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

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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 responsibilities of classical musicians. We also discussed the importance of educating the public about the diverse world of classical music and challenging today's popular music, which often relies on repetitive and addictive formulas.

This engaging interview offers insights into:

• ✅ Liam's improvisation philosophy
• ✅ His extensive "Improvisations" CD album series, which includes more than 10 volumes
• ✅ The unique aspects of his improvisational style that set him apart in today's music scene
• ✅ A closer look at his piano improvisation methods and his relationship with the instrument

🎧 Part 2 of this audio episode will be available on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 8:00 pm ET on your favorite podcast platform. 

📺 You can also watch this entire episode on our YouTube channel!

This episode is brought to you by Yukimi Song Studio 🎹 Discover the magic of music with Yukimi. Realize your dream, create joyful melodies, and express yourself on the keys. Let's play piano together! Visit HERE to learn more.

[ABOUT THE GUEST: Liam Pitcher]

🌐 Learn more about the artist HERE

📀Learn and join Liam’s DJ community and courses HERE

📱Follow Liam on Instagram

📺 Subscribe to Liam’s YouTube Channel

[ABOUT THE PIANO POD]

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

🎬 Executive Producer: Yukimi Song 🎙️🎹

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

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, we explored various topics ranging from the art of piano improvisation to engaging audiences and the societal responsibilities of classical musicians. We also discussed the importance of educating the public about the diverse world of classical music and challenging today's popular music, which often relies on repetitive and addictive formulas. 

This engaging interview offers insights into:

• ✅ Liam's improvisation philosophy
• ✅ His extensive "Improvisations" CD album series, which includes more than 10 volumes
• ✅ The unique aspects of his improvisational style that set him apart in today's music scene
• ✅ A closer look at his piano improvisation methods and his relationship with the instrument
• ✅ A glimpse into the world of South African classical music composers

So tune in tomorrow, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, for Part 1 of this exciting episode to discover Liam's secrets to improvisation and his profound reflections on classical musicians' role in society and their duty to educate and inspire!

#trailer #pianists #pianomusic #pianoimprovisation #southafricanmusic #improvisation #classicalpianist #classicalpiano

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

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 festivals, Sherry's career is as diverse as it is fascinating. Learn about the tipping point that led her to immerse herself in poetry and how it intertwines with her musical endeavors.

Tune in as Sherry discusses her transition from cellist to pianist and highlights from her musical career, including her deep admiration for poet Katherine Mansfield and composer Alexander Scriabin.

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

This episode is brought to you by Yukimi Song Studio 🎹 Discover the magic of music with Yukimi. Realize your dream, create joyful melodies, and express yourself on the keys. Let's play piano together! Visit their website to learn more.

🎵ABOUT THE GUEST: Sherry Grant

As artistic director of four festivals since 2019, Sherry has been actively performing both in New Zealand and overseas as a pianist, although she was trained primarily as a cellist. Sherry's favorite instrument is the viola and her favorite composer is Alexander Scriabin.

Many composers have written music for Sherry to premiere since 2019. She is also the mother of 4 children who often perform in concerts with her, and with her youngest daughter Zoe Grant, now 10 years old, Sherry has published poetry books, edited haiku and rengay journals, hosted online poetry gatherings and judged several haiku competitions.

Zoe and Sherry have appeared in numerous interviews in 5 countries since 2021, with a goal of building the Next Golden Age where they will touch and inspire at least a billion people around the world with their creativity.

Sherry is currently planning the 2024 Vio-Latino Concert Tour in South America, Scriabin 2025 Festival as well as Hill & Carr Festival in 2026. Her events are generally multidisciplinary where several art forms are combined.

🎹 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: https://linktr.ee/thepianoponyc

#podcast #podcaster #classicalmusicindustry #pianomusic #poet #poetry #pianist #classicalpianist #scriabin #cellist #cello #piano #musicians #musicpodcast #pianolife #classicalpiano #philosophy #pianoteachers #pianists

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

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 spanning from Kodaly to Music Learning Theory. It serves as a valuable resource, delving into various aspects such as the inspiration behind its creation, the current landscape of music education with a particular emphasis on piano instruction, and providing a historical context to elucidate the evolution of teaching methods in the industry. 

The book critiques the prevalent note-reading-centric approach in piano instruction, advocating instead for a more holistic teaching method. Additionally, it offers a practical framework for instructing beginner piano students, emphasizing an approach that doesn't rely on any specific method books for the initial 10 weeks. Check out Tim’s book, No Book Beginners HERE.

We also explored the digital empire that he built to support fellow music educators, offering a wealth of resources including blogs, vlogs, courses, and a membership community. These resources aim to empower teachers, enabling them to evolve into 21st-century educators within their respective communities.

Tim shared valuable insights on the requisites for being a 21st-century music business owner, the challenges among teachers, and the prevailing trends in piano teaching.

🎵Tim Topham

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timtopham/

🎵Top Music Co

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🎹 About The Piano Pod

• ❤️❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate HERE❤️❤️
• 🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)
• 🌐 TPP Official Site
• 📱 Get the Latest 🎹 News HERE

This is episode is brought to you by Yukimi Song Studio 🎹 Discover the magic of music with Yukimi. Realize your dream, create joyful melodies, and express yourself on the keys. Let's play piano together! Visit HERE to learn more.

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 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."

This book encapsulates his experiences as a music educator and piano instructor, drawing from extensive research from Kodaly to Music Learning Theory. It serves as a valuable resource, delving into various aspects such as the inspiration behind its creation, the current landscape of music education with a particular emphasis on piano instruction, and providing a historical context to elucidate the evolution of teaching methods in the industry. 

The book critiques the prevalent note-reading-centric approach in piano instruction, advocating a more holistic teaching method instead. Additionally, it offers a practical framework for instructing beginner piano students, emphasizing an approach that doesn't rely on specific method books for the initial 10 weeks.

We also explored the digital empire he built to support fellow music educators, offering a wealth of resources, including blogs, vlogs, courses, and a membership community. These resources aim to empower teachers, enabling them to evolve into 21st-century educators within their respective communities.

Tim shared valuable insights on the requisites for being a 21st-century music business owner, the challenges among teachers, and the prevailing trends in piano teaching.

📆 Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation next Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 8:00 pm ET on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/FLt0COSdgMM

🎧 The audio episode will be published on your favorite podcasting platform simultaneously with the YouTube premiere: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-piano-pod/

👉 Follow The Piano Pod for latest #pianonews

😎 Executive Producer: Yukimi Song

🕹Audio/Video Editor: Yukimi Song Studio 

#musiceducator #pianoteacher #podcast #podcaster #pianoteaching #musicindustry #pianomusic #topmusicco #musicians #musicpodcast #pianolife #classicalpiano #philosophy #musiceducation

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

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 🇺🇸 Presidential Election, Gather Hear Tour is Miki's labor of love. Eschewing conventional venues, she embarks on tours across rural America, bringing high-quality, inclusive classical music performances to communities often overlooked.

From the spiritual landscapes of Utah to the rural stretches of Alabama, and from quaint local cafes to segregated schools and prisons, Miki's journey in her Uhaul van, with her piano in tow, is a mission to deliver the beauty of live music directly to the people. Her approach fosters genuine connections, celebrating the spirit of American life through the universal language of music.

What began as a musical odyssey has evolved into a profound journalistic endeavor. Miki documents her experiences, offering an intimate glimpse into the American heartland through candid video recordings. These stories, raw and unfiltered, weave a rich narrative of the nation's diverse tapestry, with music serving as the key to unlocking community bonds. After each tour, Miki and her team craft vlogs and produce documentary films that resonate with cinematic impact.

Check out Miki’s award-winning films on her YouTube channel, including "Gather Hear Louisiana 2022," the latest film from her tour, which premiered at the Independent Film Festival Boston in April 2023.

📺 This episode's audio is also available as a video format!

🎼 Meet Miki Sawada: Featured in The Boston Globe’s Best of Arts 2021 list, Miki is reshaping classical music through her innovative Gather Hear Tour. Traveling state-by-state, she brings her piano to community spaces, connecting with Americans through free concerts in unconventional venues across the country. Miki's diverse career includes solo and chamber music, focusing on contemporary pieces, with notable performances at Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her debut album, "A Kind of Mirror," released in 2021, is a five-movement electroacoustic work inspired by long-distance running, earning acclaim and featuring in a commercial for Tracksmith. Miki's unique approach to classical music is highlighted through her rich tapestry of performances and accolades.

🎹 About The Piano Pod

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

This episode is brought to you by Yukimi Song Studio 🎹 Discover the magic of music with Yukimi. Realize your dream, create joyful melodies, and express yourself on the keys. Let's play piano together! Tap HERE to learn more.

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

🎥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 by the divisive atmosphere of the 2016 🇺🇸 Presidential Election, Gather Hear Tour is Miki's labor of love. Eschewing conventional venues, she embarks on tours across rural America, bringing high-quality, inclusive classical music performances to communities often overlooked.

From the spiritual landscapes of Utah to the rural stretches of Alabama, and from quaint local cafes to segregated schools and prisons, Miki's journey in her Uhaul van, with her piano in tow, is a mission to deliver the beauty of live music directly to the people. Her approach fosters genuine connections, celebrating the spirit of American life through the universal language of music.

What began as a musical odyssey has evolved into a profound journalistic endeavor. Miki documents her experiences, offering an intimate glimpse into the American heartland through candid video recordings. These stories, raw and unfiltered, weave a rich narrative of the nation's diverse tapestry, with music serving as the key to unlocking community bonds. After each tour, Miki and her team craft vlogs and produce documentary films that resonate with cinematic impact.

😎Check out Miki's award-winning films on her YouTube channel, including "Gather Hear Louisiana 2022," the latest film from the Gather Hear Tour, which premiered at the Independent Film Festival Boston in April 2023.

👏Set your reminders for 📆 February 6, 2024, at 8:00 pm E.T. on our YouTube channel for an unforgettable episode with Miki Sawada as she unveils the stories and inspirations behind the Gather Hear Tour.

🎧 This episode's audio will be released on your favorite podcasting platform simultaneously with the YouTube premiere!

🎼 Meet Miki Sawada: Featured in The Boston Globe’s Best of Arts 2021 list, Miki is reshaping classical music through her innovative Gather Hear Tour. She travels state-by-state and brings her piano to community spaces, connecting with Americans through free concerts in unconventional venues nationwide. Miki's diverse career includes solo and chamber music, focusing on contemporary pieces, with notable performances at Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her debut album, "A Kind of Mirror," released in 2021, is a five-movement electroacoustic work inspired by long-distance running, earning acclaim and featuring in a commercial for Tracksmith. Miki's unique approach to classical music is highlighted through her rich tapestry of performances and accolades.

🎹 About The Piano Pod

❤️❤️ 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!

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 meaningful and emotional.

Walter holds a prominent role in contemporary music, advocating strongly for inclusivity in our industry. Ahead of his time, he has been a passionate supporter of diversity in music, particularly focusing on Latin American music and composers since the late 2000s, well before the recent emphasis on diversity in 2020.

What makes Walter stand out is his expertise in the music of Bolivia 🇧🇴. Exploring the beauty of Bolivia through Walter's insights – its unique geography, profound historical background, cultural richness, and legacy of arts and music – was truly enlightening. I've gained a profound appreciation for Bolivia!

Join us in this engaging episode where you'll explore:

• The current global reception of Latin American piano music
• The richness and complexity of “Latin American” music

Walter will take us on a quick trip to Bolivia🇧🇴, introducing its:

• Distinctive cultural traditions or celebrations
• Distinguishable characteristics or themes found in Bolivian piano music

Later on, he'll introduce us to his initiative: the Foundation for Bolivian Artists:

• A brief overview of the foundation.
• His motivation and inspiration behind launching this organization
• Current stats in its inaugural year
• Future perspectives

📺 The video format is also available on our YouTube channel!

[About Walter Aparicio]

• 🌐 Website

[Foundation for Bolivian Artists]

• 🎟️ Get a ticket to the Kantuta Concerts Opus 1 on March 1, 2024, at Merkin Hall! (promo code: in the episode!)

🎹 About The Piano Pod

• ❤️ Show your love and support for TPP: Donate❤️
• 🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)
• 📱 Connect with us!

🎶 This episode is brought to you by Yukimi Song Studio 🎹 Discover the magic of music with Yukimi. Realize your dream, create joyful melodies, and express yourself on the keys. Let's play piano together! Visit HERE to learn more.

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 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 dates back to our NYU graduate school days in 2007, and delving into Walter's journey and future plans was both meaningful and emotional.

Walter holds a prominent role in contemporary music, advocating strongly for inclusivity in our industry. Ahead of his time, he has been a passionate supporter of diversity in music, particularly focusing on Latin American music and composers since the late 2000s, well before the recent emphasis on diversity in 2020.

What makes Walter stand out is his expertise in the music of Bolivia 🇧🇴. Exploring the beauty of Bolivia through Walter's insights – its unique geography, profound historical background, cultural richness, and legacy of arts and music – was truly enlightening. I've gained a profound appreciation for Bolivia!

Join us in this engaging episode where you'll explore:

• 🎵 The current global reception of Latin American piano music
• 🎵 The richness and complexity of “Latin American” music

Walter will take us on a quick trip to Bolivia, introducing its:

• 🇧🇴 Distinctive cultural traditions or celebrations
• 🇧🇴 Plethora of cuisine
• 🇧🇴 Diverse indigenous cultures
• 🇧🇴 Distinguishable characteristics or themes found in Bolivian piano music

Later on, he'll introduce us to his initiative: the Foundation for Bolivian Artists

• 🎵 A brief overview of the foundation.
• 🎵 His motivation and inspiration behind launching this organization
• 🎵 Current stats in its inaugural year
• 🎵 Future perspectives

📆 Don’t miss out on this enlightening conversation next Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 8:00 pm ET on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/iKhMTYjdjmY?si=i2pwHTNAgvUwarDI

🎧 The audio episode will be split into 2 parts. Part 1 will be published on your favorite podcasting platform simultaneously with the YouTube premiere: https://rss.com/podcasts/the-piano-pod/

👉 Follow The Piano Pod for latest #pianonews

😎 Executive Producer: Yukimi Song

🕹Audio/Video Editor: Yukimi Song Studio

#pianist #composer #podcast #podcaster #classicalmusic #musicindustry #pianomusic #orchestra #culture #musicians #musicpodcast #podcastinglife #philosophy #inclusion #inclusioninmusic #latinamericanmusic #latinamerica #classicalmusicians #bolivia #pianoteachers #innovation

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

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 the challenges and moments of silver lining that emerged after losing his right ring finger nine years ago. Additionally, gain insights into Dr. Coonrod's reflections on the evolution of music education throughout his teaching career, highlighting the most significant changes he has observed over the years.

• 🎧 Part 1 of this interview is now available on your favorite podcast platform!
• You can also watch this episode on our YouTube channel!

🎼 Meet Dr. Coonrod: a distinguished pianist, recording artist, and a former piano faculty member at Interlochen Arts Academy for 46 years has shaped countless students and presented diverse piano recitals worldwide. He performed with orchestras as a soloist, and his repertoire spans Beethoven, Mozart, Gershwin, and contemporary American composers. Coonrod, mentored by Lucien Hut and Konrad Wolff, holds degrees from the University of Montana and The Peabody Conservatory of Music. His dedication earned him recognition as a "Kentucky Colonel" in 1996. Coonrod's discography includes an album promoting scholarships for composition students and a two-CD set featuring Franz Schubert's solo piano music. Beyond music, Coonrod indulges in model railroads, chamber music, and accompanying church choirs, crafting a symphony of diverse interests.

• Please get in touch with Dr. Coonrod via email to purchase his CDs.
• 🎧 You can also listen to his recordings on Spotify.
• 🌐 Learn more about Dr. Coonrod via his website.

🎹 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 via PayPal❤️❤️

• 🎬 Credits: Yukimi Song (Executive Producer/Writer & A/V Editor)
• 🌐 Official Site: https://thepianopod.com
• 📱 Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thepianoponyc

#pianist #pianoteacher #podcast #podcaster #classicalmusic #musicindustry #pianomusic #orchestra #musicians #musicpodcast #pianolife #classicalpiano #philosophy #audienceengagement #classicalmusicians #interlochen #innovation