5 minutes with ... Christopher O'Riley.

One of today's leading pianists, Christopher O'Riley hosts From the Top, a weekly radio series showcasing exceptional young classical musicians. A New England Conservatory Artist Diploma graduate, O'Riley has earned top awards, scholarships and grants. New CDs include his own piano re-imaginings of songs by the rock group Radiohead.

I've seen your name spelled "O'Riley" and "O'Reilly." An "Artur" vs. "Arthur" Rubinstein thing?

"O'Riley" is correct; I've given up on correcting alternative spellings.

I'm a big fan of From the Top (FTT).

It's our seventh year. I was approached by the executive producers, who thought, "Wouldn't it be great if young musicians were lavished the same media attention afforded, say, gymnasts?" They appreciated my varied background and felt my informal style would connect with listeners.

Did you imagine this fate early on?

It wasn't planned, but my family has a history in radio, and I've had experience emceeing and performing in unlikely places--car dealerships, hospices, schools, etc.--where audiences were not necessarily familiar with classical music. I never envisioned I'd be best known for hosting FTT; many people are surprised to discover I play the piano!

So success isn't just about sitting at a piano practicing ...

It's finding an outlet for doing the kinds of things you most enjoy.

Any counseling of guests over stagefright? (Like, "Honey, just ignore the microphones, bright lights and harsh listeners in radio land WHO HOLD THE FATE OF YOUR WHOLE CAREER IN THEIR HANDS.")

FTT's guests radiate their sheer innocent love of music, and they have other passions that make them hearty and interesting characters to interview. It's only later, in conservatories and competitions, that musicians play like their lives depend on it and vex over what judges, critics, teachers or managers think. Our kids don't get caught up in that, which is a great lesson for me. I have to constantly remind myself that people go to concerts primarily to enjoy music, not to criticize.

How much is spontaneous vs. scripted on FTT?

It's both. Our extensive pre-interviews help us find the most interesting and compelling ways to present our guests--sometimes a straight-ahead interview, perhaps a humorous skit.

Do you get fan mail? Marriage proposals? Timed release anthrax from disgruntled performers?

(Laughing.) Disgruntled performers? No. They tell us it's a very positive experience. No marriage proposals, though I'm invited to dates--by both genders!

Does humor trivialize great music?

My hope is that, even with our wacky informality, the music is always taken seriously. I am concerned when we're compelled by time constraints or logistics to cut pieces or read credits over a performance, even though we clear it with guests.

You call your piano arrangements (for example, music by Radiohead) "re-imaginings?"

I have been doing arrangements since I can remember. My background includes jazz and pop, so it's natural for me to "re-package, re-address and re-invigorate" tunes I like.

How do you keep so fit? (Swimming shores up my rippling uniceps!)

Hate water. Workouts include the StairMaster, weights and yoga.

Arthur Houle is founder and director of the International Festival for Creative Pianists (www.pianofestival.org). Houle has taught at the New England and Boston Conservatories, the Universities of iowa, North Dakota and Texas-Austin and, most recently, at Albertson College.