2024
In February, I launched my own YouTube channel, and released several video essays – including one about Glenn Gould’s notorious Brahms Conerto performance that now has over 600,000 views.
Throughout the year, I gained more than 40,000 subscribers and my videos amassed over 3.2 million views. I released about 53 videos, 39 of which were part of Season 1 of The Chopin Podcast, an in-depth and thoughtfully crafted podcast series dedicated to exploring the masterpieces of Frédéric Chopin.
Season 1 of The Chopin Podcast was released from October to December 2024 and featured pianist Garrick Ohlsson. This series was produced in collaboration with the Chopin Foundation of the United States.
Together, Garrick and I covered works such as Chopin’s Preludes, Nocturnes, Ballades, Scherzos, Etudes, Waltzes, Impromptus, Barcarolle, Berceuse, and Fantaisie. Notable guests included musicologist Alan Walker, critic Jed Distler, and pianists Eric Lu, Dina Yoffe, and Claire Huangci, who provided historical context, performance insights, and personal reflections on Chopin's compositions. The podcast and accompanying YouTube videos successfully engaged both musicians and general audiences with its accessible yet sophisticated approach to Chopin’s music. The Chopin Podcast was awarded #9 in the U.S. Music Commentary category on Apple Podcasts. To learn more about TCP, please click HERE!
I also partnered with the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition and Aspen Music Festival and School to produce some behind-the-scenes content. Through these collaborations, I was able to showcase the artistry, preparation, and human stories that take place behind the keyboard.
Also, you should know, I don't only exist in pixelated form! I'm also a flesh-and-blood human being, excited to return from cyberspace to pursue opportunities in the physical world.
In the early months of 2024, I gave a presentation at NYU for the Piano Teachers Congress of New York entitled Creating Piano Education Content for YouTube. I also got back to in-person teaching as a new member of the Utah State music faculty.
I was also on the faculty of the 2024 summer tonebase Piano Camp held at the Adamant Music School near Montpelier, Vermont.
In the fall of 2024, I established my new company LaudeArts offering services in content creation and consulting to classical music institutions. To date, I’ve already secured partnerships with the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, Aspen Music Festival and School, and the Chopin Foundation of the United States – resulting in ongoing content creation projects that will lead to dozens of videos and podcast episodes. Stay tuned!
Meanwhile, back to practicing editing!