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In this episode of The Piano Pod, Mastering Musical Heritage—Exploring Spanish Piano Traditions and Embracing Puerto Rican Identity, I had the privilege of speaking with José Ramos Santana, a Steinway Artist and one of the foremost interpreters of Spanish and Latin American piano music. This conversation is a deep dive into the passion, heritage, and evolution of Spanish and Caribbean piano traditions.

From the expressive genius of Albéniz, Granados, and de Falla to the rich cultural legacy of Puerto Rican composers, José shares his insights on interpreting this repertoire with authenticity and heart. He reflects on his journey from Puerto Rico to Juilliard, the mentorship of Alicia de Larrocha, and his ongoing mission to mentor the next generation of pianists through meaningful cultural connection.

🎶 In this episode, we discuss:

• The influence of ethnomusicologist Felipe Pedrell on Spanish composers
• The improvisational nature of Granados’ music
• José’s reflections on Alicia de Larrocha’s legacy
• The 10th anniversary of the Puerto Rico International Piano Festival
• Latin American composers like Manuel Tavares, Ignacio Cervantes, and Roberto Sierra
• The importance of embracing cultural identity in piano education

Whether you are a pianist, music educator, or classical music enthusiast, José’s wisdom and passion will inspire and enlighten you.

👉👉 Learn more about this episode HERE. 👈👈

✨ VIP Substack subscribers get early access to the audio version: subscribe here.

🗣️ I’d love to hear your thoughts. How has Spanish or Latin American music influenced your musical path? Leave a comment and join the conversation!

[Jose Ramos Santana]

• Website
• Puerto Rico International Music Festival

Watch José Ramos Santana perform Evocación from Iberia, Book 1 by Isaac Albéniz

[The Piano Pod]

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Enjoy the Trailer of The Piano Pod’s Upcoming Episode feat. Jose Ramos Santana!

Finally! After a one-episode (2-week) delay due to technical issues, The Piano Pod is back with a powerful conversation!

🎬 Mastering Musical Heritage – Exploring Spanish Piano Traditions and Embracing Puerto Rican Identity featuring Jose Ramos Santana, Steinway Artist and one of the foremost interpreters of Spanish and Latin American piano music.

In this episode of The Piano Pod, I had the privilege of speaking with José about his journey from Puerto Rico to Juilliard, his mentorship under Alicia de Larrocha, and his mission to preserve and promote the rich traditions of Spanish and Caribbean piano music.

🎶 We discussed:

• 🔹 The legacy of Albéniz, Granados, and de Falla
• 🔹 The 10th anniversary of the Puerto Rico International Piano Festival
• 🔹 Cultural identity in piano education
• 🔹 Latin American composers like Tavares, Cervantes, and Sierra

📝 Read more about this upcoming episode HERE.

📅 Premiering Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 8:00 PM ET on YouTube as a video format. Set a reminder HERE.

🎧 Audio episode also available simultaneously on your go-to podcast platforms: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio

💌 Substack VIPs get early access on April 7. Become a VIP subscriber on Substack today to receive exclusive early access to this and future episodes—plus VIP-only perks: HERE

Let us know how Spanish or Latin American music has influenced your own musical path.

#ThePianoPod #JoséRamosSantana #MasteringMusicalHeritage #SpanishPianoMusic #PuertoRicanMusic #ClassicalMusicPodcast #Albéniz #Granados #LatinAmericanMusic #SteinwayArtist

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In this episode of The Piano Pod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nimrod Borenstein—acclaimed composer and conductor—about his remarkable journey in music. From his early days as a violinist to becoming one of today’s most celebrated composers, Nimrod shares his artistic philosophy, the evolution of his piano works, and the influences that have shaped his unique voice.

We dive deep into his signature piano works, including Reminiscences of Childhood and his 24 Études, explore the inspiration behind his Shirim collection, and discuss his collaborations with legendary musicians like Vladimir Ashkenazy. His insights into the challenges of composing for piano, the storytelling power of music, and his artistic legacy make this an episode you won’t want to miss!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 🔹 Defining artistry, mission, and passion
• 🔹 The piano as a powerful medium of expression
• 🔹 Signature piano works: Reminiscences of Childhood & Études
• 🔹 Shirim: Bringing sophisticated music to all pianists
• 🔹 The making of Borenstein’s Piano Concerto
• 🔹 His greatest influence: His father, painter Alec Borenstein
• 🔹 Collaborating with Vladimir Ashkenazy
• 🔹 Legacy, storytelling, and the composer’s role today

All the pieces mentioned in the episode are listed in this playlist.

💬 What does music mean to you? How do you connect with a composer’s storytelling? Let’s discuss in the comments!

🔔 Subscribe & hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out on more inspiring conversations with the world’s leading musicians.

[The Piano Pod]

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

Here is the trailer of our upcoming episode feat. Nimrod Borenstein. In this episode of The Piano Pod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nimrod Borenstein—acclaimed composer and conductor—about his remarkable journey in music. From his early days as a violinist to becoming one of today’s most celebrated composers, Nimrod shares his artistic philosophy, the evolution of his piano works, and the influences that have shaped his unique voice.

We dive deep into his signature piano works, including Reminiscences of Childhood and his 24 Études, explore the inspiration behind his Shirim collection, and discuss his collaborations with legendary musicians like Vladimir Ashkenazy. His insights into the challenges of composing for piano, the storytelling power of music, and his artistic legacy make this an episode you won’t want to miss!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 🔹 Defining artistry, mission, and passion
• 🔹 The piano as a powerful medium of expression
• 🔹 Signature piano works: Reminiscences of Childhood & Études
• 🔹 Shirim: Bringing sophisticated music to all pianists
• 🔹 The making of Borenstein’s Piano Concerto
• 🔹 His greatest influence: His father, painter Alec Borenstein
• 🔹 Collaborating with Vladimir Ashkenazy
• 🔹 Legacy, storytelling, and the composer’s role today

Check out Nimrod’s solo piano and orchestral works on YouTube:

• Nimrod Borenstein - Prayer to the Moon (overture) Nimrod Borenstein: Ostinato
• Étude opus 66 No. 1 World premiere with Irina Lankova
• Nimrod Borenstein: Baba Yaga Étude performed by Kseniia Vokhmianina
• Clélia Iruzun plays Nimrod Borenstein's Barcarolle

💬 What does music mean to you? How do you connect with a composer’s storytelling? Let’s discuss in the comments!

📅 Tune in Tuesday, March 11, at 8 PM Eastern Time for the official premiere of this episode on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

[Nimrod Borenstein]

🌍 https://www.nimrod-borenstein.com/

📺 https://www.youtube.com/@nimrodborensteincomposer

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📣 This Episode is Brought to You by the New York Piano Group. Find Your Piano Community with the New York Piano Group! 🔗 Learn more

🎶 Can a composer truly belong to both the jazz and classical worlds?

In this episode of The Piano Pod, we sit down with concert pianist and recording artist Ophelia Gordon, a leading interpreter of Nikolai Kapustin’s music. Known for her seamless fusion of classical technique with jazz freedom, Ophelia shares her journey of trusting her instincts, finding her voice, and redefining musical boundaries.

Topics We Explore:

• Trusting Yourself – The journey of self-discovery and staying authentic in a field rooted in tradition.
• Kapustin’s Legacy – The ongoing debate: Is his music jazz or classical?
• Improvisation & Freedom – How Ophelia brings spontaneity into structured compositions.
• Musical Identity & Influence – Growing up in a jazz-loving household, training in classical music, and even studying at the BRIT school.
• Bridging Two Musical Worlds – Creating jazz-style lead sheets for Kapustin’s etudes, inviting improvisation into his structured compositions.
• Finding Kapustin in a Time of Crisis – How discovering his music became pivotal in her life.
• Upcoming Album: Between the Lines – Behind the scenes of her all-Kapustin recording, set for release in Fall 2025.

Watch exclusive excerpts of Ophelia’s performances of Kapustin’s works throughout the episode!

What do you think—is Kapustin more jazz or classical? How do you define authenticity as a musician? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

[Ophelia Gordon - Pianist, Recording Artist, and Leading Kapustin Interpreter]

• 📸 Instagram & TikTok: @OpheliaGordon
• 🌍 Website: OpheliaGordon.com

[The Piano Pod]

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🎵 Subscribe to our Sounds of Inspiration (all the music and piano pieces mentioned during our conversations)

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#Kapustin #Jazz #ClassicalPiano #Pianists #ClassicalPianists #JazzPianist #MusicIdentity #Improvisation

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I had an incredible conversation with Ophelia Gordon —concert pianist, recording artist, and one of the world’s leading interpreters of Nikolai Kapustin’s music—for Season 5, Episode 12!

Ophelia’s artistry defies categorization. She seamlessly blends the rhythmic pulse of jazz with the technical depth of classical music—a rare and extraordinary balance. Her discovery of Kapustin’s music was a pivotal moment, leading her to a composer who, like her, refused to be boxed into a single genre.

• 💡 How do you bridge two musical worlds that seem at odds?
• 💡 What does staying authentic in a tradition-bound field really mean?
• 💡 How can improvisation reshape classical performance? We explore these questions and more in this inspiring episode.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• 🎹 Kapustin’s Legacy – A classical composer with a jazz heart.
• 🎵 Improvisation & Freedom – Redefining technique and expression.
• 🎷 The Jazz-Classical Intersection – Breaking down genre barriers.
• 🔎 Finding Your Artistic Identity – How Ophelia forged her own path.
• 🎤 Recording & Interpreting Kapustin – Behind the scenes of Between the Lines.

🔥🔥 Read the full blog post and learn more about Ophelia Gordon HERE.

For our paid subscribers on Substack, enjoy exclusive early access to this exciting episode on our Substack page on February 24 at 8:00 PM ET—one day before the official release! https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe

📅 Premieres Tuesday, Feb 25, at 8:00 PM ET

• Watch on YouTube → https://youtu.be/VTHMvumdAZE
• Listen on your favorite podcast platform → https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio

👏👏 Don’t miss this episode—it’s a deep dive into what it means to be a musician in the 21st century!

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

🎤 Want to become an excellent interviewer? Here’s how I do it!

After conducting countless interviews with world-class musicians, educators, and industry leaders, I’ve developed a system that makes my interviews engaging, insightful, and natural.

In this carousel, I’m breaking down my key techniques—from crafting unique questions to keeping the conversation flowing and handling challenges with grace.

🔥 Listen this bonus episode and learn:

• ✔️ How I prepare for interviews without bias
• ✔️ My approach to active listening & guest engagement
• ✔️ The secret to asking deep, thought-provoking questions
• ✔️ How I balance guiding the conversation without overshadowing my guest
• ✔️ Strategies for making interviews feel like stories—not just Q&A

💬 Which of these tips do you want to try in your interviews? Let me know in the comments! 👇

📌 Share this episode on your social media!

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📣 This Episode is Brought to You by the New York Piano Group. Find Your Piano Community with the New York Piano Group! 🔗 Learn more

🎹 How can neuroscience and a student-centered approach reshape our practice and teaching the piano?

In this episode of The Piano Pod, Practising the Piano – Neuroscience, Technique, Musicality, and Performance Mastery for Pianists, I sit down with Graham Fitch—a pianist, educator, writer, and one of the leading figures in piano pedagogy.

What separates Graham is his extensive research in piano pedagogy and neuroscience, his empirical, results-driven approach, and his compassionate, student-centered teaching philosophy that transforms how pianists learn and perform.

Is Hanon still relevant? What about Czerny? How do neuroscience and modern practice techniques redefine piano pedagogy today?

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why repetition alone won’t lead to mastery—and what actually works
• How neuroscience helps train technique, memory, and musical expression
• Creative strategies for effective practice that go beyond scales and exercises
• Why a student-centered approach leads to better, more engaged learning
• The importance of feedback and reflection in piano training
• How to prepare for performance with confidence and expressive freedom
• A deep dive into traditional and modern piano techniques—including Neuhaus, Hanon, Czerny, and more
• Muscle memory alone isn’t enough—integrate aural and cognitive learning for mastery.

Stay Connected with Graham Fitch

• Practising The Piano
• YouTube Channel

Books & Courses Mentioned:

• 🈹 Subscribe yearly to Practising the Piano Online Academy and enjoy full, unlimited access to all materials—plus, save 30% compared to the monthly plan!
• 🎓 Piano Teachers’ Course UK
• 🎼 Finchcocks
• 📖 What Every Pianist Needs to Know About the Body – Thomas Carson Mark: 🔗 Get it here
• 📖 Tyranny of Tradition in Piano Teaching – Walter Ponce: 🔗 Get it here
• 📖 Rudolph Ganz Exercises Contemporary and Special for Piano: 🔗 Read here
• 📖 Heinrich Neuhaus – The Art of Piano Playing

Stay Connected with The Piano Pod

• Subscribe to TPP on Substack for free or unlock exclusive materials

💬 What are YOUR biggest takeaways from this episode? Drop a comment below, and let’s discuss!

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

🔥 Get Ready! Season 5 Episode 11 Trailer Just Dropped!

🎹 What does it truly mean to practice the piano with intention and mastery? 🧠🎶

Is it about repetition, discipline, or something deeper—an approach that harmonizes the mind, body, and artistry through the lens of tradition, cutting-edge neuroscience, and creative expression?

For Season 5, Episode 11 of The Piano Pod, I had the privilege of speaking with Graham Fitch —a pianist, educator, writer, broadcaster, and one of the leading figures in piano pedagogy. His extensive research spans historical traditions to groundbreaking neuroscience, reshaping how we think about piano practice, technique, and artistic interpretation.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of science, technique, and artistry, uncovering how pianists can practice more effectively, express more deeply, and perform with greater confidence.

Graham’s approach goes beyond repetition—he reveals how to practice with intelligence, purpose, and artistry, integrating technical mastery, cognitive science, and musical expression to unlock true potential at the piano.

🔥 READ MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE ON OUR SUBSTACK PAGE HERE.

🎧 Tune in on Tuesday, February 11, 2025: Watch the episode on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

🎉 Want early access to this episode? Tap HERE – Become a paid Substack subscriber and get exclusive early access to this conversation with Graham Fitch on February 10 at 8:00 PM ET—a full day before the official release!

#ThePianoPod #PractisingThePiano #PianoPractice #PianoTechnique #MusicEducation #ClassicalMusic #PianoPodEpisodes

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📣 This Episode is Brought to You by the Foundation for Bolivian Artists. 👉"Celebrate Culture, Discover Hidden Classical Gems, and Explore Bolivia's Talents!" https://bolivianartistfoundation.org/

In this episode of The Piano Pod, we dive into the fascinating world of contemporary classical music with Anna Heller, founder of Moving Classics TV. Anna shares her journey from Siberia to Germany, rebuilding her career and creating a groundbreaking platform that connects audiences to modern piano music. Her innovative work has featured over 500 composers and inspired countless listeners worldwide.

In this episode, we discussed:

• The concept and mission behind Moving Classics TV
• Anna’s experience rebuilding her career in a new country
• The process of selecting and curating contemporary piano works
• Trends in live piano performance formats and contemporary music
• Anna’s research on "Creativity Codes" and its connection to innovation
• Insights into thematic recitals like Aquarelle and Bach in Movies
• Her role as a performer for Candlelight Concerts and its unique appeal
• The challenges and rewards of freelancing as a concert pianist
• Anna’s vision for the future of classical music

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with an artist redefining classical piano music's boundaries.

Stay Connected with Anna Heller:

• 🔗 Moving Classics TV
• 🎥 YouTube Channel
• 🎵 Discover Creativity Codes

Piano Works Mentioned:

• Kris Lennox - Vapor Trail II
• Modern Piano - Serban Nichifor - The Circle
• New Consonant Music - Pietr Lachert - Cropelki
• Sergey Akhunov - Sketch VII "in memory of Satie"

Stay Connected with The Piano Pod:

• 💖 Subscribe on Substack for free or unlock exclusive materials
• 🎗️ Support Our Work: Make a donation
• 🚨 Latest News
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