Piano, Finally podcast

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Insights Unlocked

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How Anthropologie gets omnichannel right (and what to learn) 27:29

for 1 day siden27:29

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Episode web page: https://tinyurl.com/2b3dz2z8 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked , please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked , we explore the evolving landscape of omnichannel strategies with Kate MacCabe, founder of Flywheel Strategy. With nearly two decades of experience in digital strategy and product management, Kate shares her insights on bridging internal silos, leveraging customer insights, and designing omnichannel experiences that truly resonate. From the early days of DTC growth to today’s complex, multi-touchpoint customer journeys, Kate explains why omnichannel is no longer optional—it’s essential. She highlights a standout example from Anthropologie, demonstrating how brands can create a unified customer experience across digital and physical spaces. Whether you’re a marketing leader, UX strategist, or product manager, this episode is packed with actionable advice on aligning teams, integrating user feedback, and building a future-proof omnichannel strategy. Key Takeaways: ✅ Omnichannel vs. Multichannel: Many brands think they’re omnichannel, but they’re really just multichannel. Kate breaks down the difference and how to shift toward true integration. ✅ Anthropologie’s Success Story: Learn how this brand seamlessly blended physical and digital experiences to create a memorable, data-driven customer journey. ✅ User Feedback is the Secret Weapon: Discover how continuous user testing—before, during, and after a launch—helps brands fine-tune their strategies and avoid costly mistakes. ✅ Aligning Teams for Success: Cross-functional collaboration is critical. Kate shares tips on breaking down silos between marketing, product, and development teams. ✅ Emerging Tech & Omnichannel: Instead of chasing the latest tech trends, Kate advises businesses to define their strategic goals first—then leverage AI, AR, and other innovations to enhance the customer experience. Quotes from the Episode: 💬 "Omnichannel isn’t just about being everywhere; it’s about creating seamless bridges between every touchpoint a customer interacts with." – Kate MacCabe 💬 "Companies that truly listen to their users—through qualitative and quantitative insights—are the ones that thrive in today’s competitive landscape." – Kate MacCabe Resources & Links: 🔗 Learn more about Flywheel Strategy 🔗 Connect with Kate MacCabe on LinkedIn 🔗 Explore UserTesting for customer insights for marketers…

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Piano Finally is a podcast by an old bloke who is learning the piano, finally. I cover the process of learning the piano and music theory as an adult learner. I also review piano books, hardware and other materials from an adult learner's perspective.

43 episoder

#Theater #Arts #Podcasting Education #Music #Self-Improvement #David Reidy #Piano #Music Learning #Adult Learning #Piano Reviews

Piano, finally

updated for 2 dager siden

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43 episoder

#Theater #Arts #Podcasting Education #Music #Self-Improvement #David Reidy #Piano #Music Learning #Adult Learning #Piano Reviews

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Episode 42 - Devi Mamak 31:37

for 2 dager siden31:37

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🎙️ Episode 42 – Devi Mamak G’day, and welcome back to Piano, finally —a podcast by an old bloke learning the piano, finally. This week’s episode is a little different. I’m thrilled to share the very first interview on the show, and it’s with someone many of you have heard me mention before—my piano teacher, Devi Mamak . We sat down at her studio to chat about music, teaching, and learning piano as an adult. A big thanks to Devi for taking the time to speak after a full day of teaching. 🎹 Links from the episode Check out Devi’s music and teaching via her website: 🔗 https://caravandancecompany.com.au/devi-mamak/ 📬 Get in touch Let me know how your own piano (or other musical) journey is going. Email me at: david@pianofinally.show Show website: www.pianofinally.show 🎧 Coming up next week We’ll be back to the usual format. I’ll chat about how we picked the next four Grade 1 pieces from the AMEB Piano for Leisure and ABRSM Rock School books, and walk through how I set myself up for productive practice sessions. 🎵 Progress update I’m working on refining three pieces: Fritz Spindler’s Canon Turk’s Bagatelle in F Andrew Craggs’ Afternoon Snooze You’ll hear the first take of each—rough edges and all. Thanks again for tuning in. Until next time, may your piano stay in tune and your practice time be rewarding. Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 41 - Pianos and Keyboards 15:30

for 9 dager siden15:30

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🎙 Episode 41 – Pianos and Keyboards G’day, and welcome back to Piano, Finally – the podcast by an old bloke, finally learning piano. In this episode, we take a look at a curious music theory making the rounds on YouTube, dip a toe into the world of electronic keyboards, and review a more contemporary collection of piano pieces from AMEB’s Rock School. 🎵 A Conspiracy in Classical Music? It started with a video about using a metronome and ended with a full-blown theory claiming we’re all playing classical music twice as fast as intended. This “Whole Beat Theory” suggests tempo markings were meant for both ticks and tocks of a metronome, not just ticks. It’s an interesting idea… but does it hold up to scrutiny? Turns out, not really. Performances by pianists like Ashkenazy and Yunchan Lim show that Chopin’s intended tempo for the Revolutionary Etude is quite playable the conventional way. We also get into why this theory falls apart when applied to opera or examined historically. You won’t find a link to the video here, but if you're curious, a quick search for “Whole Beat Conspiracy” should do the trick. 🎹 Essay – Getting Curious About Keyboards Thanks to a few YouTube suggestions (and maybe a recent headphone search), I’ve found myself watching videos about electronic keyboards. Turns out, there's a whole universe of buttons, knobs and sliders up there beyond the keys. A couple of videos worth checking out: How to sound like Elton John on a Nord Stage 3 Patch walkthrough for iconic pop song sounds It’s fascinating stuff – especially how a traditional piano performance can be shaped by modern tech. I’m definitely intrigued, and a stage piano might be on the wishlist now. 🎧 Review – AMEB Rock School Grade 1 If you’re looking for graded music that’s a bit more modern, the Rock School syllabus might be worth a look. I picked up the Grade One book and found pieces by the likes of Taylor Swift, The Beatles, and Sir Elton John. The pieces are short, approachable, and well within reach after a year of playing. You can hear them before you buy too: Summit School of Music's Grade 1 playlist Buy the book at AMEB 🎼 Progress & Practice This week, I was a bit out of sorts with my routine – left my practice notes at work – but still made some headway. Working on Blackout Blues by Andrew Craggs and a Mozart piece ( Die Zauberflöte arrangement) with a focus on hands separately. Played on the Kawai Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 40 - External Memory 14:54

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Welcome Welcome to episode 40 of Piano, Finally! If you're new here, I hope you enjoy the show. If you’re a returning listener, thanks for coming back! If you're learning piano or another instrument, I'd love to hear how you're going—drop me an email at david@pianofinally.show. This week, I prepared part of this episode at the Sydney Opera House before attending Bell Shakespeare’s Henry V. It’s one of my favorite Shakespeare history plays, and this production was excellent. YouTube Spotlight: Jameson Nathan Jones Jameson Nathan Jones is a composer and performer with a unique approach to music composition. His YouTube channel stands out with video titles like Key Signatures Aren’t Prisons and Music Theory that Composers Actually Use. His training in classical piano and organ makes his teaching particularly relevant. If you're interested in composing as well as playing, his channel is worth checking out: Jameson Nathan Jones . Essay – External Memory Balancing learning the piano with a busy life means finding ways to stay organized. This week, I focused on improving my practice efficiency. My system includes: A leather briefcase with printed scores and backup reading glasses An iPad with Newzik for digital scores (though I often forget to charge it!) A big hardcover notebook where my teacher, Devi, writes key practice points Taking notes during and after practice has helped make my sessions more productive and given me a clearer sense of progress. Keeping track of improvements is a great way to stay motivated, especially when frustration strikes (like hitting unintended black keys!). Review – AMEB Piano for Leisure I’ve been looking for repertoire to challenge myself, and while browsing a music store, I came across the AMEB Piano for Leisure series. Unlike the traditional classical syllabus, Piano for Leisure offers a more varied selection of pieces but maintains the same technical requirements. I picked up the Series 1, First Grade book, which includes 11 diverse pieces—from boogie woogie to Mozart. The structured difficulty makes it a great choice for learners. If you’re considering it, you can preview the pieces online: AMEB Piano for Leisure . I also found complete YouTube playlists for these books, making it easy to hear how the pieces should sound: AMEB Repertoire . Closing By the way, Henry V was a fantastic production—if you get the chance to see it, I highly recommend it. Progress Update This week, I focused on refining my articulation in Baga Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 39 - Choosing Music 15:01

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🎹 Episode 39 – Choosing Music 🎶 Welcome! Thanks for tuning in to Episode 39 of Piano, finally ! Whether you're a first-time listener or a returning friend, I appreciate you being here. If you're on your own piano-learning journey, feel free to share your progress with me at david@pianofinally.show. 🎧 Piano News & Resources 🎼 Chopin Podcast Returns! Ben Laude announced that The Chopin Podcast is back with a monthly release schedule leading up to the International Chopin Competition. Check it out here . 🎵 ABRSM's Start Here Podcast The second season of ABRSM’s Start Here podcast, hosted by Alexis Ffrench, is now available. It explores different musical genres and is a great way to discover new sounds. Listen here . 🎹 Howard Piano Industries YouTube & Podcast If you're into piano care and maintenance, Howard Piano Industries has a fantastic collection of videos and a new podcast. Learn about tuning, repairs, and piano history. Find it here . 📝 Essay – Choosing Music Finding the right music as an adult learner can be a challenge. Many beginner books are geared towards children, but there are great alternatives: ✔️ Easy Piano Books – Look for Easy Piano or Really Easy Piano editions of music you love. These books often include a range of difficulties, allowing you to progress naturally. ✔️ Exam Syllabuses – Music examination boards publish graded lists of pieces that are great for structured learning. Some useful ones: ABRSM Piano Syllabus 2025/26 – Download here. ANZCA Piano Syllabus – View here . RCM Piano Syllabus – Check it out. If you're looking for pieces that are not too easy, not too hard , these syllabuses are a great place to start! 🔧 Review - The Piano Doctor’s Tuning Kit Interested in learning how to tune a piano? I picked up The Piano Doctor’s tuning kit and gave it a try. The set includes: A sturdy tuning hammer with a fixed-angle head Rubber mutes to silence strings Additional rubber mute ends For beginners looking for a reliable kit, this is a solid option. Check it out here . Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 38 - Move On 13:05

for 4 weeks siden13:05

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Welcome G’day, and welcome to Episode 38 of Piano, Finally ! If you’re new here, I hope you enjoy the episode. If you’re a returning listener, thanks for coming back! This week, I’m recording on Saturday instead of Sunday because tomorrow, I’ll be attending my first Sydney Symphony Orchestra concert of the year. The program includes a new work by Australian composer Carl Vine, the Elgar Violin Concerto , and Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 3 , plus a pre-concert lecture. I’ll share all the details in next week’s episode! YouTube Recommendation – Words Unravelled I recently came across the YouTube channel Words Unravelled , presented by Rob Watts and American academic Jess Zafarris. Like RobWords , it delves into language origins, and the episode I watched was What’s the Difference Between a Violin and a Fiddle? . The episode explores the history of instrument names, including how piano is a contraction of pianoforte , which itself comes from gravicembalo col piano e forte . It also looks at the names of string and brass instruments—you might be surprised where trumpet fits in! Check out the episode here: Watch on YouTube Essay – Move On This week’s essay is inspired by one of my favorite Stephen Sondheim songs, Move On , from Sunday in the Park with George . The song encourages artists to keep moving forward despite external opinions—a message that resonates deeply with me as a piano learner. One of the biggest challenges I face is transitioning from learning a piece to performing it. In practice, I stop and correct mistakes, but in performance mode, I need to move on without disrupting the flow. It’s a skill I’m still working on, and it’s reassuring to know that even professional pianists make the occasional slip but recover seamlessly. Book Review – The Musician’s Way My piano teacher, Devi, recently lent me The Musician’s Way: A Guide to Practice, Performance, and Wellness by Gerald Klickstein. Written by a performer and teacher with over 30 years of experience, this book offers practical advice for musicians. It divides practice into three phases: New material – Understanding the piece before even touching the instrument. Developing material – Refining technique, articulation, and dynamics. Performance material – Preparing for a confident and seamless presentation. One of Klickstein’s key insights is to include articulation and dynamics from the start, so you don’t learn an incorrect version first—a piece of advice Devi often gives me! If you're interested, the book is available here: The Musician’s Way on Amazon Progr Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 37 - Variety 17:12

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Introduction Welcome to Episode 37 of Piano, Finally , the podcast about learning the piano as an adult. This week, David talks about adding variety to practice routines, an insightful piano teaching podcast, and some exciting upcoming piano events. Podcast Recommendation – The TopMusic Piano Podcast Hosted by Rachel Ehring, this podcast is packed with insights for piano teachers, but learners will also find value in its interviews with musicians and discussions on different teaching styles. Listen here: TopMusic Piano Podcast . Essay – Variety in Practice Keeping practice sessions engaging is essential for staying motivated. David discusses how incorporating different musical styles, limiting repetitive playthroughs, and introducing fresh pieces can prevent practice fatigue. Blackout Blues by Andrew Craggs has been a fun addition, and the blues scale adds a new challenge. Upcoming Piano Events 📍 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (Texas, USA) – May 21 to June 7, 2025. Attend screening auditions for free! More info . 📍 Piano+ Autumn Piano School (Armidale, NSW) – April 14, 2025. A concert featuring the school’s tutors. Get tickets . 📍 Out West Piano Fest (Bathurst, NSW) – October 24-26, 2025. Sign up for ticket updates: Event info . 📍 Blue Mountains Music Festival – March 14-16, 2025. A weekend of live music! Tickets . YouTube Recommendation – Pur Pasteur The video Which Chord Sequences Produce Which Emotions explores the emotional impact of different chord progressions. A must-watch for theory enthusiasts! Watch here . Progress Update This week’s practice includes: 🎵 Bagatelle in F – Daniel Gotlobb Türk 🎵 Afternoon Snooze – Andrew Craggs 🎵 Blackout Blues – Andrew Craggs (focus on specific sections) David has also changed his recording approach—this time, sharing the first take, mistakes and all. Let him know if you prefer this unedited approach! Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 36 - Vision and Reality 16:03

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Balancing big dreams with real progress—this week, I talk about the challenge of picking a new piece to learn. Beethoven’s Waldstein Sonata? Maybe not yet, but setting ambitious goals keeps the journey exciting! 🚀 I’m also diving into Blackout Blues by Andrew Craggs—my first swing rhythm piece! Plus, I review Newzik , a game-changing tool for digital sheet music 📱🎼. Check out the full episode now! 🎧✨ Introduction Welcome to Episode 36 of Piano, Finally , the podcast about learning the piano as an adult. In this episode, David talks about balancing vision and reality in piano learning, a new piece he’s working on, and a useful tool for organizing sheet music. YouTube Recommendation – Pierre Piscitelli This week’s featured YouTube channel is run by Pierre Piscitelli, a pianist, educator, and arranger from New York City. His channel includes a mix of educational content and piano tutorials with clear and engaging instruction. He offers arrangements in different levels, making it a great resource for pianists of all skill levels. Check out his channel: Pierre Piscitelli YouTube Channel . Essay – Vision and Reality Choosing a new piece to learn can be a challenge, especially when balancing aspirations with current abilities. David reflects on the dream of playing Beethoven’s Waldstein Sonata (Op. 53) while recognizing the reality of his current level. He explores how setting ambitious yet achievable goals can help maintain motivation. You can find the Waldstein Sonata sheet music here: IMSLP – Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 21. New Piece – Blackout Blues David has started learning Blackout Blues by Andrew Craggs. The piece introduces swing rhythms, marking a new challenge in his learning journey. He shares his experience with tackling difficult sections and focusing on rhythm and dynamics. Tool Review – Newzik Looking for an efficient way to organize sheet music and make annotations? David reviews Newzik , a digital sheet music viewer for iOS devices. It offers features like cloud syncing, PDF annotation, and even page-turning via facial gestures or a pedal. It’s a great tool for digital sheet music management. Find out more: Newzik Official Website . Progress Update This week’s practice includes Afternoon Snooze by Andrew Craggs and the first steps of Blackout Blues . David shares insights into articulation, dynamics, and mastering tricky rhythmic phrases. The recordings were made using a Kawai NV10 with Pianoteq 8 modeling a C. Bechstein DG piano. Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 35 - Curiosity 16:09

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🔹 Introduction Welcome to Episode 35! If you're new here, I hope you enjoy the podcast. If you're a returning listener, thanks for coming back! Feel free to share your musical journey with me at david@pianofinally.show . 🔹 This Week’s Highlights A busy start to the school year and reflections on getting back into teaching. MRI scans took some time away from piano practice, but all is well! Watched an amazing two-piano concert featuring Yuja Wang and Víkingur Ólafsson on Stage+: 🎵 Schubert, Rachmaninoff, Cage, Pärt, and Adams 🎥 Watch it here: Stage+ Concert Observations on page-turning methods : Yuja uses an iPad with a foot pedal, while Víkingur relies on printed scores and a page-turner. Have you tried either method? Let me know! 🔹 🎥 YouTube Spotlight: Aspen Music Festival and School YouTube's algorithm finally got something right! This week, I discovered the Aspen Music Festival and School , an annual program for pre-professional musicians. Their YouTube channel offers: 🎻 Performances across a wide range of instruments 🎹 Masterclasses with world-class musicians 🎶 Insightful interviews about music and performance 📺 Check out their channel: Aspen Music Festival on YouTube A recommended video features Daniil Trifonov and Sergei Babayan rehearsing Rachmaninoff’s Suite No. 2 and discussing their musical approach. Watch it here: Trifonov & Babayan – Aspen Festival 🔹 Essay – Curiosity in Music This week’s thoughts on curiosity —not just for scientists, but for musicians too! How curiosity helps us understand the meaning behind compositions Exploring music theory: Why do major and minor triads evoke such different emotions? Learning orchestration and tackling new concepts to deepen musical understanding 📺 Another interesting video on curiosity in music: Musical Exploration 🔹 Review – Musicnotes 🎼 A look at Musicnotes , a leading online source for digital sheet music. 🎵 Massive collection of sheet music for piano, guitar, voice, and more 📖 Offers interactive sheet music and self-publishing options 🎶 Free manuscript paper downloads! 🔗 Explore Musicnotes: Musicnotes Website 🔗 Free Sheet Music & Manuscript Paper: Musicnotes Free Section 🎶 Until next time—keep your piano in tune and enjoy the music! 🎵 Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 34 - Planning 15:31

for 8 weeks siden15:31

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Welcome to Episode 34 of Piano, Finally , hosted by David Reidy. In this episode, David reflects on the start of the new school year, shares his goals for piano learning, and dives into some fascinating content from the world of classical music. In This Episode: 🎹 Introduction: David kicks off the episode with updates on his return to teaching and the new website at www.pianofinally.show . 🎶 Musical Insights: Arsenii Moon’s Winning Performance: David discusses Arsenii Moon’s joyful performance of Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini at the 2023 Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition. Tiffany Poon’s Practice Routine: Observations on Tiffany Poon’s latest YouTube video , highlighting the challenges even professional pianists face during practice. 🎥 YouTube Spotlight – Ben Laude’s Channel: David revisits Ben Laude’s channel, featuring behind-the-scenes content from the National Chopin Piano Competition: Contestants Reflect on Chopin Finalists Prepare for the Concert Chopin’s Polonaises with Karina Tseng & Anthony Ratinov 🗒️ Planning for the Year: David shares his personal piano goals, including: Mastering preparatory and preliminary level pieces Exploring pop music chord progressions with Scaler 2 Diving deeper into music theory and composition with Guy Michelmore’s course 🎭 Review – The Stephen Sondheim Collection: David reviews a comprehensive collection of Stephen Sondheim’s scores, perfect for fans and aspiring pianists: Volume 1 Volume 2 The Almost Unknown Sondheim 🎧 Progress Update: David shares recordings of: Bagatelle in F by Daniel Gottlob Türk Afternoon Snooze by Andrew Craggs Czerny Op. 599, Exercise 1 Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 33 - Playing With Music 16:33

for 9 weeks siden16:33

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Introduction Welcome to Episode 33 of Piano, Finally, a podcast by David Reidy, an old bloke learning the piano. Podcast Website Update The podcast website is undergoing changes. The new site is hosted on Buzzsprout, and while the main address remains www.pianofinally.show , you can also visit the temporary site at www.pianofinally.buzzsprout.com if the transition is still in progress. Sydney Festival – Sigfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera David attended Sigfried & Roy: The Unauthorised Opera, a production by the Sydney Theatre Company. The opera covers the lives of the famous Las Vegas magic duo. Performances by Christopher Tonkin and Kanen Breen were exceptional, and the puppetry work on the life-sized tiger Manticore was outstanding. Read more about the show here: Sydney Festival – Sigfried & Roy Opera Essay – Playing with Music David discusses the balance of fun and seriousness in learning music. Inspired by a Leonard Bernstein performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major on Stage+ , he explores ways to inject fun into piano practice. Check out the full concert: Stage+ Concert A helpful tip from Jazer Lee’s YouTube channel suggested practising scales with different articulations to keep things interesting. Review – Scaler 2 David reviews Scaler 2, a music software tool that assists with playing chords and chord progressions, making theory more approachable. The software offers various scales and chord voicings, helping learners explore musical possibilities without requiring advanced skills. More about Scaler 2: ScalerMusic Website Scaler 3 is set for release in March, and purchasing Scaler 2 now includes a free upgrade. Progress Update David shares updates on his current piano pieces and exercises: Bagatelle in F by Daniel Gottlob Türk (ANZCA List B) Afternoon Snooze by Andrew Craggs (ANZCA Preparatory List C) Czerny Op. 599 Exercise 1 The pieces were recorded using a Kawai NV10 and Pianoteq 8 with the New York Steinway Model D setting. I hope you enjoy the episode and keep having fun with music! Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 32 - Exercising 14:00

for 10 weeks siden14:00

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In this episode of Piano, Finally , David Reidy reflects on the conclusion of the National Chopin Piano Competition in Miami, sharing his impressions of the winners and a unique behind-the-scenes moment where the six finalists candidly discussed their experiences before the judges’ decision. David highlights the Living the Creative Life YouTube series, hosted by pianist Zsolt Bognár. This acclaimed series offers deep, inspiring conversations with renowned artists like Vladimir Ashkenazy, delving into their creative processes and influences. https://www.youtube.com/@LivingtheClassicalLife/videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CPo-BMk7GY The episode's central essay explores piano exercises and their role in building technique. Drawing from his personal practice routine, David compares Hanon exercises and Czerny’s Opus 599 , praising Czerny’s musicality. He explains his structured approach to integrating these exercises into daily practice, aiming to progress steadily through the collection. David also shares a detailed review of his podcasting setup, emphasizing his choice of Rode equipment for its reliability and local manufacturing. He discusses his NT1 fifth-generation condenser microphone, RODECaster Pro II interface, and accessories, explaining how these tools enhance his production process. https://rode.com/en/microphones/studio-condenser/nt1-5th-generation?variant_sku=NT1GEN5B https://rode.com/en/interfaces-and-mixers/rodecaster-series/rodecaster-pro-ii https://rode.com/en/accessories/stands-bars/psa1-plus?variant_sku=PSA1+ https://www.mannys.com.au/ https://www.turramusic.com.au/ Finally, he provides progress updates on his repertoire, including Bagatelle in F by Daniel Gottlob Türk, Afternoon Snooze by Andrew Craggs, and his work on Czerny exercises. Tune in for insights into piano practice, inspiring creative discussions, and practical tips for podcasters and musicians alike. Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 31 - Practice is Weird 14:43

for 11 weeks siden14:43

14:43

In this episode of Piano, Finally , host David Reidy dives into the quirks and challenges of piano practice, sharing his ongoing journey as a late piano learner. David kicks off with reflections on the National Chopin Piano Competition in Miami, discussing the incredible dedication of the finalists and the nuances in their interpretations. He praises the Chopin Podcast's Ben Laude for his insightful contestant interviews, which shed light on the intense preparation behind performances. David then shares his latest podcast recommendation, We Can Be Weirdos , hosted by Dan Schreiber. Though not primarily focused on music, David highlights episodes where music becomes a central theme, such as conversations with British band Bastille's Dan Smith and 90s star Peter Andre. The heart of the episode, however, is David's essay on the "weirdness" of piano practice. He reflects on the long hours spent repeating small sections of music to reach fluency and the strange phenomenon of making more mistakes after multiple playthroughs. To keep his practice fresh, David experiments with structuring his sessions around different pieces, from scales to repertoire, and shares his ongoing quest for the "perfect" practice routine. David also provides an in-depth review of his evolving home studio setup, which now includes a versatile Arturia Keylab Mk3 MIDI controller and an extensive suite of virtual instruments. He discusses the value of having dedicated tools for composition and sound design and how these additions inspire him to keep experimenting and composing. Finally, David updates listeners on his progress, playing recordings of his current repertoire pieces, including Bagatelle in F by Daniel Gottlob Türk and Afternoon Snooze by Andrew Craggs. He details his improvements and the areas he’s still working to refine. Whether you're an advanced musician or just beginning your musical journey, this episode is a relatable exploration of the ups and downs of practice, with plenty of thoughtful insights and practical takeaways. Join David for another week of progress, inspiration, and musical discovery—perfect for anyone finding their own rhythm at the piano. https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/keylab-mk3/overview https://musio.com/ https://mackie.com/en/products/studio-monitoring/big-knob-series/big_knob_passive.html https://www.mannys.com.au/ https://www.turramusic.com.au/ https://carlingfordmusic.com.au/ Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 30 - Not the destination 13:12

for 12 weeks siden13:12

13:12

This episode of Piano, Finally , titled "Not the Destination", marks the 30th instalment of the podcast by David Reidy, an enthusiast documenting his piano learning journey. The episode opens with David’s warm welcome to new and returning listeners, followed by a brief mention of the ongoing National Chopin Piano Competition in Miami. He shares his impressions of the preliminary rounds, noting the high level of performance by the competitors and recommending the live streams for viewers interested in classical piano. The commentary on the event’s coverage, hosted by Ben Laude from the Chopin Podcast, offers an inside look at the competition, with David particularly enjoying an interview with competitor Anthony Ratinov. David transitions into discussing The Rest is History , a history podcast hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook. He highlights two recent episodes focusing on Mozart and Beethoven, which were recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall. These episodes, enriched by the accompaniment of The Academy of St Martin in the Fields, explore the composers' evolving roles in society—from Bach’s status as a servant to Beethoven’s insistence on being treated as an equal. David commends the audio quality and musical selections, which feature iconic works, including Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. The core of the episode centres on David’s plans for his second year of learning piano. Acknowledging that life rarely adheres to plans, he nonetheless outlines key objectives. A significant milestone is his preparation to perform Adele’s Someone Like You with a school group at the Battle of the Bands in June. He emphasises the need for consistent group rehearsals amid the challenge of coordinating with Year 12 students. David also looks forward to continuing lessons with his teacher, Devi, with a focus on tackling advanced pieces in the ANZCA repertoire and improving his pop music chord work. He aims to complete the AMEB Level 3 theory exam and prepare a performance piece for Devi’s student recital. Beyond structured lessons, David expresses his enthusiasm for Stephen Sondheim’s musicals and hopes to learn piano arrangements of some of Sondheim’s pieces. He also mentions a personal goal of replacing the recurring Crab Canon segment in his podcast with a recording of himself playing it. Additionally, he plans to delve into music composition using a course by Guy Michelmore, aiming to enhance his understanding of orchestration, even though he does not aspire to become a composer. David then provides an overview of his piano setup, which includes the Kawai NV10 hybrid grand piano paired with Pianoteq software. He praises the realistic feel of the NV10’s acoustic grand mechanism and Pianoteq’s range of instrument simulations, including Steinways and Bösendorfers. He complements his setup with a Mac Mini M4 Pro for audio processing, a Rodecaster Pro II for sound management, Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 29 - The First Year 12:53

for 13 weeks siden12:53

12:53

In episode 29 of Piano, Finally , David Reidy warmly invites listeners into his world of piano learning, reflecting on a transformative first year filled with challenges, triumphs, and plenty of music. Whether you’re a seasoned pianist or just dipping your toes into the keys, David’s candid storytelling resonates with anyone navigating the ups and downs of learning an instrument. The episode begins with a spotlight on the 2025 National Chopin Piano Competition in Miami, a gateway to the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. Although David admits he won’t be attending in person, he shares his excitement about the live-streamed performances available on YouTube. For him—and countless others—it’s a chance to immerse in world-class piano artistry, all from the comfort of home. He enthusiastically points out the accessible streaming schedule and names like Ben Laude and Garrick Ohlsson, who will enrich the experience with their commentary and expertise. Shifting gears, David embarks on a heartfelt reflection of his first year at the piano. A year ago, he was a beginner armed with only a basic knowledge of music theory and the ability to read treble clef. The bass clef was foreign territory, and the piano keyboard felt like uncharted waters. Over the months, through deliberate practice and guidance from two excellent teachers—Finn Pursell, with his harpsichord expertise, and Devi Mamak, a dynamic local musician—David’s relationship with the piano began to flourish. He recounts the thrill of transitioning from struggling with simple one-handed scales to playing all major scales with both hands, albeit at varying tempos. One of his proudest achievements is the progress he’s made in learning pieces. What began with basic works from Denis Agay’s beginner books has now evolved into tackling preparatory ANZCA pieces and more expressive compositions. David’s advice to fellow learners? Record your practice sessions. Listening back, even months later, reveals growth in ways you might not notice day-to-day. For David, these recordings fuel his motivation to press on. The episode also features a review of the Thinkspace Education Music Theory Course , which David completed during the year. Led by Guy Michelmore, the course blends foundational theory with practical applications, including improvisation and advanced harmony. Despite entering with some theoretical knowledge, David found the lessons enlightening, particularly their focus on how musical patterns create harmony and structure. He wholeheartedly recommends the course, especially for those who enjoy Michelmore’s engaging teaching style. To round off, David shares his current progress with three pieces: a Spindler Canon , Türk’s Bagatelle in F , and Andrew Craggs’ Afternoon Snooze . Each recording, he explains, reflects his growing confidence in dynamics, articulation, and coordina Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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Episode 28 - Giving Music 12:37

for 14 weeks siden12:37

12:37

Welcome Thanks for tuning in to another episode of Piano, Finally. The Christmas season is here, and I’ve just wrapped up my last piano lesson for the year. I’m currently working on Canon and Bagatelle, with a new addition, Afternoon Snooze by Andrew Craggs. YouTube Recommendation – Lord Vinheteiro 🎼 This week, I’m highlighting one of my favourite piano YouTubers, Lord Vinheteiro . Known for his deadpan expression and impressive piano skills, his channel features educational and entertaining content, from showcasing a composer’s style evolution to performing pieces in unexpected ways. Also, check out his collaboration with Pianote, where he guesses piano brands and prices blindfolded! Essay – Giving Music 🎄 Instead of asking “What did you get for Christmas?” let’s ask “What did you give?” Music makes an excellent gift, and I discuss ideas such as: Music streaming subscriptions , like Apple Music or Spotify , with classical fans benefiting from Apple Classical’s organisation. Classical music services , such as Deutsche Grammophon Stage+ for an extensive catalog of recordings and performances. Opera lovers might enjoy the Metropolitan Opera subscription. Musical instruments , which can be a fantastic gift—just be mindful of noise levels! Music books , such as Taylor Swift PVG books, can add variety to classical practice. Review – Noisy Clan’s Decoder 🎵 This week, I reviewed the Noisy Clan Circle of Fifths Decoder . This handy tool simplifies music theory by helping navigate chord progressions and scales. It includes an instructional booklet covering composition and transposition techniques—perfect for anyone looking to improve their understanding of music theory. I purchased mine for AU$47, and it's proving to be a great resource for the holidays. Progress Update 🎧 This week’s practice pieces include: Canon by Fritz Spindler – focusing on dynamics and phrasing. Bagatelle in F by Daniel Gottlob Türk – progressing well. Afternoon Snooze by Andrew Craggs – currently focusing on right-hand rhythm. All recordings were made using the Kawai NV10 keyboard with Pianoteq 8 on an M4 Pro Mac Mini , set to the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX in classical recording mode. Until next time—keep practising and enjoy your time at the keys! 🎹 Hope you enjoy the episode! 4o Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at david@pianofinally.show; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link. All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.…

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