
In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, host Eathan Jenney welcomes conductor, pianist, and music director Mila Henry for a wide-ranging conversation about collaborative musicianship, contemporary opera, and tech-forward keyboards. She traces her journey from a Kawai studio upright in a music-soaked Philly childhood to New York’s stages, pits, and podiums; she digs into the temperament and skills of a great collaborator; she explores hybrid acoustic-digital pianos for small apartments; and she unpacks the practicalities of conducting with click tracks for multimedia opera. She also spotlights her genre-bending band Opera Cowgirls, recent work in LA at REDCAT on Magdalene, and the Wayne Shorter/Esperanza Spalding project Iphigenia. She closes with career-building blocks, networking, learning how to say yes (and when to say no), and mentoring the next generation.About:Mila Henry is a New York–based conductor, pianist, and music director working across folk operas, rock musicals, and reimagined classics. She leads and coaches for organizations including American Opera Projects, Beth Morrison Projects, and Prototype; she serves as Head of Music for AOP’s Composers & the Voice program; and she develops new works as répétiteur and rehearsal pianist. Recent season highlights include conducting The Old Man and the Sea, The Merry Widow, and Magdalene, music-directing The Hunt, and performing with Brooklyn Art Song Society and counter) induction. She holds degrees from Elizabethtown College and Manhattan School of Music and performs multi-instrumentally with Opera Cowgirls. 🔗 Connect With Mila For More InfoWebsite: milahenry.comInstagram: @myohmilahenryOpera Cowgirls: operacowgirls.com𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrhPiano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclassInstagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclassFB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclassLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclassSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass
Sep 16, 2025
53 min

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, host Eathan Jenney welcomes jazz pianist, saxophonist, and composer Zen Zadravec. They reflect on Zen’s journey from early piano lessons in Winnipeg to advanced studies at Rutgers with jazz legends Kenny Barron and Stanley Cowell. Zen shares insights into comping techniques, left-hand development, and rhythmic exercises that shape his playing.They also explore his disciplined yet flexible practice routine, his relationship with acoustic pianos (including his beloved Yamaha C3), and his aspirations toward becoming a Yamaha artist. Zen discusses composition as an extension of improvisation, plays selections from his recordings, and previews material from his upcoming project, Zen: The New Paradigm.The conversation also touches on his move from New Jersey to Detroit, the city’s rich musical history, and the importance of building strong relationships with piano technicians. With candor and humor, Zen demonstrates how daily practice, deep listening, and creative trust form the foundation of his artistry.About:Zen Zadravec is a Canadian-born jazz pianist and composer. A recipient of two Oscar Peterson Awards, he studied jazz at York University and earned his Master’s in Jazz Performance at Rutgers under Kenny Barron. His projects include the Zen Zadravec Quartet and Human Revolution. Zen has performed with leading jazz musicians worldwide and appeared on major shows with artists like Gloria Gaynor. His forthcoming album, Zen: The New Paradigm, features all-original compositions exploring jazz, fusion, and beyond.Find more at zenzadravec.com or follow him on Facebook/Instagram/TikTok.𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrhPiano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclassInstagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclassFB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclassLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclassSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass
Sep 11, 2025
1 hr 3 min

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we are joined by Chicago-based pianist, teacher, composer, and critic Myron Silberstein. We explore his musical upbringing, his studies at Juilliard and the University of Chicago, and his distinctive focus on overlooked masterpieces. Myron discusses the difference between teachers and pedagogues, the philosophy behind effective practice, and his approach to blending intellectual and intuitive processes in composition.Myron shares some of his original works, including selections from his Impromptus, Fourth Piano Sonata, and Winter Landscapes. The conversation expands into the overlap of jazz and classical languages, the art of vocal collaboration, and Myron’s creative work influenced by Sanskrit and prayers for peace across traditions.The episode offers both technical insights for pianists and broader reflections on creativity, practice, and cross-disciplinary inspiration.Myron Silberstein is a pianist, teacher, vocal coach, composer, and music critic based in Chicago. He studied collaborative piano with Arlene Shrut at Juilliard and holds graduate degrees in literature and philosophy from the University of Chicago’s Committee on Social Thought. His repertoire emphasizes neglected masterpieces, and his compositions include piano sonatas, flute sonatas, choral works, and song cycles in collaboration with poets. His recordings feature first interpretations of works by Vittorio Giannini, Peter Mennin, and Norman Lloyd, and he has appeared on labels such as Naxos and Centaur. Silberstein is also the creator of the web series Piano Unlocked.𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrhPiano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclassInstagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclassFB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclassLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclassSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass
Sep 9, 2025
1 hr 4 min

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, Ethan Janney welcomes Chicago pianist, arranger, and educator Miguel de la Ceran. A third-generation jazz musician, Miguel traces his roots to the legendary Chicago jazz lineage of his grandfather General Morgan, who played with Billie Holiday, and his aunt Gloria Morgan.Miguel shares stories from his upbringing on the South Side of Chicago, early mentorship from gospel and classical teachers, and his eventual path to Oberlin Conservatory. He reflects on stage fright, his affinity for accompaniment, and his bread-and-butter life as a working musician across cabaret, jazz clubs, and international tours.He dives into Chicago’s music history—Ramsey Lewis, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lil Hardin Armstrong—and the role of institutions like the Jazz Institute of Chicago. Miguel also treats creplisteners to live piano performances, including Billy Strayhorn’s Lotus Blossom and Thelonious Monk’s Crepuscule with Nelly.The conversation explores the tactile magic of acoustic pianos, the realities of gigging life, and Miguel’s plans for new projects, including tributes to Dinah Washington and original works with younger musicians.About Miguel de la Cerna:Miguel de la Ceran is a Chicago-born pianist, music director, arranger, and educator. He represents the third generation in a distinguished family of jazz musicians, with a legacy tied to Billie Holiday, Henry “Red” Allen, and Gloria Morgan. Educated at Oberlin Conservatory and the American Conservatory of Music, Miguel has toured internationally across Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. Known for his deep sensitivity as an accompanist, he has collaborated with jazz masters, classical ensembles, and cabaret performers. Currently based in Chicago, he continues to perform, teach, and create, with upcoming projects including original recordings and tributes to Dinah Washington.𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrhPiano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclassInstagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclassFB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclassLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclassSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass
Aug 29, 2025
1 hr 1 min

In this engaging episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, host Eathan Janney welcomes the multifaceted pianist, educator, and piano purveyor Robert Estrin for a wide-ranging conversation that spans the history, craftsmanship, and future of the piano.They dive into Robert’s journey from growing up in a profoundly musical family with his father, a concert pianist, Morton Estrin, to building a unique career that merges artistry, education, technology, and entrepreneurship. He shares the origin story of Living Pianos, the world’s first online piano store. He reflects on his passion for preserving, restoring, and celebrating vintage pianos from America's golden age of piano manufacturing.The conversation touches on the need for skilled piano technicians in Cleveland and beyond, with Robert calling attention to a global shortage and the critical importance of high-level piano prep. He also offers insight into hybrid and alternative piano technologies, including carbon fiber soundboards, MIDI retrofits, and cutting-edge tuning tools like Pianoscope.In a beautifully heartfelt moment, Robert performs Debussy’s “Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum” from Children’s Corner, illustrating his enduring love for performance even amid a demanding career. Website: LivingPianos.comYouTube: @LivingPianosVideoRobert Estrin is a classically trained pianist, educator, composer, and the founder of Living Pianos, the world's first online piano store. He studied piano and French horn at the Manhattan School of Music and the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, earning a degree in piano performance from Indiana University.A champion of music and innovation, Robert has composed for film and television, owned multiple recording studios, and produced numerous albums. His YouTube channel and LivingPianos.com are renowned resources for musicians worldwide, offering extensive educational content on piano performance, history, and technology.Robert’s unique blend of artistry and technical expertise has positioned him as a leading voice in both the piano performance and restoration communities. Through his online store, he rescues and restores historic American pianos and shares their stories and sound with a global audience.
Aug 25, 2025
1 hr 2 min

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, host Ethan Janney welcomes concert pianist, composer, and educator Alexander Schwarzkopf.The conversation traces Alexander’s remarkable career path, from his early public performances at age eight, to becoming a scholarship student at Colorado College by age twelve, and competing internationally. His doctoral research on Falco Steinbach’s Figures 17 Choreographic Etudes for Piano has led to performances, workshops, and lectures worldwide. Alexander shares stories of working closely with piano technicians, illustrating how subtle adjustments to instruments can dramatically enhance performance.The discussion explores the intersection of piano technology and artistry. We learn of Alexander’s work with the Macrocosmos Project Festival. We explore how his synesthesia shapes his creative process. Alexander shares about the inspiration behind works like Liquid Piano and Synergy. He emphasizes the importance of deeply listening to an instrument’s resonance, adapting to its qualities, and fostering intentional collaboration between performer, technician, and manufacturer to bring music to its fullest potential. The episode also offers insight into his teaching philosophy, passion for new music, and his unique integration of visual art with musical composition.Bio:About:Alexander SchwarzkopfRaised in Colorado Springs in a family of artists, his father, an architect and string player from Stuttgart, Germany, and his mother, an actress and professional puppeteer, Alexander Schwarzkopf began public performances at eight years old. By twelve, he was a scholarship piano student at Colorado College. He has competed and performed in the U.S., Germany, Italy, and the former Yugoslavia.His doctoral research produced a published structural analysis of Falco Steinbach’s Figures 17 Choreographic Etudes for Piano, leading to performances and lectures internationally. A dedicated advocate of new music, Alexander has premiered his compositions in the U.S. and Germany, collaborated with contemporary music festivals such as the Macrocosmos Project, and commissioned works from other composers.Currently based in Eugene, Oregon, he teaches private piano lessons, facilitates music exploration for children at the University of Oregon Spencer View Co-Op Family Center, and continues to perform, compose, and create multimedia art. His work often blends synesthetic perception, visual art, and innovative compositional techniques, reflecting a deeply personal and cross-disciplinary approach to music-making.𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrhPiano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclassInstagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclassFB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclassLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclassSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass
Aug 15, 2025
1 hr 11 min

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, host Eathan Janney welcomes Dr. Molly Gebrian, a professional violist, educator, and neuroscientist who merges music performance with cognitive science. As they gather over the July 4th weekend, they explore how musicians can transform their practice using brain-based strategies.She shares her journey from early childhood lessons on the violin to a deep commitment to the viola, shaped by a serious injury that forced her to rethink her approach to music. Her academic path, spanning Oberlin College, the New England Conservatory, and Rice University, equips her with a rare combination of musical expertise and scientific insight.Using relatable analogies, from stain removal to business meetings, our host and guest explore complex brain processes in ways that feel practical and intuitive. She also shares her current work at the New England Conservatory, where she teaches the science of practicing and coaches students one-on-one.Dr Molly also discusses her new book, Learn Faster, Perform Better, and encourages listeners to explore her extensive library of videos, PDFs, and a concise newsletter—all designed to help musicians get more out of their practice time.About:Dr. Molly GebrianDr. Molly Gebrian is a violist, educator, and author who bridges the worlds of classical music and neuroscience. They know her as a passionate advocate for musicians' health and effectiveness, grounded in both performance experience and cognitive research. With degrees from Oberlin College, New England Conservatory, and Rice University, she combines her scientific curiosity with artistry in a rare and refreshing way.At New England Conservatory, she teaches courses in the science of practicing and music cognition, while also mentoring students one-on-one on practice strategies. She is widely recognized for championing underrepresented composers and for developing actionable, research-based tools that help musicians perform with confidence and clarity.They follow her work through her book, Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing (Oxford University Press, 2024), her YouTube channel, and her website, which offers free downloadable resources and a quick, practical newsletter.🔗 Website: mollygebrian.com 📘 Book: Learn Faster, Perform Better 📺 YouTube: @DrMollyGebrian𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrhPiano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclassInstagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclassFB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclassLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclassSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass
Jul 21, 2025
1 hr

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we welcome Tiffany Poon, a renowned classical pianist born in Hong Kong in 1996 and currently based in New York City. Tiffany shares her extraordinary journey from moving to New York at nine years old to join Juilliard's prestigious pre-college division on a full scholarship, studying under Yo Kalinsky. Her education continued at Columbia University in a joint program with Juilliard, where she was mentored by eminent pianists Emmanuel Ax and Joseph Ekstein.Tiffany discusses her extensive international performance career, including debuts across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Highlights of her career include performances at Carnegie Hall, Steinway Hall, and the Kennedy Center, as well as her debut with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra and a sold-out recital at the Dresden Music Festival. Her debut album, "Diaries Schumann," released in February 2024, has been a resounding success, topping Apple Music classical charts across four continents with over 2.3 million streams. Off stage, Tiffany is also known for her vibrant YouTube community of over 325,000 subscribers, where she shares her musical journey to demystify classical music. In 2020, she founded the charity "Together with Classical," which champions classical music education and community through various initiatives.In our conversation, Tiffany delves into her early days as a young pianist, the transition from Hong Kong to New York, and the challenges and triumphs along the way. She also shares insights into her practice routines, the nuances of piano performance, and the importance of understanding the complexities of piano mechanics for both technicians and pianists.We explore the intersection of technology and classical music, discussing the impact of digital pianos, self-playing pianos, and the future of acoustic pianos in preserving the richness and depth of classical music. Tiffany also highlights her nonprofit work, emphasizing the need to broaden the reach of classical music and make it more accessible and relatable to a diverse audience.About Tiffany Poon:Tiffany Poon is a trailblazing young classical pianist, born in Hong Kong in 1996 and now based in New York City. At just nine years old, she moved to New York to join the prestigious Juilliard School Pre-College Division on a full scholarship, studying under Yo Kalinsky. She continued her education at Columbia University through a joint program with Juilliard, under the tutelage of eminent pianists Emmanuel Ax and Joseph Ekstein.Tiffany has an extensive and varied international performance career, having debuted across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Notable venues include Carnegie Hall, Steinway Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Mozart Saal, and Bologna. Highlights include her debut with the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin and a sold-out recital at the Dresdner Musikfestspiele.Her debut album, Diaries: Schumann, released in February 2024 on Pentatone, has been a resounding success, topping Apple Music Classical charts across four continents with over 2.3 million streams. Offstage, Tiffany is just as impactful. She has built a vibrant YouTube community of 323k subscribers and over 50 million views, sharing her musical life to demystify classical music.𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrhPiano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Master. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclassInstagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclassFB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclassLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclassSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass
Nov 25, 2024
59 min

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, Heather Fandrich provides an in-depth exploration of the Fandrich Vertical Action, highlighting its innovations in reliability and responsiveness compared to traditional upright actions. She explains the Fandrich-Rhodes method of weighing off actions, a technique highly regarded across the piano industry for its effectiveness. Heather brings these technical aspects to life with engaging stories and visual examples, making complex concepts accessible and informative for listeners.The episode also delves into Heather's personal journey in the piano world, her early exposure to piano technology through Darrell Fandrich's vertical action prototype, and her family's rich legacy in the industry. She shares her recent return to piano playing after decades, including her enthusiasm for tackling challenging pieces like Chopin's Cantabile. Heather also discusses the future of the Fandrich Vertical Action, sharing how efforts are being made to expand the reach of this innovative design and bring it to a wider audience. This episode is a captivating mix of technical insight, personal history, and a glimpse into the future of piano innovation.Listeners will also gain insight into Heather's perspective on the importance of maintaining high standards in piano craftsmanship and how technological advancements can enhance, rather than replace, traditional techniques. Her passion for preserving the artistry of piano making, while embracing forward-thinking innovations, offers a compelling narrative for anyone interested in the evolution of the piano industry.About Heather Fandrich:Heather Fandrich has been studying piano since the age of five. Despite growing up with a less-than-ideal piano, her passion for music never waned. Her first experience with a truly musical piano came when she played the prototype of Darrell Fandrich's vertical action, which inspired her even more deeply.Heather's connection to piano innovation runs in her family. Her husband, Robert Jenny, wrote Darrell Fandrich's first two patents, and Heather later married Darrell, only to discover that her interest in pianos was in her genes. Her great-great-grandhusband, Frederick Mathushek, was a noted piano designer and builder in the late 1800s.𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrhPiano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclasses. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclassInstagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclassFB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclassLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclassSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass
Nov 22, 2024
1 hr

In this episode of Piano Tech Radio Hour, we are pleased to introduce Eric Clark and Hannah Reimann, two highly acclaimed pianists renowned for their masterful interpretations of various classical composers, including Stravinsky, Liszt, Beethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Bach, Haydn, Grieg, and Tchaikovsky. Eric and Hannah share insights into their musical journeys, offering a comprehensive look at their paths to establishing their musical voices.Eric Clark discusses his musical journey from his teenage years in rock bands to his classical studies at Carnegie Mellon University. Influenced by his esteemed mentor, Enrique Graf, Eric transitioned from a double major in chemistry and piano to focusing solely on music. He also reflects on his time studying with the legendary Byron Janis, emphasizing the importance of singing in piano playing. Throughout the episode, Eric's performances showcase his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.Hannah Reimann brings her own unique experiences to the conversation. She has performed extensively across various prestigious venues and has a profound connection to the world of classical music. She shares her insights on live performances, influential teachers, and the importance of cultural engagement in experiencing classical music.Eric's performances of complex and emotionally rich pieces, such as Chopin's Scherzo No. 3 in C Minor and Mendelssohn's "Duetto," are shared with listeners. These performances spark a discussion about the complexity and emotional depth of the music, as well as the lyrical quality that Eric brings to each piece through his technique and interpretation.Eric also shares personal stories, including the restoration of his great-grandfather's Steinway piano and his connection to recording engineer Joe Patrich, to whom he pays tribute through his performances. These anecdotes offer a glimpse into the personal and historical influences that have shaped his musical journey.The episode explores Eric’s methods of discovering new repertoire through competitions, festivals, and teachers. Hannah complements this by sharing her own experiences with discovering new music and the impact of live concerts and mentorship on her career. They both encourage listeners to explore live classical music and engage culturally by experiencing real-life performances.About Eric Clark:Eric Clark is an American pianist who has achieved international recognition and acclaim. He was invited to compete in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2013, and was the only American contestant to attend the First International Chopin Competition on Period Instruments in Warsaw, Poland in 2018. Eric performs regularly at prestigious venues throughout New York City and Europe, has appeared as a soloist with several orchestras, and is an avid performer in chamber ensembles and in jazz ensembles. He regularly transcribes pieces for his own performance as well as commissioning new music, such as a solo piano work by a fellow Carnegie Mellon University entitled “Le Mat- XXII Arcana”: a cycle of twenty-two pieces based on the twenty-two “major arcana” of the tarot. In addition to his work as a performer and private teacher, Eric is also an accomplished visual artist, whose drawings and paintings have won awards at New Jersey arts festivals.𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍 𝐔𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓❗❗Subscribe to radio hour for just $16/mo and get direct access to each weeks private zoom call, as well as all the archival recordings of hundreds of episodes in our member area. Join using by visiting https://bit.ly/joinptrhPiano Tech Radio Hour is brought to you by Piano Technicians Masterclasses. We provide cutting-edge piano technology instruction from piano industry masters without leaving your home, featuring monthly subscriptions, conventions, single live streaming, and recorded masterclasses. Learn advanced skills:How to tune pianos.How to repair pianos.How to rebuild pianos.How to service concert pianos for the finest performers in the world.Browse more masterclasses and lectures from Piano Tuning Pros here: https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclassInstagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclassFB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclassLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclassSpotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxuYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass
Nov 13, 2024
1 hr 7 min
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