Piano Whisperer

The Transformational Power of Music | Piano Whisperer Podcast # 28

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

When people say music has the power to heal, that is for real. Current scientific research shows music has the capacity to impact health significantly on a variety of meaningful levels. Mindy Peterson, host and creator of the brilliant Enhance Life with Music podcast, joins us for an inspiring conversation of how her passion to share the power of music led her to create such an extraordinary podcast.

How to Love Your Piano Lessons Again | Piano Whisperer Podcast # 27

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

People sometimes quit piano lessons without understanding why. They assume it’s their own lack of interest, but it may not be. Join us for a practical, honest discussion designed for piano students of all ages who feel stuck, bored, or burned out—and who want to reconnect with the joy of playing. Guest Karen Pieper is a professional pianist, performer, decades-long educator and psychotherapist who brings a wealth of wisdom, experience and keen insight to the conversation.

Cory Henry's Church Experience | Piano Whisperer Podcast # 26

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Cory Henry is Gospel music's equivalent to Mozart. He began playing at age 2, performing in church at age 4, being mentored by some of the great gospel organists of all-time, going on to earn worldwide acclaim for his artistic contributions to Snarky Puppy, breaking all genre boundaries playing organ, synth and piano, collaborating with an amazingly diverse array of iconic musicians, and coming full circle to produce his own projects, including a return to his Gospel roots with his Grammy-winning album, Church. Cory candidly shared his journey through joy, pain, and victory.

Quietly Standing with Musical Giants

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

This is an action-packed episode! In chatting with pianist, producer, composer and engineer, Vince Evans, we discussed his personal experiences with some of the most innovative jazz, pop, funk and gospel musicians of all-time. You'll learn the origin of slap bass playing, you'll learn about the "missing note" in the major scale, and Vince provided a never-before-heard live recording of himself accompanying brilliant vocalist, Lalah Hathaway on her father Donny Hathaway's song, "A Song for You."

For Newsboys the Sky is the Limit

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Sometimes Divine Intervention disguises itself as a choice. When Newsboys' keyboardist, Jeff Frankenstein, agreed to drive around an undiscovered band in his Chevy Astro minivan during the early 1990's, he had no idea that he soon would be asked to join what would become one of the most influential, legendary Christian rock bands of all time. From his earliest days with Newsboys to their latest album, Worldwide Revival (Part 1), Jeff shares his story, his wisdom and his excitement for the future.

The Incomparable Matt Rollings

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Countless artists would have sounded different without him. Multi-Platinum, Grammy Award-winning producer, pianist, and songwriter, Matt Rollings, has played on thousands of albums, produced monumental recordings, has been awarded ACM Best Pianist/Keyboardist ten times, and has influenced a plethora of pianists with his matchless artistry and inimitable approach to the piano. If that weren’t enough, he’s also a fabulous story-teller, as you’ll hear in this episode! For show notes and hashtags, please visit: www.pianowhisperer.org.

Chopin Made Her Do It

Mon, 23 May 2022 09:00:00 +0000

As a teenager in a land far away from home, in a remote village in Spain, she heard the sound of piano playing emanating from a spare room in the local library. Though she didn't play herself, she was drawn to this old upright, and she found herself visiting it frequently to explore all it had to offer. This led miraculously to finding a teacher in this tiny village, who introduced her to Chopin. That's all it took for her to make a life decision to become a concert pianist, at 15! Several scholarships and degrees later, concert pianist Haley Myles has become a laureate of seven international competitions, produced three albums, written two editions of a book and has developed a prolific and captivating online presence. If you need some inspiration and motivation, this episode is for you! For show notes and hashtags, please visit: www.pianowhisperer.org.

Tony DeSare Did it His Way

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Tony DeSare did not follow the typical road to success. But he knew who he was, and he knew what he loved. He played and sang his way to Carnegie Hall, headlined with major symphony orchestras and has amassed four top ten Billboard jazz albums. He has been featured on major TV and Radio programs, has become an award-winning composer and film scorer and now has a huge online following. His authenticity shines through in this episode, as he shares candidly about his journey from the early years through Covid times and into the future. This episode flies by! For show notes and hashtags, please visit: www.pianowhisperer.org

Reinventing What it Means to be a Concert Pianist

Mon, 24 May 2021 09:00:00 +0000

How does a lifelong performer and prolific recording artist keep his fans engaged during a time when live events aren't happening? Acclaimed concert pianist, Frederic Chiu, has reinvented the concert pianist life with his Friends Club, his Classical Smackdown program and by not limiting his performances to the pianos he's playing! How does that happen? Check out this episode! For show notes and hashtags, please visit: www.pianowhisperer.org.

Reflections of a Wise Young Artist

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Internationally-acclaimed recording artist and performer, Ariel Pocock, began playing piano at a very early age. In fact, she doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t play. Her recording success and constant performance schedule came to a halt when Covid hit. Now she reflects on who she really is as an artist. For show notes and hashtags, please visit: www.pianowhisperer.org.

Following Your Path in the Music Business

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

The people who succeed in the music business use what they’ve been given. They usually don’t make themselves into someone they're not. Journeyman musician and engineer, Alex Lowe, has been true to his own path and has found his musical niche. Hundreds of recordings, movies and TV shows later, he talks about his journey and how each step led to the next in his career in the music business. For show notes and hashtags, please visit: www.pianowhisperer.org.

Destined to be a Concert Pianist in NY

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 09:00:00 +0000

Do you believe in fate? Sometimes there seem to be forces at work in our lives, forces that have us on a particular track, which seems inescapable. Katya Grineva's life is full of meant-to-be scenarios. We discussed growing up in Russia, her miraculous attendance of Horowitz's Return-to-Moscow concert, her studies with Pavel Messner, her ability to overcome out-of-tune pianos, and how the music unfolds during her performances. She has performed more times than any other solo female pianist in the history of Carnegie Hall, and now, during Covid, she continues to play amazingly intimate concerts on Zoom. For show notes and hashtags, please visit: www.pianowhisperer.org.

The Life of a Concert Pianist

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 09:00:00 +0000

If you get to know anyone well enough, you’ll discover a rich life story you couldn’t have imagined. But, the life of a concert pianist usually involves some unique twists and turns: crazy performance situations, international travel, life-changing mentors and personal relationships with pianos! In this episode, talented concert pianist, Shuann Chai, candidly shares her story of becoming who she is, the ups and downs of being a performer, her new recording “Kuhl, nicht Lau,” and her relationship with Mike, an 1820 Rosenberger piano. For show notes and hashtags, please visit: www.pianowhisperer.org.

Her Story - Conductor Lina Gonzalez-Granados

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 08:24:18 +0000

As Oscar Wilde famously said, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." Talented, dynamic and award-winning conductor, Lina Gonzalez-Granados, has made her mark in the music world by doing just that. Her resume is impressive, for sure, but her understanding of life and how to walk your own path in a competitive world is inspiring. Our conversation spanned everything from growing up during the Colombian Armed Conflict to becoming one of the leading proponents of Latin American composers to founding her own chamber orchestra, Unitas Ensemble. For show notes and hashtags, please visit: www.pianowhisperer.org.

A Conversation with Kays

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Film composer and director, Kays Al-Atrakchi, shared his story about growing up in the world's most captivating city (Florence), relocating to the home of Disney (Orlando), playing in a high school rock band with Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty), studying film scoring at Berklee College of Music, and working for some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. His clients include Warner Bros., Universal, Sony Pictures, Lions Gate, ABC, NBC, Disney Channel, SyFy, Lifetime, MTV, Showtime, Discovery Channel and many more.

#pianowhispererpodcast #podcast #piano #film #filmmusic #filmscore #berkleecollegeofmusic #musicbykays #moviesbykays #kaysfilmmaker #resonaterecordings #atlantissanya

Show notes:
www.musicbykays.com
www.moviesbykays.com
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0015685/ (list of works)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2r8ORaUXOps&feature=youtu.be (Grand opening of Atlantis-Sanya)
https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-derek-diamond/from-composing-to-filmmaking-YVyIn5NOe8T/ (podcast with Derek Diamond)

The PianoGuy Behind the Scenes

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 17:02:00 +0000

Craig Knudsen could have lived his life in the spotlight, but instead he found himself quietly impacting the lives of millions from behind the scenes. From his technology creations with Yamaha to his work with YouTube sensations, ThePianoGuys, he is inspiring countless music-makers of all ages and genres. #pianowhispererpodcast #podcast #piano #thepianoguys #yamaha #clavinova #disklavier Show notes: ThePianoGuys Avatar Music Video ("Behind The Scenes"): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x0cn9VoR-Q ThePianoGuys "Technology Guy" video: https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/central-valley-today/the-piano-guys-technology-guy/ Kookie Karaoke info: https://hub.yamaha.com/kooky-karaoke/ Follow the Lights info (video): https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/craig-knudsen Smart Pianist App info: https://hub.yamaha.com/keyboard-tips-learn-to-play-your-favorite-songs/

Mac Potts is Putting it All Out There

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 15:55:27 +0000

Since before the age of two, Mac Potts has been tickling the ivories. Born totally-blind with perfect pitch and prodigious talent, Mac's passion to play for the enjoyment of his listeners has captivated his fans. On this podcast he talks about leaning to play in the early days, his personal moments with Harry Connick Jr., Marcia Ball and Dr. John, and his conversations with Lionel Richie during his American Idol experience. He also shared how he captured the sound of an entire band on his recording, "Three," without anything but a piano, bench and hardwood floor! He got personal, too. Beyond all this, he has gained more than 20 million views on Cut videos like, "Blind People Tell Us Which Questions Annoy Them the Most."

#pianowhispererpodcast #podcast #macpotts #americanidol #edsheeran #cutvideo #piano

Show notes:

The song played during the podcast is “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, performed by Mac.

3PlayMedia interview with Mac (Great interview!): https://www.3playmedia.com/resources/faces-behind-screen/mac-potts/

Article about Mac’s American Idol experience: https://www.columbian.com/news/2019/mar/26/vancouvers-mac-potts-done-on-american-idol-still-beloved-by-fans/

Article about Mac’s time in New Orleans and Irene’s Cuisine: https://www.bizneworleans.com/blind-luck-turns-potts-into-irenes-jazz-fest-piano-man/

Cut Media video (Blind People Tell Us Which Questions Annoy Us the Most): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oVR8NcKJ0Y

Cut Media video (Kids Describe Colors to a Blind Person): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK94B9VcDyU

Mac’s website: https://macpotts.com/

Mac’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDvfoKhdQIusUXJuuHF-rbQ

Mac’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/macpottsmusic/

Mac’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/macpottsmusic/

Mac’s piano tuning website: http://www.blackandwhitepianotuning.com/

Mac’s album “Three” is available everywhere—Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc.

Piano Whisperer is now on Instagram! Find us at pianowhisperer.podcast

Get Ready to Explore Music with Lisa Bergman

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 08:54:04 +0000

If you love music, working in the music business can be a dream. But, you’ve got to love it. And, success can be elusive, even if you do love it. So, how do we get there? Is it just luck? Do we need to be über-talented? Talent helps, but being people-savvy is key. Award-winning classical radio host, creator of the Explore Music program on KING-FM and concert pianist, Lisa Bergman, shares her story. This episode is a must for aspiring professional musicians!

Quick editorial note: We had a few minor audio issues! At 4:29, the phrase spoken was "in-house accompanist."

Show notes:

Lisa’s book recommendation: https://books.google.com/books/about/Career_Opportunities_in_the_Music_Indust.html?id=dJOg4ddhJXMC

Lisa’s debut painting: https://twitter.com/LisaKINGFM/status/1015297301638610944/photo/1

Bios: https://www.king.org/show/lisa-bergman/18169358/

https://icicle.org/cpt-artistic/lisa-bergman

http://www.piatigorskyfoundation.org/artist/bergman

Seattle Times article: https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/pianists-andrs-schiff-lisa-bergman-and-more/

Puget Sound Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/potmsearch/detail/submission/1548761/Lisa_Bergman

U of W: https://music.washington.edu/events/2015-11-14/beethoven-back-back-pre-concert-lecture-lisa-bergman

Gracie Award mention: https://www.westsideseattle.com/ballard-news-tribune/2013/03/04/ballardite-lisa-bergman-wins-award-radio-work

Michael Kaeshammer's Journey: Germany, Canada, New Orleans, China and Deep Inside

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 16:16:03 +0000

This is a great story about doing what you love and finding purpose. A great pianist, producer and writer, BC-based Michael Kaeshammer has always been awarded for his immense talent, but his meaning in life took him by surprise in New Orleans when he simply was asked during a gig, " Why are you here?" That question changed everything.

A quick editorial note: during the show it was said that Michael relocated from Canada to BC. Obviously, that was misspoken. He relocated from Germany to BC, Canada.

Show notes:

http://www.kaeshammer.com/discography/

http://www.kaeshammer.com/biography

https://greatdarkwonder.com/something-new-interview-with-michael-kaeshammer

http://player.listenlive.co/34671/en/artist/ae_cbc0bd51-912d-4739-929b-9b7fb6695d18/biography

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/michael-kaeshammer-i-started-living-my-life-from-a-different-angle/article4264564

https://www.fyimusicnews.ca/articles/2017/02/13/conversation-michael-kaeshammer

https://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/michael-kaeshammer-gives-sidney-its-own-concert-special-1.23921718

http://www.almarecords.com/artists/michael-kaeshammer

https://www.tengrandsseattle.com/artists/soloists/michael-kaeshammer

Passion, Music, Vienna, and the Piano that Embodies it All

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 18:33:32 +0000

There is no city in the world defined by music like Vienna. The landscape of composers and pianists who lived there is endless: Mozart, Beethoven, Liszt, Brahms, Schubert, Mahler, to name just a few. No piano on Earth embodies the "City of Music" more than Bösendorfer. Today the tradition thrives, as innovation beautifully enhances this great instrument. Sabine Grubmüller, Managing Director of Bösendorfer, generously took time to talk about all-things-Bösendorfer: the history, the artists, the innovation, the factory, the vision. Sabine, with the help of a tremendously talented and passionate Bösendorfer team, is taking this legendary company into the future.

Show notes:

https://www.boesendorfer.com/en/about

https://www.boesendorfer.com/en/about/history-1

http://mmrmagazine.com/issue/upfront-q-a/a-perfect-fit-sabine-grubmueller-of-boesendorfer/

https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/sabine-grubm%C3%BCller

Podcast Trailer

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 18:31:10 +0000

This is your mind and body. This is music. This is your mind and body on music. Dr. Richard Karpen is an artist first, but his insatiable desire to explore how the mind and body express themselves "on music" is resulting in trailblazing research, which could have a lasting impact on composition, performance and even wellness. Though this was the thrust of our conversation, we discussed a wide range of things relating to composition, performance and the importance of music study.

Using Music to Explore Science

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 07:51:34 +0000

Estonia's Eiffel Tower

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 10:00:06 +0000

In the long tradition of piano making, when great piano brands take generations to establish themselves, Indrek Laul, owner of the Estonia Piano Company, has taken only about 20 years to fulfill his vision of transforming Estonia pianos into some of America's favorite European pianos today.

Beyond the Score

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 14:12:50 +0000

André Mehmari is one of Brazil's most talented musicians, having won Brazil's top awards both for classical and popular music. His ability to express himself profoundly in both idioms makes him one of the truly great musicians of the world. André took time to chat with us about his life and background, his philosophical approach to music and his many exciting projects. André opens up the podcast with a few minutes of music from a trio recording he made at age 20, which won Brazil's top award for popular music. Tune in and enjoy!

Mrs. Dean couldn't impede the dream

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 07:27:48 +0000

Shane Adams, ground-breaking songwriter, lecturer, two-time GRAMMY-nominated music educator, pianist, producer and President of Artist Accelerator, shares his inspiring dream-chasing adventure from student till now. He offers some great advice to students along the way! Please bear with the audio between the 6 and 7-minute mark!

Dr. Steven Lagerberg gets to the heart of the matter!

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 13:34:06 +0000

After years of painstaking research, Dr. Steven Lagerberg has been credited with solving the great mystery of Chopin's illness and death. His commentary was so engaging, we forgot to specify during the interview what Chopin’s illness actually was! It was Tuberculous pericarditis, causing his heart to fail. Don’t worry; that’s not a spoiler! Tune in and enjoy!

Salman meets Horowitz

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Concert pianist, Mark Salman, recounts his unforgettable story of meeting Vladimir Horowitz, arguably the greatest classical pianist of the Twentieth Century. Not only did Mark meet Horowitz personally, but he also was invited to the Horowitz home to play for Horowitz in his NY apartment!

Finding Your Lane

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 11:44:32 +0000

People often begin their journeys in the music business by learning to play instruments as kids. Sometimes an undergraduate performance degree can seem like a dead-end, with few professional options ahead. But, if you want to pursue a music career, and if you can evaluate yourself honestly, maybe your own lane will emerge as you focus on your strengths. Bonnie Barrett, Director of Yamaha Artist Services in NY, shares her unique journey in the industry, discussing her career path with entertaining anecdotes and advice. She also talks about Yamaha’s world-class, cutting-edge pianos, which have opened up endless avenues for artists to express themselves.