Advertise on podcast: Inside the Taubman Approach

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Benjamin Harding interviews Ricky Moreira, a recent graduate who has embraced the Taubman Approach in his piano teaching and playing. Ricky shares his journey from a self-taught musician to a passionate advocate for the Taubman Approach, discussing its profound impact on his teaching style and understanding of piano technique. He emphasizes the importance of natural movement and finding equilibrium in playing, while also addressing common hesitations about the Taubman Approach. The conversation highlights the supportive community within the Golandsky Institute and the ongoing learning process involved in becoming a great teacher. For more information about Ricky visit: https://www.alegriaensemble.com/ The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail Today we welcome the wonderful pianist Matthew Camastro to the show! Having studied with Edna Golandsky for a number of years now, he is a certified teacher of the Taubman Approach through the Golandsky Institute. His journey is fascinating and I think you are really going to enjoy this episode. Let's dive in.  Website: www.camastunes.com Retraining Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/N87grQkCI_I?si=yvPpyNxKeTsInDsF  Matthew's Instagram: @camastunes  The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Benjamin Harding welcomes back pianist and composer Jennifer Rosenfeld to discuss her latest solo album, 'Piano Girl,' and the profound impact of the Taubman Approach on her piano technique and creative process. Jennifer shares her journey of personal growth through music, the evolution of her practice techniques, and her current and future projects, including her work in composition and musical theater. The conversation highlights the importance of mindset, efficiency in practice, and the joy of revisiting challenging repertoire. Jennifer was a guest on Episode #13 in Season 1 of this podcast.  Visit www.jenniferrosenfeld.com for more information on Jennifer's work and creative projects.  The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Inside the Taubman Approach, the podcast from the Golandsky Institute—a vibrant community of pianists, teachers, and musicians dedicated to the pursuit of artistic freedom, technical mastery, and expressive depth. I’m your host, Benjamin Harding, and this episode marks the beginning of Season Two of our series. Over the past year, we’ve heard from remarkable artists who have shared their journeys with the Taubman Approach—how it has transformed their playing, teaching, and understanding of music. And this season, we continue that exploration with even more inspiring voices from within our Golandsky community. To open the season, I’m joined by Barbara Banacos—a gifted pianist and teacher whose insight, generosity, and curiosity embody the spirit of our community. In this conversation, we talk about her journey with the Taubman work, her teaching, her writing on Substack, and the wonderful camaraderie that continues to make the Golandsky Institute such a special home for pianists around the world. It’s a joyful and reflective way to begin Season Two. Here’s my conversation with Barbara Banacos. In this episode of Inside the Taubman Approach, host Benjamin Harding welcomes Barbara Banakos to discuss her journey with the Taubman approach, her teaching experiences, and her new Substack project aimed at promoting the Taubman work. They explore the importance of community within the Golandsky Institute, the challenges and joys of teaching piano, and the significance of mentorship in developing as a musician and educator. Barbara shares insights on building a diverse studio and the excitement surrounding annual gatherings that foster learning and connection among pianists. https://barbarabanacos.com/ https://substack.com/@barbarabanacos The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail Visit: www.marcusostermiller.com  to be in touch with Marcus.  Summary In this conversation, Marcus Ostermiller discusses his journey as a musician, focusing on the challenges he faced with physical pain and how the Taubman work transformed his playing and teaching. He shares insights on the importance of physical well-being in music performance, and how his teaching methodology evolved through his experiences. The discussion highlights the profound impact of understanding physical movement and technique on a musician's confidence and ability to express themselves. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Marcus's Journey with Injury and Recovery 06:39 Understanding the Root Causes of Pain 08:58 Transformation Through Taubman Technique 10:12 Exploring the Taubman Approach with Bob Durso 14:45 Marcus's Musical Journey and Teaching Philosophy 23:09 The Impact of Taubman Work on Performance Confidence Takeaways Musicians often come with a depth of musicianship they crave to express. Physical therapy and strength training are crucial for musicians. Expressive constipation can hinder musical expression. The experience of rotation in playing evolves over time. Taubman work helped me become symptom-free within six months. Understanding physical challenges can lead to better performance. My technique improved significantly after Taubman work. Performances became more confident and grounded after addressing physical issues. Teaching methodology changed as a result of personal experiences. Revisiting past pieces can be a healing journey for musicians. The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail Today's guest is Nikos Syropoulos. For more information on Nikos visit his website at: https://www.nikospiano.com/ Summary In this conversation, Nikos shares his transformative journey with the Taubman Approach, detailing his initial struggles with injury as a jazz pianist and how he found relief and improvement through this technique. He discusses the unique challenges jazz musicians face when integrating Taubman movements into their improvisation and addresses common skepticism about the approach. Nikos emphasizes the continuous discovery and growth that comes with practicing the Taubman technique, encouraging musicians of all backgrounds to explore its benefits. Takeaways Nikos's journey with the Taubman Approach began due to a life-changing injury. He experienced severe pain while playing piano, which led him to seek help. After various unsuccessful treatments, he found relief through the Taubman Approach. The Taubman Approach opened a new world of playing for Nikos. Jazz pianists face unique challenges when learning the Taubman technique. There is something in the Taubman Approach for every pianist, regardless of style. Skepticism about the Taubman Approach is common among jazz musicians. The commitment to the Taubman Approach can lead to significant long-term benefits. Continuous improvement and discovery are key aspects of the Taubman technique. Nikos encourages musicians to find certified teachers to guide them.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Taubman Approach 07:00 Nikos's Journey Through Injury and Recovery 13:27 The Jazz Pianist's Perspective on Taubman Technique 21:00 Overcoming Skepticism in Jazz Pianists 26:21 Innovations in Jazz Pedagogy and Taubman Techniques The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail WALTER'S INFO www.walteraparicio.com IG: @wfaparicio Aires Indios: Piano Music of Bolivia https://open.spotify.com/album/4WUNbg5MaINRCKG8OuKmKa?si=gRyhvZqPSwOukVEwy956rQ Nonprofit org: Foundation for Bolivia Artists  www.bolivianartistfoundation.org Composer Names Mentioned: Eduardo Caba (1890-1953) Daniel Alvarez Veizaga https://alvarez-daniel.com Fugas Bolivianas https://open.spotify.com/album/2wkuxHpaHw7M8uJwsYPuBx?si=9WpgWjTUSv-joFq3gl7BuA The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail For more information on Jeff Nations visit: www.jeffnations.net Born in Kyoto Japan and raised in North Carolina, pianist Jeff Nations began studying at the age of eight and playing professionally by the age of sixteen, performing in local establishments in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina. Actively competing by the age of twelve, he was the recipient of numerous awards, and by age 17 was the first prize winner in the Young Artist Competition held by the Raleigh Piano Teachers' Association. The next year he took first prize in the Concerto Division of the same competition, performing the final movement of Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto in G minor. He was a finalist in the Sanford Scholarship Competition to attend The North Carolina School of the Arts, where his teachers were Marian Hahn and Robert McDonald. While attending NCSA, Mr. Nations was a member of the ONYX Contemporary Ensemble, under which he premiered his own work "Night Fantasy" for solo piano (not to be confused with the work by Elliot Carter of the same title). Upon graduating from NCSA with the prestigious Irwin Freundlich Award in Piano, he was offered a scholarship to study with pianist David Bradshaw in New York City. He has performed in various cities throughout the U.S., including New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., San Antonio, as well as throughout North Carolina and Ohio. His Philadelphia performances include recitals at The Church of Saint Luke and the Epiphany, The Ethical Society of Philadelphia, The Fleischer Art Memorial, Jacob's Music, and The Karin Fuller Capanna Memorial Concert at the Settlement Music School. A classical artist who is accomplished in a variety of musical genres including popular idioms, musical theater, and gospel, he has consistently endeavored to break through barriers that have often stood between the classical musician and the public. From 1995 to 1998 he was a regular pianist for The Philadelphia Gospel Seminars Choir and the Villanova Gospel Choir. Recognized for his performances of works by American composers, he has collaborated extensively with Soprano Diana Barnhart and has also served as Artistic Ambassador for the United States Government, performing in over twenty recitals in countries throughout the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Syria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Oman and Egypt as well as conducting master classes at the Cairo and Alexandria Conservatories. He has lectured on the Taubman Approach and since 1998 has been studying the Taubman Approach with Robert Durso, Senior Faculty Member of The Golandsky Institute. A former faculty member of the Settlement Music School, Mr. Nations now teaches privately in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail You are going to love this episode with Jason Gallagher.  Here is Jason's background in his own words: I've always loved piano. Ever since I was a kid, I loved all the different sounds the piano could make. From the blues to rock to the classics, I played everything.  As I got older and more serious, I realized there were things I couldn’t do. When I tried to play the music I loved, it hurt. I had pains in my wrists, and there were many techniques my body refused to do. I decided to go to college for music because I knew I had limits, and I wanted to go past them. After getting a Bachelor’s and a Master’s, I play well. Professional level. I’ve studied with masters such as Phyllis Lehrer, Ingrid Clarfield, and Robert Durso, and I’ve overcome every difficulty I ever had. Thanks to that, I love piano more as an adult than I ever did as a child.  Here’s the thing:  A lot of what I learned in college can be learned in high school. Middle school. Even elementary school! I can prevent your child from having to face many of these difficulties. I can show your child short cuts to playing the music of their dreams. Because I went through those struggles, I know what to look for, and I know how to fix it.  No matter what your child wants to do with music, I am on the lookout for ways to help them succeed. Yes, everyone believes in hard work, but hard work simply isn’t enough. You need a guide who knows how to get results from that effort. My students have won top awards that led them to performances at Carnegie Hall, Baruch Performing Arts Center, and Gill Memorial Chapel. You can find more information about Jason's studio at:  https://jasonwgallagher.com/ The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail Show Notes: Interview with Sophie Till of the Till ProjectEpisode Overview In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant violinist, Sophie Till, founder of the Till Project, to discuss the transformative power of the Taubman Approach for stringed instrument players. Sophie shares her journey into the world of music, the influence of Edna Golandsky’s work, and how the principles of the Taubman Approach can help string players unlock their potential. Connect with Sophie Till Website: The Till Project Final Thoughts Sophie’s insights on the Taubman Approach and her dedication to helping musicians thrive are sure to inspire listeners. Whether you’re looking to improve your technique or simply explore new ways of playing, this episode offers valuable guidance and encouragement. The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Inside the Taubman Approach I’m Benjamin Harding. On today's episode, I want to outline the idea that yes, the approach is a comprehensive foundation for all of piano technique, but it is more than that. I want to give you steps to pursue this incredible work; for you to be exposed to its transformative power and to excel in the work itself. The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Inside the Taubman Approach! I’m your host, Benjamin Harding, and today we’re diving into an inspiring conversation with the incredible Mary Moran. In this episode, we’ll explore the teaching of the Taubman Approach to young children—how to make these foundational techniques accessible and engaging for the youngest pianists. Mary, with her decades of experience, will share valuable insights on new course and program development initiatives, offering guidance for piano teachers looking to integrate the Taubman Approach into their private studios. We'll also take a fascinating look at the evolution of the Taubman work through the years, highlighting the pivotal moments and innovations that have shaped its impact on piano pedagogy. Whether you're a teacher, a student, or simply passionate about piano, there’s something here for everyone. So, grab your headphones, and let’s get started! https://www.marymoranpiano.com/ The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Inside the Taubman Approach, I’m Benjamin Harding. Today’s episode is a must listen. We welcome the great Edna Golandsky to the podcast to discuss her new book: The Taubman Approach to Piano Technique: A Comprehensive Guide to Overcome Physical Limitations and Unlock Your Full Pianistic Potential. Part one of the interview is today and next week we will have part two.  You can visit Edna’s website to purchase this book. I have my copy in front of me that I purchased on Amazon. You can also get it on Barnes and Noble.  Did you know that Edna has a weekly podcast show on her YouTube channel.  Let’s get into today’s episode! The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail Hey there, it’s Benjamin Harding. Welcome to Inside the Taubman Approach. We’re stepping into a brand-new season of the podcast, and it’s a thrilling time for us here at the Golandsky Institute. Why, you ask? Because next week, September 10th, Edna Golandsky’s highly anticipated book is hitting the shelves! Have you reserved your copy yet? If not, now’s the time—trust me, it’s an incredible read. https://www.ednagolandsky.com/taubman-approach-book So, today’s episode is titled “3 Reasons Why I Think You Need to Listen to Next Week’s Episode.” And let me tell you, you’re not going to want to miss this. Reason Number 1: Next week, we have a very special guest on the podcast—drum roll, please—Edna Golandsky herself! Whenever we get the chance to hear from our master teachers at the Golandsky Institute, it’s a moment to treasure. Edna’s contributions have been foundational. Without her, this institute wouldn’t exist, and the Taubman Approach might have remained a footnote in the history of piano pedagogy. This is a rare opportunity to gain insight directly from one of the pillars of our field. Reason Number 2: Edna will be diving into why she decided to write this book. You’ll get an exclusive look into her motivations and the inspiration behind it. It’s not every day that you hear from the author about the journey and thought process that led to such a significant work. If you’ve ever wondered what drove her to pen this book, this episode will answer that and more. Reason Number 3: We’re also going to get some insights that aren’t in the book. The Taubman Approach is a living, evolving body of knowledge. It’s shaped by its practitioners and the ongoing exploration of its principles. Edna will share some fresh perspectives and additional insights that you won’t find in the book, giving you even more value and understanding of the Taubman Approach. So mark your calendars and tune in next week. This is an episode packed with invaluable insights and a deep dive into the heart of the Taubman Approach. Thanks for joining me today. Until next time, keep exploring and keep playing. The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.

Send us Fan Mail On today's episode the brilliant pianist, Andrew King, shares about his incredible journey of reaching new artistic heights through the Taubman Approach. He has been studying this work with master teacher, Robert Durso, for two decades. His quest to finding a comprehensive piano technique was on his heart for many years until one day, serendipitously he was making eggs in a communal kitchen in Vienna when someone shared with him the Taubman Approach. You will have to listen to the full episode to hear about his journey which includes a sketchy treatment for pain offered by a teacher which included bunches of garlic and whacking his hand with a Bible. Don't miss it! Here we go. http://andrewkingpianist.com/ Pianist Andrew King is a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative artist based in Connecticut.  Mr. King has performed throughout the Northeast, including to a sold-out hall at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall as soloist and with his colleague, soprano Julie Reumert.  He has played in masterclasses for several world-class pianists and pedagogues, including Edna Golandsky, Ilya Itin, Paul Roberts, Yael Weiss, and Robert Wyatt. After winning many local competitions by age 17, Mr. King went on to Bowdoin College to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. He subsequently completed his master’s degree in piano performance from the Hartt School of Music as the recipient of the William S. Vincent Scholarship. While studying in Vienna, Austria, he and violist Sean Reilly won the first prize in chamber music for the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) program in 2003, and they performed with musicians from Milan, Italy.  Mr. King regularly performs on the St. John’s Summer Music Concert Series in Williamstown, Massachusetts.   In addition to performing, Mr. King continues to refine his technique as both student and teacher. He is a Certified Associate Instructor of the Taubman Approach, the groundbreaking and transformative approach to piano playing that provides the necessary tools for musical expressiveness through healthy motions at the keyboard. He has studied extensively with Robert Durso, master Taubman teacher and co-founder of the Golandsky Institute, in New York; he was also a student of Gerald Stofsky in Vienna, and Margreet Francis and David Westfall at the Hartt School of Music. After teaching as faculty of the Hartt School Community Division for many years, Mr. King now offers private lessons, both online and at his home studio in Connecticut. He is a long-standing member of the Hartford Chapter of the Connecticut State Music Teachers Association, through which his students have frequently placed in local competitions. He also serves as an adjudicator for piano competitions and presents introductory workshops on the Taubman Approach. For more information, please visit andrewkingpianist.com. The Golandsky Institute's mission is to provide cutting-edge instruction to pianists based on the groundbreaking work of Dorothy Taubman. This knowledge can help them overcome technical and musical challenges, cure and prevent playing-related injuries, and lead them to achieve their highest level of artistic excellence. Please visit our website at: www.golandskyinstitute.org.