Thanks for stopping by. My name is Yukimi, a classical pianist and educator from NYC and executive producer of The Piano Pod. This one-of-a-kind podcast delves deep into the fascinating world of classical music, with a specific focus on the 🎹. In a biweekly format, the show explores intriguing discussions with A-listers breaking exciting new ground in the classical music industry. It aims to nurture a thriving community that embraces innovative approaches to ensure classical music's relevance and vitality in today's dynamic landscape.
Over the past three seasons, TPP has achieved remarkable success by reaching faithful listeners on audio platforms and viewers via RU-vid. As the show is 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.
Thank you for tuning in! Our recommendation is to start singing a simple and familiar melody like Hot Cross Bun or Twinkle Twinkle out loud. Yes singing out loud is the key. Then try to play it by ear from middle c. Or if you know “Amazing Grace,” first sing the tune out loud a couple of times. Then try to play it on black keys only starting from D flat!
Thank you for watching this eps and leaving such a kind comment! Dr. Coonrod is indeed an amazing human being - such a wonderful artist and teacher whose legacy continues to inspire their students and colleagues. What a privilege to be able to have this meaningful conversation with him. Thanks again for tuning in and more fun episodes coming your way!
Thank you for your comment. Yes Liam is an incredible artist. You can reach out to Liam directly via his website at liampitcher.com to inquire about the score.
00:00:00 Excerpt from topmusic.co’s Promo Video 00:01:42 - Intro 00:04:29 - Quick Overview: Discover Tim’s Newly Published Book, “No Book Beginners” 00:09:13 - Delving into Teaching Methods: Note-Reading vs. Aural-Based Approach for Beginners 00:11:26 - The Motivation Behind Writing: Revolutionizing Early Piano Teaching Exploring the Purpose and Unfilled Gaps in Existing Piano Teaching Literature 00:12:56 - Market Evolution: Understanding Changes in Music Education Needs and Student Desires Over the Last Decade 00:19:56 - The Ultimate Offering: Providing a Systematic Framework for Teaching Students of the 21st Century 00:21:22 - Insights into Music Learning Theory: Exploring Inspirations from Dr. Edwin Gordon's Work and Its Impact on the Music Teaching Landscape 00:28:15 - Tim's Perspective on Music Learning Theory: Insights and Interpretations 00:32:22 - Empowering Music Teachers: No Book Beginners Offers a Framework Over Methodology 00:40:08 - Meet Tim Topham: Exploring Background and Motivations for Revolutionizing Piano Education 00:44:08 - Discover Top Music Co: Unveiling its Purpose, Audience, and Offerings 00:49:05 - Insights from the Top Music Co Community: Identifying Common Struggles Among Members 00:51:00 - Piano Teaching Trends: Tim’s Observations and Aspirations for the Future 00:53:54 - Exploring Membership Options: Ways to Join and Engage with Top Music Co Community 00:56:41 - Message from Yukimi Song, Executive Producer of The Piano Pod 00:58:07 - Inside Tim's Podcasts, Integrated Music Teaching Podcast and Top Music Piano Podcast: Exploring Topics, Guests, and Motivations Behind the Show 01:05:03 - Crafting a 21st-Century Music Studio: Characteristics and Recognition Criteria 01:09:20 - Unpacking the Importance of Music Education: Understanding Its Contributions to Our Lives 01:11:22 - Building a Music Studio: Expert Advice for New Piano Teachers 01:13:44 - Guidance for Young Piano Students and Parents: Essential Advice for a Successful Musical Journey 01:16:45 - TPP Rapid Fire Questions
00:00:00 - Excerpt from the “Gather Hear Louisiana (2022)” film showcasing the classical pianist Miki Sawada’s work on the Gather Hear Tour in 2022. 00:01:23 - Intro 00:06:17 - Introduction to Gather Hear Tour: Understanding Its Purpose and Mission 00:09:00 - The Origins of Gather Hear Tour: Exploring the Motivation Behind Its Inception 00:12:22 - Behind the Scenes: Miki's Role in Bringing Gather Hear Tour to Life 00:15:04 - Delving into Gather Hear Tour: Start Date, Tour Duration, and States Visited 00:16:26 - Recounting Miki's Inaugural Gather Hear Tour in Alaska, 2017 00:18:53 - Reflecting on Miki's Personal Gains and Connections Made Through the Gather Hear Tour 00:20:29 - Miki's Appalachian Adventure: The Second Gather Hear Tour in West Virginia, 2018 00:23:53 - Miki's 2021 Massachusetts Tour: Navigating the Gather Hear Experience Amidst COVID 00:27:59 - Miki's Fourth Tour in Utah: “Lots of Mormons. Beautiful Place.” 00:32:11 - 2022 Louisiana Journey: Immersing in the Rich Culture and Engaging with the Warm-hearted Locals 00:35:06 - Miki's 2023 Alabama Expedition: From Flourishing Arts to the Stark Realities of Segregation and Incarceration 00:40:10 - Delving into the Videography: Documenting Each Tour and the Making of the Documentary 00:41:27 - Exploring Travel Logistics: Accommodations and Journey from Massachusetts to Each Tour Location 00:42:51 - Financing the Journey: Securing Funds for Weeks of Van Travel, Equipment Transport, and Accommodations for Free Concerts 00:43:41 - Message from Yukimi Song, Executive Producer of The Piano Pod 00:45:06 - Beyond Classical Training: Embracing Improvisation and New Skills on Tour as a Survival Toolkit for Artists 00:47:54 - Tailoring the Repertoire: Choosing Music to Resonate with Diverse Audiences on Tour 00:50:50 - The Future of Gather Hear Tour: Upcoming Destinations and Miki’s Grand Vision 00:52:29 - Memorable Encounters: Stories of Individuals Who Left a Lasting Impact During the Tour 00:53:36 - Lessons from the Road: Reflecting on the Profound Educational Journey of Initiating the Gather Hear Tour 00:56:38 - Miki's Cultural Tapestry: Tracing the Influence of a Multicultural Upbringing on Her Life, Education, and Career in the US 00:59:55 Miki's Passion for Running: From Ultramarathon Achievements to Coaching with Più Mosso Running 01:01:13 - Endurance and Harmony: The Symbiosis of Ultramarathon Running and Piano Mastery in Miki's Life and the Lessons for Fellow Musicians 01:02:55 - Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Spirit: Strategies for Musicians to Forge Fulfilling Careers Beyond the Stage 01:04:43 - Revitalizing Classical Music: Strategies for Enhancing Its Presence and Ensuring the Industry's Prosperity in America 01:05:54 - Exploring The Role and Impact of Classical Musicians in Society 01:07:04 - Finding Our Purpose: Navigating the Journey of Self-Discovery as Performing Artists 01:08:44 - Essential Skills Beyond Musical Proficiency for Classical Pianists/Students 01:09:54 - TPP Rapid Fire Questions
00:00:00 Excerpt from Walter Aparicio Performing “Fuga Paceña” by Daniel Alvarez Veizaga 00:01:00 Intro 00:05:26 - Celebrating Walter's Latest Achievement: Lincoln Center Recital in FUTUROS - New Latin Wave's Curated Showcase of Innovative Compositions 00:08:26 - Exploring the Current Global Landscape of Latin American Piano Music 00:11:41 - Discussion on Notable Shifts, International Initiatives, and the Triumphs and Hurdles in Bringing Latin American Classical Music to Wider Audiences 00:12:46 - La Frontera International Piano Conference: facebook.com/LaFronteraIntlPianoConf 00:14:40 - El Fin del Silencio - Latin American Women Composers by Antonio Oyarzábe: open.spotify.com/album/1PPecjxmrZ4ijpuno9g7Kg?si=7zQwX0AkS4uVIN5f4HTbjA 00:16:03 - Navigating Diverse Cultural and Historical Roots in Latin American Music: Examining the Shift Towards Specific Cultural Styles Amidst the Push for Diversity 00:17:43 - Harmony of Influences: Exploring the Fusion of Indigenous, African, and European Elements in Latin American Piano Compositions 00:19:13 - Beyond Borders: Unveiling Common Themes, Rhythms, and Melodies in Latin American Piano Music that Transcend National Boundaries 00:24:41 - Cultivating Tomorrow's Melodies: Exploring Collaborative Initiatives of Artists and Educational Institutions to Preserve and Promote Latin American Piano Music 00:27:34 - Envisioning the Future: Anticipated Trends and Innovations in Latin American Piano Music. Exploring the Evolution of the Genre in the Years to Come. 00:29:37 - Walter’s Bolivian Heritage 00:33:19 - Walter’s musical training and mentors at NYU and MSM 00:38:51 - Rediscovering Roots: Exploring the Inspiration and Motivation Behind Connecting with Walter’s Bolivian Heritage After Years of Traditional and Classical Piano Training 00:42:31 - Exploring Bolivia's Rich Cultural Tapestry: Distinctive Traditions, Cuisine, Art, and Celebrations That Resonate and Fascinate 00:50:11 - Echoes of Bolivia: Distinguishing Characteristics in Bolivian Piano Music. Unraveling Unique Rhythms, Melodies, and Techniques Setting it Apart in the Latin American Musical Landscape 00:58:04 - Discussion on Walter’s Recording: Aires Indios: open.spotify.com/album/4WUNbg5MaINRCKG8OuKmKa?si=Kn4vgvU4RuSOm3iRfnJJNw 01:01:27 - Exploring Bolivian Composers: Celebrating Influential Composers in Bolivian Piano Music and Their Impact on the National Musical Identity 01:03:30 - Cueca Dance Example: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qs3jd2iCs94.htmlsi=NlvYiUetAODZR4C1 01:05:47 - Message from Yukimi Song, Executive Producer of The Piano Pod 01:07:13 - Foundation for Bolivian Artists Overview: Unveiling the Motivation and Inspiration Behind its Inception, Along with Applicant Requirements 01:16:01 - Meet the First Recital Scholarship Recipient: Sergio Escalera Soria 01:18:44 - Sergio’s Message to The TPP Listeners and Invitation to His Solo Recital on March 1,2024, at Merkin Hall: www.kaufmanmusiccenter.org/mch/event/kantuta-concerts-opus-1/ (discount code is in the episode!) 01:35:42 TPP Rapid Fire Questions
00:00:00 Except from Dr. Michael Coonrod’s Performance with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra of “Concerto for Piano, Left Hand” by Kenji Bunch 00:01:56 Pre-Interview Banter: Pokie Huang, Dr. Coonrod's Former Student, Recollects Fond Memories at Interlochen and with His Maestro 00:16:34 Intro 00:17:41 Dr. Coonrod’s Introduction to the Interlochen Center for the Arts 00:22:06 Discover the Interlochen Center for the Arts, One of the Prestigious Music Schools in the Nation: Unveiling Its Programs and Legacy 00:27:44 Exploring the Distinctiveness of Interlochen: A Roster of Prominent Alumni 00:29:59 Reflecting on Treasured Moments: Dr. Coonrod's Most Memorable and Rewarding Experiences at Interlochen 00:34:52 In Depth: Dr. Coonrod Explores His Teaching Philosophy 00:38:09 Nurturing Technical Excellence: Dr. Coonrod Explains Effective Teaching Techniques for Skill Development in Students 00:42:46 Striking a Balance: Dr. Coonrod’s Take on Blending Technical Proficiency with Musical Expression and the True Essence Beyond "Playing Fast" 00:46:12 SHMRG! 00:49:30 Conquering Stage Fright: Dr. Coonrod's Approach to Performance Anxiety and Building Confidence in Students 00:54:45 Epiphany Moment: Dr. Coonrod on Discovering Teaching as Life's Calling 00:57:23 Except from Dr. Coonrod Performing His Own Arrangement of “Danny Boy” for the Left Hand 00:57:34 Dr. Coonrod's Pinnacle Lessons: Shaping the Core Values Imparted to Students 01:00:03 Reciprocal Education: Dr. Coonrod Reflects on Lessons Learned from Students 01:04:40 Dr. Coonrod's Home Studio Performance: Brahms' Ballade Op.10 No.4 01:05:53 The Genesis of a Passion: Dr. Coonrod's Journey into Music and Piano, Unveiling the Turning Point in His Musical Awakening 01:10:39 Guiding Lights: Dr. Coonrod's Influential Mentors, Lucien Hut and Konrad Wolff 01:12:19 Discussion on Schubert: Dr. Coonrod’s Extensive Recording of Masterpieces, “Reflections on Schubert” 01:13:27 Unforgettable Past Performances: A Musical Journey Through Memorable Moments 01:17:14 Resilience: Overcoming a Career-Threatening Injury to His Right Ring Finger in 2015 01:22:28 Navigating Adversity: Dr. Coonrod's Journey Through Physical and Emotional Recovery 01:27:03 Dr. Coonrod's Advice for Musicians Facing Career Challenges and Life's Unexpected Curve Balls 01:28:15 Dr. Coonrod's Musical Evolution: Exploring His Journey in Arranging and Composing, with a Focus on Left-Hand Pieces Since the Injury 01:29:55 Except from Dr. Coonrod Performing His Own Arrangement of “Danny Boy” for the Left Hand 01:31:08 Message from Yukimi, Executive Producer of The Piano Pod 01:32:32 Discussion on His Recordings Part 1, “50 Anniversary Favorites,” Dedicated to His Mentor: Lucien Hut 01:33:53 Discussion on His Recordings Part 2, "The Life and Music of Albert James Fillmore": Dr. Coonrod Explores Mr. Fillmore's Background, Their Connection, and the Inspirations Behind the Album 01:38:49 Sustaining a Flourishing Career in the Performing Arts: Dr. Coonrod's Insights on the Longevity Secret 01:40:38 Evolution of Music Education: Dr. Coonrod Reflects on the Transformations Throughout His Teaching Career 01:44:10 The Relevance of Classical Training: Dr. Coonrod's Insights in Today's Diverse Musical Landscape 01:46:30 Dr. Coonrod's Perspective on the Role of Classical Musicians in Enriching the Community 01:49:12 Future Horizons: Dr. Coonrod's Next Phase and Aspirations 01:50:18 Words of Wisdom: Dr. Coonrod's Message and Advice for Young Musicians and Piano Students 01:55:00 TPP Rapid Fire Questions
00:00:00 Excerpt from Allison Brewster Franzetti and Carlos Franzetti’s 2-Piano Performance of “Tango Final” by C. Franzetti 00:00:53 Intro 00:08:12 Discussion on Carlos and Allison’s video recording of their performance, “Circo de Arrabal” 00:09:53 - Inspiring Collaborations with the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra 00:13:00 - The Beginning of Allison and Carlos’ Collaborations: How Their Paths Crossed and the Spark That Ignited Their Shared Career and Life 00:17:08 - Elevating the Art of Recording: Allison Records 3-Piano Music - Unveiling 'Minotaur in the Labyrinth,' Composed by Carlos through Expert Track Dubbing 00:22:28 - 'Legacy': Carlos' Latest Album Compilation Spanning 30 Years of His Artistry 00:23:49 - Fulfilling the Artists’ Ultimate Dream: Carlos and Allison's Their Multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Wins and Nominations 00:25:19 - Carlos' Journey to Winning Multiple Grammys: A Transformation from Humble Beginnings in NYC to Achieving the Ultimate Milestone 00:30:55 - Unveiling 'Graffiti': Carlos' Album Attains Cult Classic Status, with the Track 'Cocoa Funk' Emerging as a Smash Hit in London's Disco Scene! Listen to it here: carlosfranzettigrafitti.bandcamp.com/album/grafitti 00:34:20 - Continuing with Our Conversation on Carlos' Journey to Winning Multiple Grammys 00:37:59 - Allison's Award-Winning Odyssey: A Chronicle from Childhood to Achieving the Pinnacle with Grammy Nominations 00:45:32 - Allison's Unforgettable Live Performance at the Grammy® Awards Classical Music Tribute to Earl Wild and Lang Lang at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA 00:46:54 - CM 00:48:19 - The Defining Moment: When Carlos and Allison Realized They Wanted to Build a Life and Career Together 00:50:39 - Unveiling Artistic Influence: How Allison and Carlos Influence Mutually on Their Compositions with a Glimpse into Specific Inspirational Moments 00:56:38 - Thoughts on Changing Recording Industry: COVID Influence on Technologies Affected How We Communicate, Listen to, and Watch 00:59:24 - Navigating Life's Challenge: Carlos' Health Scare During the Pandemic and the Silver Lining that Followed 01:04:00 - Engaging the Contemporary Audience: Future Projects and Collaborations with Allison and Carlos 01:06:08 - Decoding Longevity: Unveiling the Secrets to a Prolonged Career and the Significance of Variety 01:08:04 - Navigating the Fast-Paced World: Insights and Advice for Classical Musicians in the Post-Pandemic Era 01:20:40 - The Significance of Classical Music: Exploring Why Music Matters and Why Music Education is Essential 01:27:44 - The Next Chapter: Unveiling the Future Goals and Phases in the Journey Ahead 01:31:04 - TPP Rapid Fire Questions
@sohmusicproject We feature guests who are making a difference in the community:society through the power of music! And YOU are making a difference in the world! That’s impressive!!
00:00:00 - Maestro George Marriner Maull & The Discovery Orchestra: Unraveling Orchestral "Layers" with "La Mer" by Debussy 00:03:53 - Intro 00:09:52 - Rediscovering the Soul of Classical Music: The Discovery Orchestra's Role, Mission, and Vision in a Digital Age 00:16:51 - Unveiling the Inspiration Behind Discovery Orchestra: What Drove Maestro Maull to Fill the Industry Gap? 00:24:34 - Addressing 21st Century Audience Needs in Classical Music: The Discovery Orchestra's Approach to Teaching Listening Skills 00:31:31 - Techniques to Enhance People’s Classical Music Listening and Learning Experience with The Discovery Orchestra 00:38:23 - Maestro’s Thoughts on the Art of Listening 00:39:56 - Drawing Crowds: Strategies to Attract and Engage Audiences at Discovery Orchestra Concerts 00:42:35 - Impactful Programs: Fulfilling His Mission to Transform Listeners’ Experiences with The Discovery Orchestra 00:46:03 - Enriching Communities: The Impact of Discovery Orchestra's Outreach Programs and Educational Resources on Classical Music Education 00:51:06 - Message from The Piano Pod’s Executive Producer, Yukimi Song 00:52:36 - Dive into Aha! Classical: Experience Classical Music Like Never Before with an Interactive Game Created by The Discovery Orchestra 00:57:34 - Meet the Masterminds behind The Discovery Orchestra // 00:59:50 - Maestro George Marriner Maull & The Discovery Orchestra: Guiding Audiences in Listening to "The Firebird Ballet (1919)" by Igor Stravinsky 01:04:34 - From Passion to Purpose: Maestro George Marriner Maull's Journey into Classical Music, Education, and Conducting 01:33:48 - The Turning Point: Starting the Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey (later became The Discovery Orchestra) 01:37:51 - The Journey Behind Becoming a Public Television Personality and Radio Host 01:44:47 - Maestro Maull's Insights: Keeping Classical Music Relevant and Thriving in a Fast-Paced Society 01:50:51 TPP Rapid Fire Questions
00:00:00 Intro 00:02:27 Introducing guest co-host, Siliana Chiliachka and her take on MLT 00:13:27 What is Music Learning Theory? Who created it, and why is it so important for music teachers to learn about this theory? 00:20:02 How did Krista’s musical journey start as a child? How did she end up getting into MLT? 00:30:05 What is audiation? 00:42:40 8 types and 6 stages of audiation 00:48:29 What is Sequencing? 00:59:46 What is so different about MLT from the traditional way of teaching/learning music? 01:01:26 Why is there so much attention focused on tonal and rhythm audiation? 01:06:17 Does using MLT mean abandoning traditions? 01:13:11 What sort of music teachers can benefit from MLT? 01:14:27 Do I have to shift immediately to teaching audiation or can I gradually transition? 01:18:00 Are there any successful musicians born from MLT training? 01:25:03 Advice for pianists or piano teachers who are just starting out their teaching careers 01:31:37 TPP Rapid Fire Questions
Dr. Yui, talks about her teachers and mentors as gifts she's received. I just finished 2 semesters of Elements of Keyboard at Juilliard Evening division, she taught, having no experience in keyboard or music theory. If I never strike another piano key again, I would consider Dr. Yui, one of the greatest gifts I've ever received. Lucky for me, knowing her. She has inspired me to pursue music learning and advance in whatever way I can.
Wow, thank you for sharing this. A great teacher and artist like Lisan Yui leave such an impression and impact on your life that last forever. I'm so happy to hear you are driven by her to pursue and advance in your musical journey! Thanks for watching this episode. ❤️🎹
Love this small, niche podcast! From a 21 year old pianist of 16 years! Great to listen to a variety of musical consumption and professionalisms! Keep going guys.
00:00:00 INTRO 00:06:02 Jeeyoon’s mission statement as an artist in 2023? 00:08:00 The secret to finding out our own mission in life? 00:10:44 Jeeyoon’s love for connecting and engaging with her audience 00:17:34 How her audiences/fans changed her life/perspectives. 00:21:00 How and why she started her RU-vid channel 00:25:07 Meet Dr. Jeeyoon Kim! 00:26:22 Jeeyoon is also a surfer 🏄🏼♀! 00:29:25 How Jeeyoon discovered a love for the piano. 00:31:40 Her piano training in S Korea 🇰🇷 00:36:22 Coming to the U.S. to study at Indiana University! 00:40:27 Pursuing her OWN path as a pianist after graduation 00:46:20 Launching her first album, “10 more minutes,” which led her to her first & successful appearance at Carnegie Hall 00:56:16 What motivated Jeeyoon to write her book, “Whenever You Are Ready” during the lockdown in 2020 01:02:27 Where to start learning this important lesson in life of delayed gratification (by creating a good habit)? 01:11:20 Guarding your mind against negativity from outside 01:17:25 Guarding your mind against negativity from inside 01:23:27 What should success look like for pianists? 01:26:43 How can we keep the classical music tradition while the world changes so rapidly? 01:33:27 Source of Jeeyoon’s gift of seeing hope in despair and possibilities in failure 01:36:32 Jeeyoon is performing at Carnegie Hall again in June 2023 with her program, Siúm! 01:46:18 TPP Rapid Fire Questions
