Ukraine To Carnegie: The Power Of Music
- Dr. Tom Rogers
- Nov 11
- 4 min read
Welcome to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health.
This week, our focus extends beyond the boundaries of traditional medicine and dives deep into the incredible, life-changing power of music. I was joined by two remarkable guests: renowned piano teacher Carol Stone and her student, the young prodigy Yael Shumakher, whose journey from Ukraine to the stage of Carnegie Hall is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
During this episode, I sat down with Yael Shumakher, an 11-year-old piano prodigy, to hear about her moving journey from war-torn Ukraine to the United States. Yael’s story began in the midst of chaos as she and her family woke to the sound of bombs—a moment that changed everything. Through the kindness of sponsors like Rick and Sandy Bateman, the support of Celebration Church, and the unwavering dedication of her teacher Carol Stone, Yael found hope and purpose in her new life. Her extraordinary focus, daily discipline, and love of music have driven her to excel, and now she's preparing to fulfill a lifelong goal: performing at Carnegie Hall.
We explored the profound role that music plays in Yael’s life—not simply as a pastime, but as her true calling. From the time she first heard piano music at age five, Yael knew where her heart was. That early spark transformed into unshakeable determination by age seven, when she told Carol Stone she wanted to be a concert pianist and play at Carnegie Hall. Today, under Carol’s guidance, she’s preparing a piece with deep personal and historical roots: the Ukrainian Concerto No. 2 by Alexander Pisconov, inspired by the composer’s grandmother’s tragic experience under the Stalin regime. This moving story reveals how music can transcend borders, heal wounds, and create lasting connections, even in the face of hardship.
PODCAST NOTES
The idea that music holds extraordinary therapeutic value emerged as a central theme, with personal stories underscoring its power to redeem and heal in ways traditional medicine often cannot. Through Yael’s experience, we see how music can serve as emotional refuge, fostering resilience and a sense of hope following trauma.
Yael is not your average child prodigy; her musical journey is intertwined with her escape from Ukraine. Her family’s transition—fleeing a war zone, seeking safety, adapting to a new culture, and finding themselves embraced by supportive communities—parallels the transformative power that music can have in the process of overcoming adversity.
The critical role of community was evident in the support Yael received. From the Bateman family’s sponsorship to Celebration Church’s warm embrace, it took a village to provide stability and opportunity during a profoundly disruptive time in Yael’s life. Their acts of kindness helped ignite her musical ambitions and gave her the stability to pursue excellence.
Yael’s clarity of vision, shown at the tender age of seven, is especially remarkable. When others her age might be dreaming in broad strokes, Yael had a precise goal—to become a concert pianist and perform at Carnegie Hall. This singular focus not only distinguishes her but also reveals the motivating power of clear purpose during childhood development.
The intensive preparation Yael undertakes is a model of dedication. She practices piano for at least two and a half hours each day, in addition to regular lessons with Carol Stone. This consistent commitment highlights that extraordinary accomplishment results from daily effort and sustained mentorship, not just innate talent.
The musical centerpiece for Yael’s upcoming performance is Ukrainian Concerto No. 2 by Alexander Pisconov—a living composer with close ties to Carol Stone. The piece itself is a tribute to Pisconov’s grandmother and reflects a poignant personal and historical narrative, transforming family memory into musical legacy.
Carol Stone provides more than technical instruction; she gives Yael emotional and psychological guidance, linking the music to the people who inspire it. Carol sees Yael’s spirit mirrored in Pisconov’s grandmother—a feisty, spontaneous energy—demonstrating the importance of personal connection in teaching and interpreting music.
Preparation for Yael’s Carnegie Hall performance involves collaborating with the Chamber Orchestra of the Brooklyn Music Teachers Guild and working directly with maestro Camilo Rojas. Practicing teamwork, adaptability, and taking direction from accomplished mentors is giving Yael experience that extends beyond any single performance—preparing her for a future as a true concert pianist.
The story of Yael Shumakher and Carol Stone is a reminder of the countless ways meaning and purpose can foster healing—even when life is difficult and uncertain. Yael’s journey illustrates that health isn’t measured solely by physical wellness; it’s found in the joy, connection, and drive we discover through pursuit of our passions.
If you feel inspired by Yael’s resilience and growth, I urge you to support her upcoming Carnegie Hall performance by contributing to her GoFundMe (I’ll link below) and sharing her story. Above all, let this episode inspire you to seek the “music” in your own life—whatever form it takes—and to remember that together, community and purpose can help us weather even the darkest times.
Stay educated. Stay healthy.
Till next week.
