Piano Inspires Podcast

Piano Inspires Podcast


Latest Episodes

Louis Nagel, Teaching Students to Listen Beyond the Notes | S3 E14
January 14, 2026

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 ca

Brian Shepard, MTNA CEO, Building Community and Vision for Music Teachers | S3 E13
January 07, 2026

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 Teac

Janet Lopinski, Connecting Heritage, Pedagogy, and Leadership in Music | S3 E12
December 10, 2025

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 Roya

Jody Kerchner, Inspiring Student Voice and Creative Music-Making | S3 E11
December 03, 2025

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 he

John Ellis, Creating Space for Students to Discover Their Passions | S3 E10
November 26, 2025

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 commitme

Gayle Kowalchyk, A Journey of Teaching, Creativity, and Collaboration | S3 E9 
November 19, 2025

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 p

Craig Sale, Shaping Piano Education Through Legacy and Community | S3 E8 
November 12, 2025

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 h

Brian Chung, Bridging Music, Business, and Education | S3 E7 
November 05, 2025

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

Gary Ingle, Advancing the Music Profession through Vision and Leadership | S3 E6 
October 29, 2025

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 ca

Pamela Pike, Inspiring a Lifetime of Learning through Piano Education| S3 E5 
October 22, 2025

In this podcast episode, musician and educator Pam Pike shares experiences from her youth and beyond that inspired her to become a piano teacher. In this impactful conversation with host Craig Sale, P