Episodes

3
Oct. 13, 2026

Catherine Kautsky, Connecting Music and the Human Experience | S4 E3

Listen now to this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring host Sara Ernst with guest Catherine Kautsky. The George and Marjorie Olsen Chandler Professor of Music and Chair of Keyboard at Lawrence University, Kautsky is known for her performances and writing which combine her fascination with music and its context. Tune in now to […] Source
2
Oct. 6, 2026

José Ramón Méndez, Cultivating Sound and Musical Identity | S4 E2

Tune in to this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast to hear from renowned Spanish pianist and pedagogue José Ramón Méndez as he is interviewed by host Andrea McAlister. Méndez discusses the power of several influential teachers in his life and how they shaped his approach to playing and teaching piano. Listen now to hear […] Source
1
Sept. 29, 2026

Phyllis Lehrer, Shaping Generations Through Piano Teaching | S4 E1

In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, join host Jennifer Snow as she interviews Phyllis Lehrer, pianist and pedagogue. For nearly fifty years, Phyllis has shaped the field of piano education through her teaching, mentorship, publications and leadership. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Phyllis Lehrer. Source
26
April 8, 2026

Jerry Wong, Building a Life in Music Across Continents | S3 E26

In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, Artina McCain interviews pianist Jerry Wong. Wong reflects on his educational path and his work as a professor in Australia at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. Listen now for an inspiring and insightful conversation with Jerry Wong! Source
25
April 1, 2026

Christopher Fisher, Cultivating Connection Through Piano Teaching | S3 E25

Tune in to the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast with host Pamela Pike interviews pianist, teacher, and composer Christopher Fisher. Fisher, who serves as Professor of Piano at Ohio University, shares about his passion for teaching, his interest in group piano pedagogy, and the ways in which the piano and music can enhance […] Source
24
March 25, 2026

Tony Caramia, Where Jazz, Pedagogy, and the Piano Meet | S3 E24

In the latest episode of the Piano Inspires podcast, host Craig Sale sits down with renowned pianist and pedagogue Tony Caramia. Their conversation includes Caramia’s early experiences in both jazz and classical music, traces his diverse career path, and delves into his thoughtful perspectives on the future of piano pedagogy. Tune in for an enlightening […] Source
23
March 18, 2026

Carol Leone, Expanding Possibilities at the Piano | S3 E23

In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, host Artina McCain interviews Carol Leone, Professor of Piano and Chair of Piano Studies at Southern Methodist University. She shares insights from her musical training, reflects on her journey as an educator, and discusses her work with ergonomic keyboards to promote healthier, more accessible piano playing. Join […] Source
22
March 11, 2026

Christopher Norton, Bridging Classical Tradition and Contemporary Styles | S3 E22

Listen now to this inspiring episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, featuring host Heather Smith with guest Christopher Norton. Norton, originally from New Zealand, is an award-winning pianist and composer, whose collections such as Microjazz, have revolutionized piano teaching. Tune in to learn more about Norton’s initial training, his entry into the world of composition, […] Source
21
March 4, 2026

Tracy Cowden, Building Community Through Collaboration | S3 E21

Tune in to the latest episode of the Piano Inspires podcast, where host Alejandro Cremaschi sits down with pianist, pedagogue, and arts advocate Tracy Cowden. Their conversation explores Cowden’s musical beginnings, her wide-ranging career, and her current work—including leading a band for military veterans in San Antonio, Texas. Listen now to hear her inspiring perspective […] Source
20
Feb. 25, 2026

William Westney, The Joy of Making Music and “The Un-Master Class” | S3 E20

In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, host Pamela Pike is joined by William Westney, pianist, educator, author, and researcher. Westney reflects on his journey as a concert pianist and teacher, his early experiences with Dalcroze, and his innovative performance workshop “The Un-Master Class”. Listen now for an inspiring and insightful conversation with William […] Source
19
Feb. 18, 2026

Roberta Rust, Bridging Performance, Scholarship, and Discovery | S3 E19

Join host Craig Sale as he interviews Roberta Rust in this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast. Rust, whose worldwide concert career has taken her to the world’s leading venues, serves as Professor of Piano at the Lynn Conservatory. In this conversation, Rust discusses her early studies both in the United States and abroad as […] Source
18
Feb. 11, 2026

Stanford Thompson, Building Access and Belonging Through Equity Arc | S3 E18

The latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast features internationally recognized musician and educator Stanford Thompson. In this interview with host Craig Sale, Thompson discusses his musical upbringing and inspirations, his current work as founder and executive director of Equity Arc, and his belief in the power of music to impact the future. Don’t miss […] Source
17
Feb. 9, 2026

Julie Nagel, Where Music, Mind, and Meaning Meet | S3 E17

In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, host Sara Ernst is joined by Julie Jaffee Nagel, a psychologist, psychoanalyst, and musician. Nagel reflects on her educational journey, her experiences as a musician, and how psychology and music intersect in her work. Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Julie Jaffee Nagel. Source
16
Jan. 28, 2026

Logan Skelton, Immersing in Sound, Poetry, and Musical Meaning | S3 E16

Join host Sara Ernst as she interviews Logan Skelton in this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast. A pianist, composer, and teacher, Dr. Skelton is the Artur Schnabel Collegiate Professor of Music in Piano and the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Music at the University of Michigan. Their conversation explores Skelton’s beginnings in Mississippi, his […] Source
15
Jan. 21, 2026

Wilfred Delphin, Building a Life in Music Through Community and Service | S3 E15

In the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, host Pam Pike interviews Wilfred Delphin, best known for his work as one half of the Delphin and Romain piano duo. Delphin reflects on his distinguished performing career and decades of teaching, sharing anecdotes that reveal his deep sense of responsibility to both music and education. […] Source
14
Jan. 14, 2026

Louis Nagel, Teaching Students to Listen Beyond the Notes | S3 E14

Join us for a thoughtful conversation with host Craig Sale and Louis Nagel, Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of Michigan. In this episode, Nagel shares insightful perspectives on music, performance, and teaching, drawn from a distinguished career as both a pianist and an educator. This episode offers a rich look into a life […] Source
13
Jan. 7, 2026

Brian Shepard, MTNA CEO, Building Community and Vision for Music Teachers | S3 E13

Start the new year with this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast featuring host Jennifer Snow as she interviews Brian Shepard. Shepard shares stories about his early beginnings at the piano, the impact of his teachers, and his rise within the Music Teachers National Association where he now serves as CEO. Tune in to learn […] Source
12
Dec. 10, 2025

Janet Lopinski, Connecting Heritage, Pedagogy, and Leadership in Music | S3 E12

In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, Janet Lopinski joins host, Sara Ernst, to discuss her journey as a pianist, teacher, and administrator. Lopinski reflects on her early musical experiences, experiences as a teacher, and her work with the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Canadian Chopin Society. Join us for an informative and […] Source
11
Dec. 3, 2025

Jody Kerchner, Inspiring Student Voice and Creative Music-Making | S3 E11

Join host Andrea McAlister as she interviews educator Jody Kerchner on the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast. Kerchner shares stories from her early years as a music student and offers insights into her current work as an educator, including her role as founder and conductor of Oberlin at Grafton—a prison choir at Grafton […] Source
10
Nov. 26, 2025

John Ellis, Creating Space for Students to Discover Their Passions | S3 E10

In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, John Ellis joins host Leah Claiborne to discuss his journey from childhood piano lessons to a dynamic career as a musician and educator. Ellis shares how his passion for music evolved into a lifelong commitment to teaching and mentoring the next generation of artists. Tune in to […] Source
9
Nov. 19, 2025

Gayle Kowalchyk, A Journey of Teaching, Creativity, and Collaboration | S3 E9

In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, Gayle Kowalchyk joins host, Yeeseon Kwon, to discuss her multi-faceted career in music. Kowalchyk reflects on her educational path, her extensive experience as an independent studio teacher, and her work in publications. Join us for an engaging and inspiring conversation with Gayle Kowalchyk and Yeeseon Kwon! Source
8
Nov. 12, 2025

Craig Sale, Shaping Piano Education Through Legacy and Community | S3 E8

In the latest episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, Craig Sale discusses his early experiences with music study, his work with legendary educators Frances Clark, Louise Goss, and Elvina Pearce, and his current work as senior editor of Piano Magazine. Listen now to hear this insightful and inspiring conversation with host Pam Pike. Source
7
Nov. 5, 2025

Brian Chung, Bridging Music, Business, and Education | S3 E7

In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, Brian Chung joins host, Heather Smith, to reflect on his past teachers, multi-faceted career path, and hopes for the music field. Chung discusses how he has combined his love of music and business throughout his career. Tune in to learn more about Chung’s inspiring achievements! Source
6
Oct. 29, 2025

Gary Ingle, Advancing the Music Profession through Vision and Leadership | S3 E6

In this episode of the Piano Inspires Podcast, Gary Ingle joins host, Jennifer Snow, to discuss his numerous contributions to the music field. Ingle shares his unique educational journey, inspiring career with MTNA, and reflects on a life in music. Join us for an inspiring conversation with a man who has dedicated his life to […] Source