🎹 New Episode Alert: Graham Fitch – Pianist, Educator, Writer, & Broadcaster
Unlocking the Secrets of Piano Pedagogy: Insights from a Master Piano Pedagogue
I am beyond excited to welcome Graham Fitch—a renowned pianist, teacher, and writer—as one of The Piano Pod's February guests. His groundbreaking contributions to piano pedagogy have been nothing short of transformative. Graham’s work has inspired countless pianists and educators, including myself, and it’s an absolute honor to share our conversation with you. This special episode premieres on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
My Journey and Connection to Graham’s Work
Before introducing Graham, let me share my story and how his work has impacted my teaching journey.
When I arrived in New York City, I built a piano studio out of necessity. Leaving behind the stability of a full-time college teaching position in Florida to pursue a second postgraduate degree at NYU was a bold and challenging decision. Transitioning from full-time instructor to full-time student was humbling, as I had no guarantees of success in one of the most competitive cities in the world.
However, the experience I gained during my years as a college faculty member proved invaluable. I quickly attracted students, and to my surprise, the studio didn’t just grow—it thrived. Nestled in the vibrant neighborhoods of downtown Manhattan, it became a cornerstone for families and students of all levels. Over the years, I’ve mentored students who have found a lifelong love for music—some of whom still send me heartfelt messages of gratitude.
As my studio grew, I began working with exceptionally gifted young musicians. Their needs went far beyond the average piano lesson, requiring a deeper understanding and an entirely different approach to teaching. This pushed me to dig deeper, rethink my methods, and expand my piano technique and pedagogy knowledge. I realized that what I had learned academically wasn’t enough—I needed to explore innovative and practical approaches to nurturing their unique potential.
During this process, I discovered Graham Fitch’s work. His videos, created in collaboration with Pianist Magazine, were a revelation. His masterclasses on organizing practice time, refining technical skills, and elevating artistry provided clear, thorough, and practical insights immediately applicable to my students and teaching methods.
Why Graham’s Philosophy Resonates with Me
Graham’s approach resonates deeply with me because of my own experience as a student. Growing up, I was trained by teachers who were often rigid and strict, which made learning intimidating rather than inspiring. It wasn’t until I met a life-changing mentor that I began to truly flourish as a pianist. This mentor transformed my technique and my entire approach to musicianship. They recognized what I needed at the right time and tailored their teaching to empower rather than limit me.
The role of a teacher is not just to follow a prescribed set of steps to create a pianist but to introduce students to the world of the unknown in a way that is engaging and inspiring, not intimidating. Graham’s philosophy reflects this idea beautifully. He emphasizes individuality, respect, and the importance of meeting each student where they are, making the learning process both meaningful and joyful.
Inside This Episode
In this episode, Graham and I delve into some of the most critical topics in piano pedagogy, including:
Effective Practice Methods: How to structure practice routines for maximum impact.
Holistic Piano Technique: Moving beyond physical mechanics to integrate the mind-body connection.
Evolving Pedagogy: How neuroscience and interdisciplinary studies are shaping the future of teaching.
Thoughts on Traditional Technique Books: Graham’s take on Hanon, Gieseking, and other classics.
Empowering Students: Creating a nurturing teaching environment that respects individuality.
The Practising the Piano Online Academy: An inside look at Graham’s groundbreaking platform.
Legacy: How Graham’s work continues to inspire pianists and educators worldwide.
Why This Episode Matters
My conversation with Graham Fitch stands out as one of the most memorable moments in my five years of hosting The Piano Pod. This is not only because of Graham’s extraordinary expertise and insights but also because it resonates with my journey as a teacher, podcaster, and pianist.
When I created The Piano Pod, my vision was to build a space that brings together my experiences as an educator, performer, and trailblazer who overcame significant odds to make a meaningful impact in music education. It’s a platform where I explore the transformative power of music and share stories that inspire and educate.
This episode with Graham Fitch embodies the essence of that mission. Graham’s work bridges the divide between tradition and innovation in piano pedagogy, much like The Piano Pod seeks to connect classical music with modern audiences. His philosophy of teaching with empathy, adaptability, and respect for individuality perfectly aligns with my belief that music education should empower, not intimidate.
Through this conversation, we dive into topics beyond technical mastery, touching on the profound connection between teacher and student, the evolving role of pedagogy, and how we can make classical music accessible, inspiring, and relevant in today’s world. For me, this episode isn’t just a discussion—it’s a celebration of the transformative possibilities of music education and mentorship.
I’m so excited to share this conversation with you, and I hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired me.
Listen and Learn
🎧 Mark your calendars—this episode premieres on Tuesday, February 11 on our YouTube channel and your favorite podcast platforms. But here’s a special perk for our paid subscribers: you’ll get exclusive early access to this episode right here on Substack one day before the official release. Don’t miss it!
🌐 Explore Graham Fitch’s work at practisingthepiano.com.
Join me as we uncover what makes Graham Fitch one of the most inspiring figures in piano pedagogy today. I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation!
With inspiration and harmony,
Yukimi, Executive Producer of The Piano Pod