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

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

Yukimi Song

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Episodes

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...where tradition meets innovation. Together, we bring PIANO into the FUTURE.a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano musicHey, 🎹 enthusiasts out there! My name is Yukimi, a classical pianist and educator from NYC and executive producer of The Piano Pod. The Piano Pod🎙 is a one-of-a-kind podcast that delves deep into the fascinating world of classical music, with a specific focus on the 🎹 piano. In a biweekly format, the show explores intriguing discussions with guests breaking exciting new ground in the classical music industry. The Piano Pod aims to nurture a thriving community that embraces innovative approaches to ensure classical music's relevance and vitality in today's dynamic landscape."How can I present the beautiful tradition of classical music to the 21st-century audience in a fun, contemporary, and engaging way?"When I started building a piano studio in the trendy neighborhood of Downtown Manhattan in 2007 while in the NYU graduate program in piano studies, I began to ponder this question. I realized the stark difference in expectations toward classical music and music education between music professionals and the general public. Then, one of the NYU music department's professors suggested I start a podcast: the platform would allow classical musicians to address this disparity and spark conversations about audience engagement.Finally, fast forward to 10+ years later, The Piano Pod was born in the summer of 2020. Since then, I have had the privilege of interviewing A-listers in the classical music industry: international concert pianists, composers, arrangers, digital streamers/influencers, music educators, entrepreneurs, neurodiverse specialists, and performance psychologists.Through fascinating conversations, we have explored how classical music should continue to evolve to remain relevant to our lifestyle, society, and culture. Over the past three seasons, The Piano Pod has achieved remarkable success by reaching faithful listeners on audio platforms and viewers via YouTube.As the show is celebrating the past season's achievements and gearing toward the new season in the fall, my mission as the Executive Producer is crystal clear: to provide a platform for classical musicians and educators to reflect and discuss ways to keep our industry robust and meaningful in this ever-changing world and move it forward in the post-pandemic era.🔗Follow TPP on social media accounts to get the latest news about 🎹.Thanks for listening♥️🎹

Recent Episodes

Beyond Borders: From Argentina to Poland to Texas—Oscar Macchioni reflects on a life in music
MAY 19, 2026
Beyond Borders: From Argentina to Poland to Texas—Oscar Macchioni reflects on a life in music
<p>In this episode of The Piano Pod, we are joined by Steinway Artist, pianist, and pedagogue Dr. Oscar Macchioni.</p><p>Born in Argentina, shaped by years of study in Poland, and now serving as Associate Professor of Piano Pedagogy at the University of North Texas, Macchioni reflects on a life in music that moves across borders — culturally, intellectually, and artistically.</p><p>A central focus of this conversation is his album <em>Mostly Tangos: Piano Music from the Americas</em>. But this episode goes far beyond tango itself.</p><p>Together, we explore artistic identity, the dangers of labels, concert programming, the evolution of tango into concert music, and how composers such as Astor Piazzolla, William Bolcom, and Karol Szymanowski shaped Macchioni’s artistic world. We also discuss his years teaching in the culturally rich border community of El Paso, Texas, his philosophy on piano pedagogy, and the role universities and artists can play in building meaningful human connection through music.</p><p>This episode offers a thoughtful reflection on artistry, cultural identity, education, and how music continues to travel across generations and borders.</p><p>🌐 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://oscarmacchioni.net/">Oscar Macchioni Website</a></p><p>🎬 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/@oscarmacchioni">Oscar Macchioni YouTube</a></p><p>🎹 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.borderlandchopincompetition.com/">Borderland Chopin International Competition</a></p><p>📖 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.substack.com/pub/thepianopod/p/meet-our-guest-dr-oscar-macchioni?r=2q1iy3&amp;utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;showWelcomeOnShare=true">Read the “Meet Our Guest” blog</a></p><p>💖 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thepianopod.substack.com/">Become a VIP Member / Unlock Exclusive Content</a></p><p>🎵 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeBrJAY2RQ_uqBAHXTkMwM4nISe9vxvDa">Season 6 Piano Playlist</a></p><p>🎙 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://forms.gle/z3Q78dtTBbe5hdYr9">Nominate Guests for Season 7</a></p><p>📫 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe">Join Our Newsletter</a></p><p>🌐 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thepianopod.com/">The Piano Pod Website</a></p><p>📱 Follow The Piano Pod</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://instagram.com/thepianopod">Instagram</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://facebook.com/thepianopod">Facebook</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://tiktok.com/@thepianopod">TikTok</a></p><p>🔗 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/thepianopod">All Links</a></p>
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108 MIN
Official Trailer: "Beyond Borders" feat. Oscar Macchioni, Steinway Artist & Pedagogue
MAY 18, 2026
Official Trailer: "Beyond Borders" feat. Oscar Macchioni, Steinway Artist & Pedagogue
<p>Here is the Trailer for: </p><p><em>Season 6 Episode 18: Beyond Borders: From Argentina to Poland to Texas—Oscar Macchioni Reflects on a Life in Music</em></p><p>In our upcoming episode, we welcome Steinway Artist and renowned piano pedagogue Dr. Oscar Macchioni.</p><p>This conversation goes far beyond tango.</p><p>Together, we explore: • tango as a universal concert genre • artistic labels and misconceptions • audience engagement and concert programming • Szymanowski and William Bolcom • music across borders and cultures • and the evolving role of classical music today</p><p>Born in Argentina, shaped by years of study in Poland, and now based in Texas, Macchioni reflects on a life in music rooted in curiosity, cultural connection, and artistic exploration.</p><p>🎧 Season 6, Episode 18 premieres tomorrow — Tuesday, May 19 at 8 PM ET on YouTube and all major audio platforms.</p><p>▶️ YouTube Premiere: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/_sDxpwSBb-k?si=npr-uxApcF1eieIF">https://youtu.be/_sDxpwSBb-k?si=npr-uxApcF1eieIF</a></p><p>🎙 Audio Platforms: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rss.com/podcasts/the-piano-pod/">https://rss.com/podcasts/the-piano-pod/</a></p><p>📝 Meet Our Guest Blog: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.substack.com/pub/thepianopod/p/meet-our-guest-dr-oscar-macchioni?r=2q1iy3&amp;utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;showWelcomeOnShare=true">https://open.substack.com/pub/thepianopod/p/meet-our-guest-dr-oscar-macchioni?r=2q1iy3&amp;utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;showWelcomeOnShare=true</a></p><p>#ThePianoPod #OscarMacchioni #ClassicalMusic #Piano #Tango #KarolSzymanowski #WilliamBolcom #PianoPedagogy</p>
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1 MIN
Music As Witness feat. Concert Pianist, Anna Shelest
MAY 5, 2026
Music As Witness feat. Concert Pianist, Anna Shelest
<p>In this episode of <em>The Piano Pod</em>, we are joined by concert pianist <strong>Anna Shelest</strong>.</p><p>Her work spans major orchestral collaborations, recording projects, and repertoire advocacy — but this conversation centers on her latest album <em>A Romantic from Kharkiv; Music of Sergei Bortkiewicz</em> and the deeper artistic and cultural meaning behind it.</p><p>Together, we explore how music becomes a form of testimony — shaped by memory, identity, and history — and how Shelest’s connection to Kharkiv, Ukraine informs her interpretation of Bortkiewicz’s music. We also discuss her <em>Donna Voce</em> project, her collaboration with conductor Neeme Järvi on Anton Rubinstein’s piano concertos, and her work as part of the Shelest Piano Duo with her husband, Dmitri Shelest.</p><p>This episode is sponsored by the <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://www.alexanderbuono.org/">Alexander &amp; Buono Foundation</a>, an organization dedicated to supporting classical musicians through performance opportunities, recordings, and artistic development.</p><p>This episode offers a powerful reflection on rediscovery, cultural heritage, and the role of classical music in today’s world.</p><p>📖 Read the blog (<em>Meet Our Guest</em>): <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://open.substack.com/pub/thepianopod/p/meet-our-guest-anna-shelest-concert?r=2q1iy3&amp;utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;showWelcomeOnShare=true">Anna Shelest — Concert Pianist</a></p><p>🎧 Listen to Anna Shelest on <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3WZrfkz5agdwF3QLaKotgH?si=HzegZZhjQ82-oHA8PTAYvQ">Spotify</a></p><p>🎬 Explore more video clips on <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=anna+shelest+piano">YouTube</a>💖 Become a VIP Member / Unlock Exclusive Content on <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://thepianopod.substack.com">Substack</a></p><p>🎵 Listen to the <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeBrJAY2RQ_uqBAHXTkMwM4nISe9vxvDa">Season 6 Piano Playlist</a></p><p>NOMINATE GUESTS FOR SEASON 7: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://forms.gle/z3Q78dtTBbe5hdYr9">https://forms.gle/z3Q78dtTBbe5hdYr9</a></p><p>📫 Join our <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe">Newsletter</a></p><p>🌐 Visit our <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://thepianopod.com">Website</a></p><p>📱 Follow <em>The Piano Pod</em> on <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://instagram.com/thepianopod">Instagram</a>, <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://facebook.com/thepianopod">Facebook</a>, and <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://tiktok.com/@thepianopod">TikTok</a></p><p>🔗 Access all links via <a target="_new" rel="noopener" class="decorated-link" href="https://linktr.ee/thepianopod">Linktree</a></p><p>🎧 Available on YouTube and all podcast platforms. Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, artistry, and the future of classical music.</p>
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109 MIN
Joy Luck Trio -- Groundbreaking Pipa-Erhu-Piano Trio
APR 21, 2026
Joy Luck Trio -- Groundbreaking Pipa-Erhu-Piano Trio
<p>In this episode of The Piano Pod, we welcome <strong>Joy Luck Trio</strong> — a newly formed ensemble bringing together pianist Donna Weng Friedman, pipa virtuoso Gao Hong, and erhu virtuoso Karen Han-Ottosson.</p><p>Together, these three Chinese-American artists unite <strong>piano, pipa, and erhu</strong> in a rare chamber collaboration rooted in heritage and shaped by contemporary expression.</p><p>In this conversation, we explore how the trio first came together, the histories and sound worlds of the pipa and erhu, what makes these instruments distinct from Western strings, and the remarkable artistic journeys that led each member to this moment.</p><p>We also discuss Gao Hong’s expansive career as a pipa virtuoso and composer, Karen Han’s work on major Hollywood soundtracks, Donna’s recent creative accomplishments, and the trio’s artistic vision, repertoire, and the origin of the name <strong>Joy Luck Trio</strong>.</p><p>This episode is about identity, reinvention, artistry, and the excitement of building something new after decades of achievement.</p><ul><li>📖 Read the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thepianopod.substack.com/p/meet-our-guest-joy-luck-trio">Meet Our Guest Blog</a></li><li>🌐 Joy Luck Trio <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://facebook.com/joylucktrio">Facebook</a></li><li>🌐 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://chinesepipa.com">Gao Hong</a> (Pipa Virtuoso, Composer)</li><li>🌐 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://karenhan.com">Karen Han-Ottosson</a> (Erhu Virtuoso)</li><li>🌐 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://donnawengfriedman.com">Donna Weng Friedman </a> (Pianist, Filmmaker)</li></ul><p>📱 Follow The Piano Pod</p><ul><li>💖 Become a VIP Member / Unlock Exclusive Content <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thepianopod.substack.com">https://thepianopod.substack.com</a></li><li>🎵 Sounds of Inspiration (all the music mentioned in Season 6: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeBrJAY2RQ_uqBAHXTkMwM4nISe9vxvDa">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeBrJAY2RQ_uqBAHXTkMwM4nISe9vxvDa</a></li><li>📫 Join Our Newsletter <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe">https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe</a></li><li>🌐 Website <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thepianopod.com">https://thepianopod.com</a></li><li>🔗 All Links <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://linktr.ee/thepianopod">https://linktr.ee/thepianopod</a></li></ul><p>🎧 Available on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/3ckAaOLwkjs?si=o5J70sOB2VYDd_wP">YouTube</a> and all podcast platforms. Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, artistry, and the future of classical music.</p><p></p>
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80 MIN