Pedagogy, Practice, and Performance w/ Myron Silberstein

The Consummate Collaborator w/Mila Henry

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 Info Website: milahenry.com [http://mylahenry.com] Instagram:   @myohmilahenry [https://www.instagram.com/myohmilahenry/?hl=en] Opera Cowgirls: operacowgirls.com [http://operacowgirls.com] 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/joinptrh Piano 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/ [https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/] Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass [https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass] Instagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass [https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass] FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass [https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/] Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/ [https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/] Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclass [https://x.com/pianotechclass] Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu [https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass [https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass]

The Jazz Artisan w/ Zenon Zadravec

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 [http://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/joinptrh Piano 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/ [https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/] Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass [https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass] Instagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass [https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass] FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass [https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/] Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/ [https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/] Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclass [https://x.com/pianotechclass] Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu [https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass [https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass]

Pedagogy, Practice, and Performance w/ Myron Silberstein

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/joinptrh Piano 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/ [https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/] Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass [https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass] Instagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass [https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass] FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass [https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/] Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/ [https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/] Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclass [https://x.com/pianotechclass] Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu [https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass [https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass]

The Artful Accompanist w/Miguel de la Cerna

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/joinptrh Piano 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/ [https://www.pianotechniciansmasterclass.com/] Linktree - https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass [https://linktr.ee/pianotechmasterclass] Instagram - https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass [https://instagram.com/pianotechmasterclass] FB - https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass [https://www.facebook.com/pianotechmasterclass] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/piano-technicians-masterclasses/] Substack: https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/ [https://pianotechniciansmasterclass.substack.com/] Twitter (X) - https://x.com/pianotechclass [https://x.com/pianotechclass] Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu [https://open.spotify.com/show/1jiIJEA9pToGft6fdfZaxu] YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass [https://www.youtube.com/@pianotechmasterclass]

The Living Piano Legacy w/ Robert Estrin

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.com [https://www.livingpianos.com]YouTube: @LivingPianosVideo [https://www.youtube.com/@LivingPianosVideos] Robert 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.