What does it mean to carry a musical legacy forward—not through imitation, but through living artistry? In this powerful and intimate episode of The Piano Pod,

I sit down with pianist-scholar Jarred Dunn and concert pianist Anna Górecka, daughter of the legendary Polish composer Henryk Mikołaj Górecki, to explore his emotional, historical, and deeply human world of music.

We discuss the making of their new album, Górecki’s World of Piano—featuring the first-ever recording of an unpublished Górecki piano work—and what it means to honor a legacy while creating something new. Along the way, we reflect on Górecki’s profound impact, his voice as a composer, and the responsibility of carrying forward a family and cultural tradition through music.

This conversation isn’t just about music; it’s about mentorship, intergenerational collaboration, identity, history, and what it truly means to be a classical musician today.

🎧 Don’t miss this rare conversation at the intersection of legacy, artistry, and collaboration. 📖 Read the full story

👉 Support The Piano Pod and get early access by becoming a VIP member!

[Links for This Episode]

• 🎵Jarred and Anna’s New Album, Gorecki’s World of the Piano: https://atmaclassique.com/produit/goreckis-world-of-the-piano/
• 🎹 Jarred Dunn
• 🎹 Anna Górecka

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“How many hours did you practice today?” If that question still defines your worth as a musician, this episode might just change your life.

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Molly Gebrian—violist, neuroscience researcher, educator, and author of Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing—joins The Piano Pod to challenge everything we thought we knew about practice.

Together, we explore why the illusion of mastery fools us, how interleaved practice transforms learning, and why breaks and sleep are not just helpful but essential to progress. Molly breaks down the science behind habit formation, memory systems, mental practice, and performance consistency, offering musicians practical tools backed by decades of cognitive research.

Whether you’re a student struggling with frustration, a teacher eager to support diverse learners, or a professional performer looking to sharpen your edge, this episode is for you.

🧠 Get ready to rethink the way you practice, teach, and perform.

📝 Read more about Dr. Gebrian on our Substack blog.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode!

[Dr. Molly Gebrian]

• 🌐Website
• 📱Instagram
• ▶️ YouTube

[The Piano Pod]

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🎶 In this episode of The Piano Pod, "Reimagining Raga and Jazz - Blending Indian Ragas, Jazz, and Classical Music," I sat down with Charu Suri—award-winning pianist, composer, and trailblazer—who is redefining what jazz can be through her original genre: Raga Jazz.

As one of the first female jazz artists of Indian origin to perform at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, Charu fearlessly blends Indian ragas, Western classical traditions, Sufi mysticism, and modern jazz into something entirely her own.

🌍 From growing up across four continents to discovering jazz later in life, Charu shares the personal and artistic journey that led her to create genre-defying albums like The Book of Ragas, Ragas & Waltzes, and her latest, Rags and Ragas, featuring legends such as John Patitucci and Steve Gadd.

In this episode, we explore:

• 🎶 What makes a raga unique—and how it compares to jazz and classical music
• 🎶 The healing power of raga-based improvisation
• 🎶 Her journey as a South Asian woman in jazz
• 🎶 Grief, creativity, and composing through personal loss
• 🎶 Her legacy and vision for a more inclusive music industry

📺🎧 Do not miss this episode—experience how Charu reimagines musical traditions with depth, innovation, and heart.

✨ VIP Substack subscribers get exclusive perks and behind-the-scenes content - HERE.

[Charu Suri]

• 🌐Website
• 📺YouTube
• 💚Spotify

[Links]

• ▶️ RAGA No. 1 (Bhimpalas, Kirwani) by Charu Suri
• ▶️ Verona Waltz (RAGAS & WALTZES by Charu Suri)
• ▶️ FRENCH QUARTER (Raga Charukesi) for NPR Tiny Desk 2024 Contest:

[The Piano Pod]

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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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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.

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

📣 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!

📣 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:

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• 🚨 Latest News
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