scoop on Jed’s 9+ year-running radio show Between the Keys
• 🔹 His wisdom on what makes a great recording and the power of thoughtful programming
• 🔹 Jed's take on the future of CDs in the streaming age
• 🔹 From Mahler symphonies to innovative 4-hand piano literature, his creative performances always shine
• 🔹 How he balances personal achievement with building community and lasting relationships
• 🚀 Exciting ventures like his new podcast The Piano Maven with Jed Distler and his ambitious project to compose 1,827 Bagatelles to honor Beethoven’s 250th anniversary in 2027

This conversation is packed with the names of brilliant but underappreciated composers, along with wisdom, authenticity, and joy you won’t want to miss!

• 💫 📅 Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 24, at 8:00pm ET
• 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform
• 📺 Watch on https://youtu.be/7gvv4W2Q_x8

[About the Guest] Jed Distler is a versatile force in the music world. As a composer, pianist, and educator, he’s known for his brilliant transcriptions of jazz legends like Art Tatum and Bill Evans and his innovative piano recitals featuring contemporary music. He founded ComposersCollaborative, Inc., setting a Guinness World Record in 2013 for the largest keyboard ensemble with 175 electronic keyboards. His solo piano CD, Fearless Monk, and extensive recordings for Spirio are must-listens. In addition to hosting Between the Keys, Jed launched his new podcast, The Piano Maven, in July 2024.

• 🌐http://jeddistler.com/
• 📻Jed’s Long-Running Radio Show, “Between the Keys”: https://www.wwfm.org/show/between-the-keys-with-jed-distler
• ☢️“The Piano Maven by Jed Distler”: https://rss.com/podcasts/pianomaven/

[ABOUT THE PIANO POD🎹🎙️]

• Catch up on our intro video of Season 5
• ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate
• 🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)
• 🌐 Official Site
• 📱 Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thepianopodnyc

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.

We’re kicking off the new season of Joy and Authenticity with an incredible guest—renowned pianist and educator, Dr. Sara Davis Buechner! 🎹✨

In this episode, titled "Transcendent Musical Vision," we dive deep into Dr. Buechner’s extraordinary 40-plus-year journey as a trailblazing artist, discussing her brilliant piano technique, unique musical interpretations, and advocacy for lesser-known composers and the LGBTQ+ community. 🌟

Highlights from the episode include:

• Her reflections on celebrating 40 years at Merkin Hall since her NYC debut 🎶
• Her dedication to lifelong learning, constantly exploring new compositions by lesser-known and contemporary composers
• How she balances technical precision with expressive depth in her performances
• The lifelong process of mastering piano technique through the teachings of Alberto Jonás, and how continuous growth shapes her artistry
• The importance of sight-reading skills, which she honed as a Juilliard student, reading through piano scores in alphabetical order 📚
• Candid reflections on being a transgender artist and advocate, and how the classical music community has evolved in terms of diversity and inclusion 🏳️‍⚧️

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

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

[About Dr. Sara Davis Buechner] 🌐 Website 📺 YouTube 📘 Facebook 🎧 Spotify

Celebrated for her "intelligence, integrity, and technical prowess" (New York Times) and "thoughtful artistry" (Washington Post), Dr. Sara Davis Buechner is one of the most original concert pianists of our time. A prizewinner at the Queen Elisabeth and Tschaikowsky Competitions, she has performed with renowned orchestras like the New York Philharmonic and graced iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

A dedicated educator at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music, Dr. Buechner is also a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, using her platform to inspire inclusion and equity within the classical music world.

[ ABOUT THE PIANO POD}

Check out our Season 5 Intro Episode HERE.

❤️❤️ 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

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

The Trailer for Season 5 Episode 1 of The Piano Pod 🎙 feat. Dr. Sara Davis Buechner is Here!

We’re kicking off The Piano Pod’s new season focused on Joy and Authenticity with an amazing guest—renowned pianist and educator, Dr. Sara Davis Buechner!

In this episode, we dive into Dr. Buechner’s extraordinary 40+ year journey as a trailblazing artist. We explore her brilliant piano technique, unique interpretations, and advocacy for lesser-known composers and the LGBTQ+ community.

Episode Highlights:

• Reflections on celebrating 40 years since her NYC debut at Merkin Hall
• Her dedication to lifelong learning and discovering new works by lesser-known composers
• Balancing technical precision with expressive depth in her performances
• Mastering piano technique through the teachings of Alberto Jonás and how it continues to shape her artistry
• How sight-reading skills, honed during her time at Juilliard, helped her grow as a musician
• Candid reflections on being a transgender artist and advocate for diversity and inclusion in classical music

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

• ✅ Premiere Date: Tuesday, September 10, at 8:00pm ET
• ✅ Listen on Your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/TPP2.0
• ✅ Watch on Our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/TXarT4CbdHs?si=JD0NDnXDZZzCusiv

About Dr. Sara Davis Buechner:

Celebrated for her "intelligence, integrity, and technical prowess" (New York Times), Dr. Buechner is a celebrated concert pianist and educator. She has performed with orchestras like the New York Philharmonic and at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall. As a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, she continues to inspire change in the classical music world.

#ThePianoPod #SaraDavisBuechner #ClassicalMusic #PodcastSeason5 #AuthenticityAndJoy #Piano #LGBTQAdvocate #MusicEducation #MerkinHall #PodcastCommunity #NewEpisode #Pianist #YamahaArtist #ConcertPianist

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

🎉 Season 5 of The Piano Pod is here, and we're so excited to share it with you!

Check out this intro episode for a sneak peek into what’s in store this season. We’ve got an amazing lineup of guests and topics that dive deep into the world of classical music, exploring themes of authenticity, joy, and innovation.

🌟 Don't miss the premiere of our first episode featuring the incredible Dr. Sara Davis Buechner on Tuesday, September 10 at 8:00 PM ET. Dr. Buechner’s insights and experiences are sure to inspire and captivate you! 📅 Mark your calendars and get ready for an exciting season ahead.

Join us as we explore how classical music continues to thrive and evolve in today’s fast-paced world.

[The Piano Pod]

1. Website:
2. Social Media

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

🥹How can we shift the cultural perception of performance anxiety from a personal weakness to a natural aspect of the human experience, deserving of compassion and support?

Welcome to the Season 4 Finale, titled “Conquer Performance Anxiety” with a guest Dr. Jon Skidmore! We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Jon Skidmore, Performance Psychologist, back to The Piano Pod! Many of you may remember his insightful contribution to our very first episode back in September 2020. It feels truly fitting to bring him back as we wrap up this season.

In this episode, we cover:

• ✅ The Importance of Mental Skills Training for Musicians
• ✅ Understanding Performance Anxiety
• ✅ The Correct Definition of “Mindset”
• ✅ “Stage Fright is Not an Enemy nor a Disease; It’s a Skill Deficit!”
• ✅ From Traditional Practice to Brain Science and Flow
• ✅ Strategies for Music Educators to Help Their Students

And much more! 👏👏👏 Dr. Skidmore will explore the topic of performance anxiety with compassion, drawing on insights from neuroscience and psychology. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

[About Dr. Jon Skidmore]

• 🌐Website
• 📘His Book: Conquer Anxiety
• 📚His Course: Musicians’ Path to Peak Performance, starting in November
• 📝Register to Join Dr. Skidmore’s Free Monthly Workshops on 2nd Wednesdays at 9:00 am MT or 3rd Wednesdays at 5:00 pm MT
• 📆 Schedule a 30 min Discovery Call with Dr. Skidmore.
• 👉 If you haven't checked out our first episode, listen HERE.

[The Piano Pod🎙️]

• Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)
• 🌐 TPP Official Site
• 📱 Connect with us on Social Media

👉👉👉 NOMINATE YOURSELF OR SOMEONE IN OUR INDUSTRY TO BE A GUEST ON THE PIANO POD!

#Podcast #MusicEducation #ClassicalMusic #PianoPerformance #PerformanceAnxiety #MentalSkills #MusicTeachers #MusicStudents #StageFright #BrainScience #FlowState #MusicPodcast #PianoLife #Pianist #MusicCommunity #SeasonFinale #TuneIn #PodcastPremiere #MusicInsights #ArtistSupport

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

🎥 Here is the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode, "Conquer Performance Anxiety - Stage Fright is Not an Enemy nor a Disease; It’s a Skill Deficit!"

Get ready for our upcoming episode with Dr. Skidmore who is joining us again for The Piano Pod’s season finale! Many of you may remember his insightful contribution to our very first episode back in September 2020. It feels truly fitting to bring him back as we wrap up this season.

Our Executive Producer and Host, Yukimi Song, has dreamed of creating a piano podcast since her grad school days at NYU in 2008. A professor suggested the idea back then, but it wasn’t until the COVID lockdown that she finally took the plunge. The sudden lifestyle changes caused her students to struggle with performance anxiety, sparking her mission to help them.

Her journey led her to an inspiring article in Piano Magazine where Dr. Skidmore’s work was featured. Impressed by his methods and research, Yukimi reached out to him, and their enlightening conversation inspired the launch of this podcast.

She wanted to share these valuable insights with fellow pianists and music educators. And now, here we are, coming full circle.

In this episode, we cover:

• ✅ The Importance of Mental Skills Training for Musicians
• ✅ Understanding Performance Anxiety
• ✅ The Correct Definition of “Mindset”
• ✅ From Traditional Practice to Brain Science and Flow
• ✅ Strategies for Music Educators to Help Their Students

And much more!

👏👏👏 Dr. Skidmore will explore the topic of performance anxiety with compassion, drawing on insights from neuroscience and psychology. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

• 📆 Mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 8:00pm ET to catch the premiere on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel.
• 🎧 The audio podcast will also be available on Tuesday, June 11, at 8:00pm ET: https://linktr.ee/TPP2.0

🎹 About Dr. Jon Skidmore:

• Website
• Article

👉 If you haven't checked out our first episode, listen HERE.

🎬 Credits:

• Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)
• 🌐 Official Site
• 📱 Connect with us on Social Media

#Podcast #MusicEducation #ClassicalMusic #PianoPerformance #PerformanceAnxiety #MentalSkills #MusicTeachers #MusicStudents #StageFright #BrainScience #FlowState #MusicPodcast #PianoLife #Pianist #MusicCommunity #SeasonFinale #TuneIn #PodcastPremiere #MusicInsights #ArtistSupport

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

Connecting Contemporary Audiences – Live Music Project: Bridging Musicians and Audiences, Empowering Next-Generation Innovators

Get ready for an exhilarating conversation with Megan Inen, celebrated Mezzo-Soprano and Executive Director of the Live Music Project

During our conversation, we focused on the Live Music Project: its concept, mission, and significant impact and reach within the music industry and among global communities of music lovers. We discussed how the platform connects classical musicians with broader audiences and explored the topic of audience engagement — a subject that has captivated Piano Pod listeners from the beginning.

In this episode, we delved into the overview of the Live Music Project

• ✅ Bridging the Gap Between Musicians and Audiences
• ✅ Becoming a Hub for Orchestras, Ensembles, Choirs and Independent Musicians
• ✅ Inviting Novice Listeners with the “Spontaneous Free Tickets Program”

We also discussed Megan’s Multifaceted Entrepreneurial Career:

• ✅ Megan’s Celebrated Career as a Mezzo-Soprano
• ✅ Helping Fellow Musicians Develop Entrepreneurial Skills through Her Coaching Business
• ✅ Nurturing the Next Gen of Musical Innovators Through Her Role in the Peabody LAUNCHPad

And much more!

📺 The video version of this episode is available on our YouTube channel!

[ABOUT THE LIVE MUSIC PROJECT]

• 🌐 Visit HERE to learn more!
• 📱 Follow LMP on Instagram

[MEGAN IHNEN]

• 🌐 Visit HERE to learn more!
• 📱Connect with Megan on Instagram:
• 🎵Find Megan on Spotify

[ABOUT THE PIANO POD]

Greetings, piano lovers! I'm Yukimi Song, your host from NYC. Every fortnight, join me as I delve deep into the world of PIANO with groundbreakers from the classical music industry. Our mission? To provide a platform for classical musicians and educators to reflect and discuss how to keep our industry robust and relevant in this rapidly changing world and move it forward in the post-pandemic era.

• ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate https://bit.ly/3EsvRDg❤️❤️
• 🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)
• 🌐 Official Site
• 📱 Connect with us on social media

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

🎥 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 Music Project's significant impact and reach within the music industry and among global communities of music lovers. We discussed how the platform connects classical musicians with broader audiences and explored the topic of audience engagement — a subject that has captivated Piano Pod listeners from the beginning.

In this episode, we focused on the overview of the Live Music Project

• ✅ Bridging the Gap Between Musicians and Audiences
• ✅ Becoming a Hub for Orchestras, Ensembles, Choirs and Independent Musicians
• ✅ Inviting Novice Listeners with the “Spontaneous Free Tickets Program”

We also discussed Megan’s Multifaceted Entrepreneurial Career:

• ✅ Megan’s Celebrated Career as a Mezzo-Soprano
• ✅ Helping Fellow Musicians Develop Entrepreneurial Skills through Her Coaching Business
• ✅ Nurturing the Next Gen of Musical Innovators Through Her Role in the Peabody LAUNCHPad

And much more!

📆 Mark your calendar for May 28, 2024 — you won't want to miss this fascinating episode with Megan Ihnen!

📺 Catch the premiere on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/iM6AP_YRpw0?si=QUBCkCWcNUhgftUq

🎧 Subscribe to The Piano Pod on Your Favorite Podcast Platform: https://linktr.ee/TPP2.0

🎻 About the Live Music Project – The Live Music Project is dedicated to making live classical music performances more accessible to a broader audience. It aims to connect people with local live classical music events through a comprehensive, user-friendly online platform that lists concerts, recitals, and other musical events. The project often focuses on community engagement, fostering a vibrant cultural scene, and supporting musicians and composers by promoting their performances and helping to build audiences for live classical music. Visit https://www.livemusicproject.org/ to learn more!

🎹 About Megan Ihnen – Megan Ihnen, a "new music force of nature," is an acclaimed mezzo-soprano and advocate for composers. As Executive Director of the Live Music Project, she enhances the classical music scene's vibrancy and accessibility. She also teaches the "Breakthrough Curriculum" at Peabody Institute, nurturing future musical innovators. Passionate about creative placemaking and audience development, Megan forges impactful cultural partnerships, enriching communities and expanding the arts' societal impact. Visit https://meganihnen.com/ to learn more!

🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)

🌐 Official Site

📱 Connect with us on Social Media

#podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #audienceengagment #concertcalendar #nonprofit #entrepreneur #classicalmusic #classicalmusician #classicalconcert #concertartist #artist #piano #pianist #concertprogram

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

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 journey.

In this revealing interview, we'll touch upon

✅ Kristhyan's critically acclaimed third studio album, "Latin American Classics," which clinched the Latin Grammy for "Best Classical Album" in 2021.

✅ His Passion for Piano Exploration through Improvisation: insights into his creative process when approaching improvisation in both studio and live settings.

✅ Collaborations with Renowned Figures, Spanning from Legendary Conductors to Latin American Music Icons.

✅ The Influence of Identity Complexity on Artistic Expression and Career Trajectory.

✅ His exciting venture with his alter-ego, "Benitez," experimenting with electro-acoustic music.

And much more!

🎧 The audio episode of this fun episode will be split into 2 parts. Part 1 will be available on your favorite podcasting platform simultaneously with the YouTube premiere.

[ABOUT KRISTHYAN BENITEZ]

🌐Website

🎵Kristhyan’s Grammy-Award Winning Album, "Latin American Classics" under the Steinway and Sons label

🎵Kristhyan’s Grammy-Nominated Album, "Afro Cuban Dances"

📱Kristhyan’s Instagram Accounts: https://www.instagram.com/kristhyan and https://www.instagram.com/benitezsounds/

[ABOUT THE PIANO POD]

Greetings, piano lovers! I'm Yukimi Song, your host from NYC. Every fortnight, join me as I delve deep into the world of PIANO with groundbreakers from the classical music industry. Our mission? To provide a platform for classical musicians and educators to reflect and discuss how to keep our industry robust and relevant in this rapidly changing world and move it forward in the post-pandemic era.

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

🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)

🌐 Official Site

📱 Connect with us

#podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #steinwayartist #kristhyanbenitez #latinamericanmusic #latingrammys #grammyawardwinner #pianist #concertpianist #recordingartist #piano #venezuelanmusic #venezuela #latinamerica #classicalpiano #classicalmusic

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

🎥 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’s impressive career accomplishments, exploring his numerous stellar awards and recognitions, and examining how his diverse identity shapes his creative journey.

Join us on May 14 for an electrifying episode of The Piano Pod with Kristhyan, where we'll explore how he's revolutionizing the music landscape through innovative production techniques, spanning from traditional concert performances to bold experimental projects.

In this revealing interview, we'll touch upon

✅ Kristhyan's critically acclaimed third studio album, "Latin American Classics," which clinched the Latin Grammy for "Best Classical Album" in 2021.

✅ His Passion for Piano Exploration through Improvisation: insights into his creative process when approaching improvisation in both studio and live settings.

✅ Collaborations with Renowned Figures, Spanning from Legendary Conductors to Latin American Music Icons.

✅ The Influence of Identity Complexity on Artistic Expression and Career Trajectory.

✅ His exciting venture with his alter-ego, "Benitez," experimenting with electro-acoustic music.

And much more!

🎹 About Kristhyan Benitez – Grammy-winning pianist Kristhyan Benitez captivates global audiences with his vibrant concerts, blending Classical and Latin American music with depth and charisma. Hailed by luminaries like Jose Antonio Abreu and Philippe Entremont, he has graced renowned stages worldwide, from Berlin to New York. Benitez has performed with illustrious conductors and orchestras, earning accolades including a Latin Grammy for "Latin American Classics." As a Steinway Artist, he continues to enchant listeners with his virtuosity and passion.

📆 Set a reminder for May 14, 2024 — you won't want to miss this fascinating episode with Kristhyan Benitez!

📺 Catch the premiere on The Piano Pod’s YouTube Channel

🎧 Subscribe to The Piano Pod on Your Favorite Podcast Platform

❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate https://bit.ly/3EsvRDg❤️❤️

🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)

🌐 Official Site

📱 Connect with us:

#podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #steinwayartist #kristhyanbenitez #latinamericanmusic #latingrammys #grammyawardwinner #pianist #concertpianist #recordingartist #piano #venezuelanmusic #venezuela #latinamerica #classicalpiano #classicalmusic