Podcast

Jeremy Siskind, Award-winning Jazz Pianist, Composer, and Educator | S2E13

Host Andrea McAlister welcomes award-winning jazz pianist, composer, and educator Jeremy Siskind for an inspiring conversation on jazz, piano pedagogy, and the art of improvisation. Explore Jeremy’s innovative teaching methods, his passion for connecting classical and jazz traditions, and his journey as a musician shaping the future of piano education.
Martha Hilley, Professor Emeritus at UT Austin, Butler School of Music | S2 E12

Martha Hilley, Group Piano and Pedagogy Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus, shares her inspiring story on this episode with host Artina McCain. Listen to Hilley reflect on her long career at the Butler School of Music, her advice for young professionals, and her love for group piano and pedagogy.
Peter Mack, President of MTNA | S2 E11

Irish-born pianist Peter Mack is a nationally renowned performer, clinician, and convention artist, and the 2023-25 MTNA President. Listen to Peter Mack and host Andrea McAlister discuss Mack’s piano journey, his introduction to piano teaching, and the future of music and MTNA.
Catherine Rollin, Pianist, Composer, Clinician, and Author | S2 E10

Catherine Rollin is a pianist, composer, clinician, author, and teacher of prize-winning students. Her more than 400 published pedagogical compositions are recognized worldwide for their combination of musicality and “teachability.” Join host Pamela Pike and guest Catherine Rollin as they discuss Rollin’s piano journey, the inspirations behind her compositions, and her passion for teaching.
Sean Chen, Pianist, Composer, and Arranger | S2 E9

This episode features Sean Chen, pianist, composer, and arranger, playing with audiences around the world in solo and chamber recitals, concerto performances, and masterclasses, after having won the 2013 American Pianists Awards and placing third at the 2013 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Listen to this conversation between host Sara Ernst and Sean Chen as…
Midori Koga, Pianist, Chamber Musician, and Professor of Piano Pedagogy | S2 E8

This episode features Midori Koga, a prominent soloist and chamber musician with the Haven Trio, and is the founder of the University of Toronto Piano Pedagogy Program. Join Koga and host Andrea McAlister as they discuss the future of piano pedagogy, and how to inspire students to find their voice and maintain motivation.
Pete Jutras, Award-Winning Professor and Educator | S2 E7

This episode features Pete Jutras, award-winning professor and educator, and current Dean of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Listen to host Jennifer Snow interview Jutras as they discuss his introduction to piano pedagogy, his career focused on education, and advice for budding pianists and teachers.
Dennis Alexander, Educational Piano Music Composer | S2 E6

Join host Jennifer Snow as she interviews Dennis Alexander, who has an international reputation as one of the world’s most prolific and popular composers of educational piano music for students at all levels. Listen to Alexander’s start to the piano, his path as a composer, and the advice he shares for students and composers.
Annie Jeng, Taiwanese-American Pianist, Educator, and Collaborator | S2 E5

Join host Craig Sale as he interviews the well-esteemed pianist and educator, Annie Jeng. In this episode they discuss Jeng’s career in music, finding the right path for oneself, and promoting inclusion through her project, A Seat at the Piano.
Karen Walwyn, Pianist, Composer, and Florence Price Scholar | S2 E4

Join esteemed pianist Karen Walwyn and host Leah Claiborne as they discuss Walwyn’s career as a concert pianist and composer, and her dedication to studying underrepresented composers.
A Conversation with Tim Topham, Founder of TopMusic.co | S2 E3

Our next episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast features Tim Topham, Founder of TopMusic! Listen to the whole story about how he got started with piano, his ideas behind TopMusic, and his passion for music making in this interview led by Sara Ernst.
Season 2 Episode 2: Spencer Myer, Concert Pianist and Educator

Join acclaimed concert pianist Spencer Myer as he shares his musical journey in developing his artistry and a well-rounded career in performing and teaching.
Season 2 Episode 1: Legacy Episode with Dr. Frances Clark

Season 2 of Piano Inspires Podcast kicks off with a special legacy episode featuring Dr. Frances Clark.
Episode 17: Ann DuHamel, Pianist, Teaching Artist, and 2023-24 McKnight Artist Fellow

Join Ann DuHamel as she discusses the importance of music as an agent of change in the world with Pamela Pike. Ann DuHamel, McKnight Artist Fellow and Past President of the Minnesota Music Teachers Association, currently serves as Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota Morris. She is a bibliophile, chocoholic, eccentric gardener, Futurama fan,…
Episode 16: Michelle Conda, Educator, Author, and 2023 Frances Clark Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Join Michelle Conda and Andrea McAlister in a discussion about pedagogy, legacy, and Dr. Conda’s deserving recognition as the 2023 Frances Clark Center Lifetime Achievement Award Winner. Michelle Conda is Professor of Piano Pedagogy at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and is praised for her extraordinary contributions to the field of piano pedagogy.