100 Works, One Mission: Leah Claiborne - Yamaha Artist & Scholar

100 Works, One Mission: Leah Claiborne - Yamaha Artist & Scholar

Author: Yukimi Song June 4, 2025 Duration: 1:20:06

This episode is brought to you by Juneteenth LP — Celebrating Black artistry and legacy in classical music.

🎧 What if every child could see themselves in the music they study? In this robust conversation, Dr. Leah Claiborne —pianist, Yamaha Artist, educator, and founder of Ebony Music Inc.—joins The Piano Pod to discuss her mission to expand and redefine the classical canon.

From her work on the 100 Works by Black Composers project to her publications and courses on inclusive teaching, Dr. Claiborne is shaping the future of music education through artistry, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

🎹 In this episode, we explore:

  • ✅ The groundbreaking 100 Works by Black Composers project (Sphinx Venture Fund)
  • ✅ Why beginner repertoire is where real change begins
  • ✅ How identity and community shape pedagogy
  • ✅ Tools for teachers committed to diversity and inclusion
  • ✅ Her musical journey—from a jazz-rooted upbringing to classical advocacy

Whether you are a piano teacher, student, performer, or arts leader, this conversation will leave you inspired, challenged, and equipped to make classical music more inclusive and representative.

Connect with Dr. Claiborne:

Dr. Claiborne’s Publications – Expanding the Repertoire (Hal Leonard):

About Our Sponsor — Juneteenth LP

Founded by pianist and cultural leader Dr. Nnenna Ogwo, Juneteenth LP is now in its 10th year of celebrating Black classical musicians through transformative performances, education, and community events. From their annual concert at Joe’s Pub to their ongoing advocacy, Juneteenth LP is helping to reshape the future of classical music through the lens of heritage, liberation, and joy.

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to The Piano Pod for more conversations at the intersection of artistry, equity, and innovation in classical music.


Hosted by New York-based classical pianist and educator Yukimi Song, The Piano Pod serves as a genuine meeting point for anyone captivated by the keyboard. This isn't just a series of conversations about famous composers, though they certainly come up. Instead, Yukimi builds a global hub where the rich traditions of piano music intersect directly with contemporary innovation and practical education. Every other week, the podcast delves into the specific, often overlooked details that bring the music to life-from the technical choices of a concert pianist to the pedagogical insights of a master teacher, and even the perspectives of those designing the future of the instrument itself. Listeners become part of a broader connection, hearing stories and expertise that move beyond the concert hall. The discussions are intimate and revealing, focusing on the real work behind the artistry. You'll hear about the challenges of interpretation, the evolution of teaching methods, and how technology is reshaping what's possible. It’s a space where curiosity about the piano’s past, present, and future is the only prerequisite. For enthusiasts, students, and professionals alike, this podcast offers a consistent source of inspiration and a deeper understanding of the complex, fascinating ecosystem that exists around those eighty-eight keys.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Piano Pod - a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano music
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