Season 5 Episode 19 "100 Works, One Mission - Reimagining the Classical Canon" feat. Leah Claiborne - Yamaha Artist & Scholar

This episode is brought to you by ‪Juneteenth LP — Celebrating Black artistry and legacy in classical music. 🎧 What if every child could see themselves in the music they study? In this robust conversation, Dr. Leah Claiborne —pianist, Yamaha Artist, educator, and founder of Ebony Music Inc.—joins The Piano Pod to discuss her mission to expand and redefine the classical canon. From her work on the 100 Works by Black Composers project to her publications and courses on inclusive teaching, Dr. Claiborne is shaping the future of music education through artistry, purpose, and a sense of belonging. 🎹 In this episode, we explore: ✅ The groundbreaking 100 Works by Black Composers project (Sphinx Venture Fund) ✅ Why beginner repertoire is where real change begins✅ How identity and community shape pedagogy ✅ Tools for teachers committed to diversity and inclusion ✅ Her musical journey—from a jazz-rooted upbringing to classical advocacy Whether you are a piano teacher, student, performer, or arts leader, this conversation will leave you inspired, challenged, and equipped to make classical music more inclusive and representative. Connect with Dr. Claiborne: 🌐 Website🌐 Ebony Music IncDr. Claiborne’s Publications – Expanding the Repertoire (Hal Leonard):🔹 Level 1🔹 Level 2About Our Sponsor — Juneteenth LP Founded by pianist and cultural leader Dr. Nnenna Ogwo, Juneteenth LP is now in its 10th year of celebrating Black classical musicians through transformative performances, education, and community events. From their annual concert at Joe’s Pub to their ongoing advocacy, Juneteenth LP is helping to reshape the future of classical music through the lens of heritage, liberation, and joy. 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to The Piano Pod for more conversations at the intersection of artistry, equity, and innovation in classical music.

Om Podcasten

...where tradition meets innovation. Together, we bring PIANO into the FUTURE.a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano musicHey, 🎹 enthusiasts out there! My name is Yukimi, a classical pianist and educator from NYC and executive producer of The Piano Pod. The Piano Pod🎙 is a one-of-a-kind podcast that delves deep into the fascinating world of classical music, with a specific focus on the 🎹 piano. In a biweekly format, the show explores intriguing discussions with guests breaking exciting new ground in the classical music industry. The Piano Pod aims to nurture a thriving community that embraces innovative approaches to ensure classical music's relevance and vitality in today's dynamic landscape."How can I present the beautiful tradition of classical music to the 21st-century audience in a fun, contemporary, and engaging way?"When I started building a piano studio in the trendy neighborhood of Downtown Manhattan in 2007 while in the NYU graduate program in piano studies, I began to ponder this question. I realized the stark difference in expectations toward classical music and music education between music professionals and the general public. Then, one of the NYU music department's professors suggested I start a podcast: the platform would allow classical musicians to address this disparity and spark conversations about audience engagement.Finally, fast forward to 10+ years later, The Piano Pod was born in the summer of 2020. Since then, I have had the privilege of interviewing A-listers in the classical music industry: international concert pianists, composers, arrangers, digital streamers/influencers, music educators, entrepreneurs, neurodiverse specialists, and performance psychologists.Through fascinating conversations, we have explored how classical music should continue to evolve to remain relevant to our lifestyle, society, and culture. Over the past three seasons, The Piano Pod has achieved remarkable success by reaching faithful listeners on audio platforms and viewers via YouTube.As the show is celebrating the past season's achievements and 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.🔗Follow TPP on social media accounts to get the latest news about 🎹.Thanks for listening♥️🎹