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

Kick off the new year with an exhilarating episode with Clare Longendyke—an extraordinary concert pianist and recording artist redefining the boundaries of classical music. Celebrated for her “artistic ferocity” and innovation, Clare’s career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performances worldwide.

In This Episode:

• 25 Concerts in 9 Weeks! Clare reflects on her whirlwind 2024 fall season, performing across 10 cities and 7 states.
• Billboard Breakthrough! Her debut album, …of Dreams Unveiled, debuted at #2 on the Billboard Classical Charts, blending works by Claude Debussy, Amy Williams, and Anthony R. Green.
• Champion of New Music! Clare has premiered 250 works and commissioned over 30 new compositions, redefining tradition with modern creativity.
• Forging Her Path. Clare shares how she built a thriving full-time performance career without teaching.
• Breaking Barriers. Insights on women in classical music, embracing vulnerability, and connecting with audiences.

📢 Special Announcement: Clare shares exciting news during this episode—you don’t want to miss it!

Clare’s journey is a testament to courage, vision, and innovation in classical music. Let her story inspire your artistic pursuits!

LINKS:

• Clare’s Ravel Piano Concerto: "Nights in the Gardens of Spain"
• Her album …of Dreams Unveiled
• Clare’s Performance of Amy Beach’s Variations on Balkan Themes
• For all other pieces mentioned during the episode, please check out our Sounds of Inspiration Playlist
• Clare's Carnegie Performance Tickets

Stay Connected with The Piano Pod:

• Subscribe for free or unlock exclusive materials on Substack
• Support Our Work: Make a donation
• Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter
• Latest News: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod
• Website: https://thepianopod.com

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

🎹 HERE IS THE TRAILER FOR OUR INAUGURAL 2025 EPISODE: The Trailblazer and Extraordinaria, Clare Longendyke, Concert Pianist & Recording Artist

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Season 5, Episode 9 of The Piano Pod, “Redefining Classical Music: Innovation, Breaking Barriers, and Forging Own Path,” features 🎉 Clare Longendyke, an extraordinary concert pianist and recording artist who has forged her own path to redefine the boundaries of classical music!

Join us as we kick off the new year with an exhilarating episode showcasing Clare’s bold innovation, artistic vision, and dedication to reshaping the future of classical performance.

Here’s what to expect:

• 25 concerts in 9 weeks! Clare reflects on a whirlwind fall season, performing solo, chamber, and orchestral works across 10 cities and 7 states.
• Billboard Breakthrough! Her album, …of Dreams Unveiled, debuted at #2 on the Billboard Classical Charts.
• Champion of New Music! Clare has premiered over 30 new works, redefining how tradition meets modern creativity.
• Forging Her Path. Clare shares how she built a thriving, full-time performance career without relying on teaching, paving a new way for concert artists to flourish.
• Breaking Barriers. Insights on women in classical music, pushing boundaries on stage, and connecting with audiences through authenticity and vulnerability.

🚨🚨Special Announcement: Clare has an exciting surprise to share during this episode—you don’t want to miss it! 🚨🚨

🎧 Tune in Tuesday, January 14, 2025: Watch the episode on our YouTube channel..An audio episode will drop simultaneously on your favorite podcast platform.

🌟 Clare’s journey is a testament to the power of courage, vision, and innovation in transforming classical music. Let her story inspire you to reimagine possibilities in your own life and work!

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#ThePianoPod #ClareLongendyke #PodcastEpisode #ClassicalMusic #PianoMusic #WomenInMusic #NewMusic #PianistLife #ForgingYourPath #AuthenticityInArt #ClassicalMusicPodcast #BoldInnovation #ConcertPianist #BillboardCharts #ModernClassical #Trailblazer #MusicInspiration #ClassicalMusicCommunity #BreakingBarriers #ArtisticVision #MusicPodcast

We’re kicking off 2025 with a special bonus episode of The Piano Pod! In this episode, we feature the extraordinary José Navarro-Silberstein concert pianist and winner of the Kantuta Op. 2 Scholarship, awarded by our Sponsor of the Month, the Foundation for Bolivian Artists.

🎭 Mark Your Calendar Catch José's NYC Recital Debut at Merkin Hall on February 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM: 🎟 Get Tickets: Secure your spot for José’s recital HERE.

And 🎁 Don't Forget the Exclusive Discount Code only for TPP Listeners - you will find it in the episode!

🌟 Meet José Navarro-Silberstein

• Bolivian heritage meets extraordinary artistry
• Grand Finalist of the 65th Busoni International Piano Competition
• Preparing for his NYC Recital Debut at Merkin Hall on Feb 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM!

🌐 Visit The Piano Pod for more inspiring conversations at our website

💖 Subscribe for free or unlock exclusive materials with a paid subscription HERE

🎗️ Support Our Work through Donation

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

📫 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter HERE

Stay Connected with us: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod

#ThePianoPod #BolivianArtists #MerkinHall #ClassicalMusic #PianoRecital #podcastepisode

We’re kicking off 2025 with a special bonus episode of The Piano Pod—coming your way on Tuesday, January 7!

🎉This episode features the extraordinary José Navarro-Silberstein, concert pianist and the Kantuta Op. 2 Scholarship winner, awarded by our Sponsor of the Month, the Foundation for Bolivian Artists, Inc.

📅 Set a Reminder

The full version of this fantastic bonus episode premieres on Tuesday, January 7! Be sure to subscribe to The Piano Pod on your go-to podcast platform to get notified and be the first to explore!

👉Prefer video? The episode will also be available simultaneously in a video format. Join the broadcast on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/K1qeCbLT1kY!

Meet José Navarro-Silberstein

• 🌍 Bolivian heritage meets extraordinary artistry
• 🏆 Grand Finalist of the 65th Busoni International Piano Competition
• 🎹 Preparing for his NYC Recital Debut at Merkin Hall on February 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM

In This Bonus Episode, José Shares:

• 💡 How his Bolivian heritage shapes his artistry
• 💡 Insights into his fascinating recital program featuring works by Ginastera, Busoni, Villa-Lobos, and more
• 💡 What it means to perform at one of NYC’s most esteemed venues

Save the Date: José’s NYC Debut Recital, Kantuta Opus 2, at Merkin Hall on February 28! 🎫Get your tickets HERE. Don’t Miss It: TPP Friends and Listners' exclusive discount code will be revealed during the episode!

About Our Sponsor: The Foundation for Bolivian Artists, Inc. supports musicians of Bolivian heritage while preserving Bolivia’s rich cultural traditions. 🌎 Learn more and support their mission: https://bolivianartistfoundation.org

Share this episode's link with your friends and colleagues who love classical music via social media, and let’s support this fantastic artist together!🎹 Please tag The Piano Pod! Find us on social media: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod

✨ Don’t miss this exciting talent, culture, and artistry celebration!

#ThePianoPod #JoseNavarroSilberstein #KantutaOpus2 #BolivianArtists #MerkinHall #ClassicalMusic #BolivianCulture #PianoRecital #PodcastEpisode

🎉 The Piano Pod is Now on Substack! 🎉

Welcome to The Piano Pod! I’m Yukimi, a classical pianist, educator, and the Executive Producer of this global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music, broadcasting from the heart of New York City. Whether you’re a loyal fan or discovering us for the first time, I’m so glad you’re here!

For those new to The Piano Pod, here’s a little background: this podcast is a vibrant space where we explore the ever-evolving world of classical music, with a special focus on the piano. Since our launch in 2020, we’ve featured over 70 inspiring guests—Grammy Award winners, Steinway Artists, digital influencers, and neurodiverse specialists, to name a few. Together, we’ve delved into topics like inclusive piano literature, pedagogy, entrepreneurship, and audience engagement.

👉 Check out our exciting guest list here.

Support Our Mission!

Substack is an all-in-one platform where creators like me can connect directly with you, share exclusive content, and build a thriving community. By subscribing, you’ll get behind-the-scenes updates, early access to new episodes, and special perks designed just for our audience.

Your Substack subscription helps us create more of these meaningful conversations and support initiatives that uplift the classical music community.

Please subscribe The Piano Pod on Substack and become a paid member today: https://thepianopod.substack.com/subscribe

This journey is about more than music—it’s about bridging the gap between classical music traditions and today’s world. If you share this passion, join us as we celebrate the beauty, complexity, and relevance of this art form.

🎵 Let’s make classical music vibrant, engaging, and accessible—together! 🎵

Warmly, Yukimi, Executive Producer for The Piano Pod

📣 This Episode is Brought to You by The Compass Concerts! "Start with Mindfulness, Perform with Heart: Discover The Compass Concerts' Unique Musical Experience!" 👉 https://thecompassconcerts.com.

Multi-Award-Winning Virtuoso Pianist, Recording Artist, and Steinway Artist, Sophia Agranovich’s life is a remarkable testament to resilience, determination, and the enduring power of passion. A virtuoso pianist, Sophia made the daring decision in the 1980s to pause her flourishing music career and embark on a path in Information Technology. For over two decades, she excelled as an IT executive at prominent organizations like MetLife and Merrill Lynch, all while keeping her passion for the piano alive through daily practice, often during her lunch breaks on a Steinway.

In 2008, she returned to the world of music, reigniting her career as a concert pianist. Since then, Sophia has performed on international stages, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, released 11 acclaimed solo albums, and earned recognition as a Steinway Artist.

In this episode, we delve into:

• Her upbringing in a multicultural city in Ukraine, enriched by cultural influences that shaped her artistry.
• Immigrating to the U.S. in her teens and studying at Juilliard with the legendary Sacha Gorodnitzki.
• Her bold decision to pursue IT and her success in a completely different field.
• Re-establishing herself as a concert pianist after more than 20 years in IT.
• Sophia’s philosophy on preserving classical traditions while reaching new audiences.
• Her insights into balancing risks, career shifts, and the pursuit of excellence.

Sophia's story is one of reinvention, proving that passion can persevere through any career path and emerge stronger than ever with dedication. Her journey from IT executive to internationally celebrated pianist is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.

🎹 Tune in to hear Sophia’s incredible story and learn how she bridges two distinct worlds with grace and mastery.

[Sophia Agranovich - Steinway Artist]

🌐 Website

📺 YouTube

🎵🎵 Check out all the piano music mentioned in Season 5 HERE🎵🎵

[Meet Our Sponsor - The Compass Concerts]

🌐 https://thecompassconcerts.com

▶️ @thecompassconcerts

[ABOUT THE PIANO POD]

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

🌐 Official Site

📱 Connect with us: https://linktr.ee/thepianopod

🎥 Watch the Trailer for Our Final 2024 Episode feat. Sophia Agranovich!

Join us for the last episode of The Piano Pod in 2024, featuring the extraordinary Sophia Agranovich, proudly sponsored by The Compass Concerts, tomorrow, December 17, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET!

Sophia is a celebrated pianist, a trailblazer in IT, an advocate for holistic wellness, and a devoted educator. Her journey is a remarkable testament to resilience, determination, and the enduring power of passion.

In the 1980s, Sophia made the bold decision to pause her flourishing music career to excel as an IT executive at MetLife and Merrill Lynch—all while staying connected to her first love, the piano. In 2008, she returned to the stage, reigniting her career as a concert pianist. Today, she’s a Steinway Artist with 11 acclaimed solo albums and performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

In this episode, we explore:

• ✨ Balancing two careers: how she kept her music alive while excelling in IT and raising a family.
• ✨ Her triumphant return to music, including global performances and acclaimed recordings.
• ✨ How stepping away gave her a fresh perspective and deepened her artistry.
• ✨ Insights into her passion for connecting music, wellness, and education.

Sophia’s story is about reinvention—proving that talent, passion, and dedication can thrive through any career path.

🎹 Join the broadcast of this special episode this coming Tuesday, December 17 at 8:0 0pm ET, on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/uDGhZ9EdveY

🎧 The audio episode will also be available simultaneously on your go-to podcast platforms: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio

👉 Don’t forget to like, follow, and share this post with friends and fellow music lovers!

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#ThePianoPod #PodcastEpisode #SophiaAgranovich #PianoMusic #ClassicalMusic #SteinwayArtist #MusicAndWellness #RediscoverPassion #ClassicalMusicPodcast

📣 This Episode is Brought to You by The Compass Concerts! "Start with Mindfulness, Perform with Heart: Discover The Compass Concerts' Unique Musical Experience!"

This episode, “Crafting Creative Paths - Exploring Brazilian Rhythms, Creative Coaching, and the Art of Self-Compassion,” features an uplifting and insightful conversation with Rebecca Hass, a multifaceted artist whose work bridges music, coaching, and mental health advocacy. Recorded on November 6, right after the 2024 🇺🇸 Presidential election, this episode offers a moment of reflection and inspiration for creative minds.

Rebecca’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, authenticity, and self-compassion. From her passion for Brazilian rhythms to her innovative coaching practices, Rebecca has forged her unique path in the music world.

✨ Highlights from the Episode:

• Discovering Brazilian Music:
• The 100-Day Project & Composing Journey
• Exploring Creativity in Music
• Creative Coaching & Mental Health
• Authenticity & Community

You do not want to miss this powerful episode!

[Rebecca Hass]

• 🌐 Website
• 🎹 Bandcamp

[Links mentioned in the episode]

• Brazilian rhythms
• Brazilian rhythms 2
• #THE100DAYPROJECT
• Mara Glatzel
• Self-compassion meditations from Dr. Kristin Neff
• Laser Webber
• Kerry Politzer

🎵🎵 Check out all the piano music mentioned in Season 5 HERE 🎵🎵

[Meet Our Sponsor - The Compass Concerts]

• 🌐 Website
• ▶️ Youtube

[🎹🎙️ ABOUT THE PIANO POD]

• ❤️Show your love and support for TPP: Donate https://bit.ly/3EsvRDg ❤️
• Connect with us HERE

🎥 Here’s the Trailer for Season 5 Episode 7 feat. - Rebecca Hass: Pianist, Composer, Creative Coach, and Musicians’ Mental Health Advocate!

The Piano Pod’s upcoming episode, “Crafting Creative Paths,” features an uplifting and insightful conversation with Rebecca Hass, a multifaceted artist whose work bridges music, coaching, and mental health advocacy. Recorded on November 6, right after the 2024 🇺🇸 Presidential election, this episode offers a moment of reflection and inspiration for creative minds.

Rebecca’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, authenticity, and self-compassion. From her passion for Brazilian rhythms to her innovative coaching practices, Rebecca has forged her own unique path in the music world.

✨ Highlights from the Episode:

• Discovering Brazilian Music: Rebecca fell in love with Brazilian rhythms through influences that transformed her artistry. Her albums, Florescer and Bright Little Worlds, capture the wit, lyricism, and joy inspired by these vibrant sounds. She also shares an excerpt from Gingando and offers a quick lecture exploring the diversity of Brazilian music.
• The 100-Day Project & Composing Journey: Rebecca discusses how #The100DayProjects sparked her creative growth. By committing to compose at least 8 bars of music daily for 100 days, she embraced the cumulative power of small, consistent efforts. This practice shaped her approach to composition and led to her stunning 2024 album, Bright Little Worlds, featuring 22 genre-blending pieces.
• Exploring Creativity in Music Making: Rebecca explains how integrating improvisation, genre exploration, and composition into piano practice enhances creative expression, intuition, and emotional connection. Her perspective offers actionable advice for musicians of all levels.
• Creative Coaching & Mental Health: Learn about Rebecca’s coaching philosophy, which focuses on self-compassion, energy management, and realistic to-do lists. She introduces her workbook, Fuel Your Creative Work, a tool designed to help creatives maintain balance and joy in their work.
• Authenticity, Community, and Connection: Rebecca shares her insights on building supportive networks, embracing your unique identity, and navigating the challenges of crowdfunding two albums. Her advice is a beacon for anyone forging a nontraditional path.
• Balancing Purpose and Self-Care: From overcoming burnout to finding confidence as an introverted artist, Rebecca reflects on how small, intentional habits have shaped her journey and helped her stay grounded.

Don’t miss this powerful episode! Rebecca’s story is filled with insights for musicians, composers, and creatives seeking purpose, balance, and joy in their careers.

• 🗓 Premiere Date: Tuesday, December 3, at 8:00 PM ET
• 🎧 Available on your favorite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio
• 📺 Also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ia6hZhSgghI

#ThePianoPod #RebeccaHass #Creativity #Piano #Composer #SelfCompassion #BrazilianMusic #CreativeCoaching #100DayProject #Podcast

📣 This Episode is Brought to You by The Art Song Preservation Society of New York (ASPSNY)! "Immerse Yourself in a World of Art Song at the Summer of Song Festival 2025!" 🎶 Learn more about ASPSNY’s festival lineup, workshops, and registration options HERE.

In this special episode of The Piano Pod, “Healing, Heritage, and Musical Transformation: Exploring Artina McCain’s Journey of Resilience, Advocacy, and Wellness,” we welcome Dr. Artina McCain, an award-winning pianist, Yamaha Artist, wellness advocate, and dedicated educator. Known for her vibrant interpretations and commitment to elevating underrepresented voices in classical music, Artina has captivated audiences worldwide through her performances and innovative teaching methods.

🌟 Highlights of This Episode 🌟

• Progress on Inclusivity: Artina’s insights on post-2020 efforts to represent underrepresented and BIPOC composers in classical music.
• Overcoming Barriers: Advocating for minority composers and navigating challenges in traditional classical music spaces.
• Diversity in Institutions: Strategies for conservatories and orchestras to better support minority composers and create opportunities for musicians of color as conductors, professors, and producers.
• Musical Heritage: Showcasing American composers in her album Heritage (2020) and a preview of her exciting upcoming release.
• Healing Through Music: Overcoming a 6-year performance hiatus with the help of Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) and reengineering her playing for wellness.

Tune in for an enriching conversation with Dr. Artina McCain as she shares her journey of resilience, artistic exploration, and commitment to shaping the next generation of musicians through wellness and authenticity.

[About Dr. Artina McCain]

• Website
• Instagram
• Pan Con Timba
• Minstrels
• Ballade no.2 in F Major by Chopin
• Fantasie in C Minor by Mozart
• Were You There arr. Joseph Joubert

[Other Links]

• BBC Podcast Sideways Episode 40
• Check Out Gateways Music Festival
• The Continuum Method
• Aldo López-Gavilán (Composer)
• Joseph Joubert (Composer/Arranger)

Check out all the piano music mentioned in Season 5 HERE

🎥Check out the Trailer for Our Upcoming Episode: Season 5 Episode 6 feat. Dr. Artina McCain!

In this special episode of The Piano Pod, “Healing, Heritage, and Musical Transformation: Exploring Artina McCain’s Journey of Resilience, Advocacy, and Wellness,” I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Artina McCain, an award-winning pianist, Yamaha Artist, wellness advocate, and dedicated educator.

As a passionate advocate for underrepresented composers, Artina has dedicated her career to promoting diversity in classical music. I was thrilled to ask her about the challenges she faced in pushing for greater representation and the positive stories of success in her advocacy work. We also discussed her inspiring solo album Heritage, which blends spirituals, classical forms, and folk influences, spotlighting Black and underrepresented composers. 🎹✨

But that’s not all! Artina also shared some exciting news with The Piano Pod’s listeners exclusively: her next 💿 album, coming out next year, and her recent collaboration with Solange 🤯🤩

🌟 Highlights of This Episode 🌟

• 🔹 Progress on Inclusivity: Artina’s insights on her ongoing efforts to represent underrepresented and BIPOC composers in classical music.
• 🔹Showcasing Exceptionally Talented Contemporary Composers and Arrangers from Diverse Backgrounds, including Aldo Lopez Gavilan and Joseph Joubert
• 🔹 Diversity in Institutions: Strategies for conservatories and orchestras to better support minority composers and create opportunities for musicians of color as conductors, professors, and producers.
• 🔹 Healing Through Music: Overcoming a 6-year performance hiatus with the help of Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) and reengineering her playing for wellness.

🎶 Tune in for an enriching conversation with Dr. Artina McCain as she shares her journey of resilience, artistic exploration, and commitment to shaping the next generation of musicians through wellness and authenticity.

📅 Premiere Date: Tuesday, November 19, at 8:00 PM ET

🎧Via podcast platforms: https://linktr.ee/ThePianoPodAudio

📺 Via YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Vwhth2QqkLI

#ThePianoPod #ArtinaMcCain #YamahaArtist #WellnessAdvocate #ClassicalMusic #DiversityInMusic #RepresentationMatters #UnderrepresentedComposers #BlackComposers #Solange #MusicEducation #PianoMusic #MusicPodcast #Piano