In this special episode, I’m joined by longtime student and pianist Jim Freschi for an inspiring conversation about his journey as an adult student and pianist. Jim shares his musical background, how he approaches his practice routine, the setup that keeps him motivated, and the pieces he finds most meaningful. As someone who returned to the piano later in life, his story offers warmth, insight, and encouragement for any adult learner navigating their own musical path.

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🎉 Don’t Miss Out on Upcoming Events!🎶

Piano Studio Book Club: Join ​here​ If you'd like to be added to the email list for Book Club events. email Cynthia at [email protected]

June 15th - August 17th

Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.

The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. ([email protected])

The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

In this podcast episode, I share with you my wonderful afternoon at a piano concerto concert held at Bethel University, nestled near the picturesque Lake Valentine in Arden Hills. It was an inspiring afternoon, spent with a pianoteacher friend, and I can't wait to tell you all about it.

I explain what a piano concerto is and discuss the incredible performance, from the soulful and lively finale. The setting, the music, and the acoustics all came together perfectly, making for a truly memorable afternoon.

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🎉 Don’t Miss Out on Upcoming Events!🎶

Piano Studio Book Club: Join here If you'd like to be added to the email list for Book Club events. email Cynthia at [email protected]

June 15th - August 17th

The Art of Practicing by Beuser

If you enjoy today’s episode, please like, subscribe, and follow so you never miss a lesson or story. I can’t wait to continue this journey with you.

Plus, don’t miss out on these upcoming events visit CynthiaAliStudios.com/pianocommunity and be sure to download your free Piano Journal to track your practice and progress there too!

Download your PIANO PRACTICE JOURNAL here - ⁠​⁠⁠https://cynthiaalistudios.kit.com/7c6571f7c4⁠⁠​

Listen to another incredible season as we dive deeper into the world of piano with fresh insights, expert tips, and inspiring content. 🎶✨

Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.

The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. ([email protected])

The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

In this episode, I share my experience of stepping into history at the Schubert Club Museum in Saint Paul. As I waited for my students' recital to begin, I wandered through the museum and found myself playing centuries-old instruments, a piano forte, a harpsichord, and more. What struck me most wasn’t just the sound, but the feeling: candleholders on the pianos, the soft resonance of plucked strings, and the thought of Mozart or Beethoven composing on these very kinds of keys.

Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.

The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. ([email protected])

The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

#BeginnerPianist #PianoInspiration #LearnPianoAsAnAdult#MusicHistoryForBeginners #pianolessons #adultpianolessons #learnpiano

In this special summer podcast episode of “Learn Piano: A Personal Practice,” we step away from the piano bench and into the sunlit world of music through the eyes of Anna Magdalena Bach. Join Cynthia Ali as she reflects on The Little Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach, a moving portrait of J.S. Bach’s life told by his wife—filled with stories of devotion, musical genius, and the quiet strength behind a great composer. From the music in their notebooks to the organ journeys of Bach himself, this episode explores inspiration, legacy, and how we can grow our own practice by listening deeply to the world around us. Tune in, open your heart, and rediscover Bach through love, imagination, and timeless sound.

Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.

The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. ([email protected])

The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

#adultpianolessons #Bach #beginningpianolessons #beginnerpiano

Check out what happening in the piano studio this summer here: ⁠www.cynthiaalistudios.square.site⁠

⁠www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity⁠

Book Club - Cynthia Ali: [email protected]

Facebook: The Piano Studio Book Club

#adultpianolessons #beginnerpianolessons #pianolessons #grouppianolessons #onlinepianolessons #bookclub

Check out what happening in the piano studio this summer here: www.cynthiaalistudios.square.site

www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity

Cynthia Ali: [email protected]

#adultpianolessons #beginnerpianolessons #pianolessons #grouppianolessons #onlinepianolessons #bookclub

In this heartfelt wrap-up of Season 3, Cynthia from Cynthia Ali Studios reflects on a season rich with musical discovery and emotional expression. This spring, listeners explored:

• Intervals: Recognizing and differentiating musical intervals such as dissonant seconds and harmonious fifths, training both the ear and the eye.
• Meter: Understanding how time signatures like 3/4 or 6/8 shape music's feel and flow, including a personal family dance story illustrating meter's importance.
• Dynamics: The expressive power of music through dynamics—from soft whispers (piano) to powerful bursts (forte)—with emotional insights inspired by personal experiences, including Lauren Daigle’s song "Rescue."
• Articulation: Shaping notes intentionally with staccato, legato, tenuto, and portato, highlighted beautifully alongside Emily Dickinson's poetic imagery.
• Expression as Inflection: Making musical phrases communicate vividly, inspired by the breathwork of flute playing.
• 
  

Additional highlights included mastering tempo, appreciating the expressive power of rests, and cultivating personal and beautiful tone on the piano. The season concluded by emphasizing the importance of musicality—going beyond correct notes to truly bring performances to life, humorously comparing flat performances to a flat Dr. Pepper—no fizz, no magic!

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🎶 Summer Series Preview: Starting Monday, June 30th, the podcast’s Summer Series will explore music beyond the studio, from concerts and books to vibrant conversations, highlighting how music enriches everyday life.

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🎹 Upcoming Adult Piano Class:

🎶 Level 1.5: The Music Begins (6-week summer class) Dates: Tuesdays at 7pm CT — June 24 to July 29 Designed for those who completed Level 1 and want to keep progressing with confidence. 💲Just $75 — Use code KEY10 by June 17th to save 10%

Register here: ​https://square.link/u/Ml52R1lm​

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🎹 Mastery Pathway to Piano: Level One for Adults

A guided, flexible 8-week experience for adults ready to build or revisit their piano foundations—with structure, encouragement, and personal support.

With expert guidance, live Zoom check-ins, optional 1:1 support, and access to my Piano Studio membership space, you’ll gain confidence, clarity, and joy at the keyboard—without weekly live lessons.​ LEARN MORE​

Register here: ​https://square.link/u/4bSAetrp​

✨ Use code WELCOME10 at checkout to receive 10% off (just $168.30)

✅ Code valid through June 17 for early bird registrants

_______________________

🎉 Don’t Miss Other Upcoming Events!🎶

• Piano Studio Book Club: Join ​here​

If you enjoy today’s episode, please like, subscribe, and follow so you never miss a lesson or story. I can’t wait to continue this journey with you.

Plus, don’t miss out on these upcoming events visit CynthiaAliStudios.com/pianocommunity and be sure to download your free Piano Journal to track your practice and progress there too!

Download your PIANO PRACTICE JOURNAL here - ⁠​​⁠⁠https://cynthiaalistudios.kit.com/7c6571f7c4⁠⁠

Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.

The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. ([email protected])

The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

Musicality = Technique + Emotion + Fizz 🥤

In this episode, I talk about why perfect notes alone aren’t enough—your music needs a story, a spark, a soul.

I even compare it to... a flat Dr. Pepper. 😄

Same ingredients. Same look. But without the fizz? It's lifeless.

Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. 🎧

#LearnPiano #Musicality #PianoPodcast #AdultPiano #DrPepperMetaphor #FizzIsEverything

🎹 Upcoming Classes for Adults

✨ Level 1.4: Mastery Pathway Start Date: May 27th, 7pm CT (Replay available for 4 weeks) ✅ Join our next group! Designed for beginner adults ready to master foundational skills.New Group Class - Sign up here: https://square.link/u/E6NBtBdQ

Use Discount Code: KEYS10 (10% off)Early Bird Ends May 22 – Use code KEY10 for 10% off

🎶 Level 1.5: The Music Begins (6-week summer class) Dates: Tuesdays at 7pm CT — June 24 to July 29 Designed for those who completed Level 1 and want to keep progressing with confidence. 💲Just $75 — Use code KEY10 by June 17th to save 10%

🎉 Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Events!🎶

• Piano Studio Book Club: Join ⁠​here​⁠

If you enjoy today’s episode, please like, subscribe, and follow so you never miss a lesson or story. I can’t wait to continue this journey with you.

Plus, don’t miss out on these upcoming events visit CynthiaAliStudios.com/pianocommunity and be sure to download your free Piano Journal to track your practice and progress there too!

Download your PIANO PRACTICE JOURNAL here - ⁠​⁠​⁠⁠https://cynthiaalistudios.kit.com/7c6571f7c4⁠⁠​⁠

Listen to another incredible season as we dive deeper into the world of piano with fresh insights, expert tips, and inspiring content. 🎶✨

Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.

The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. ([email protected])

The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

This week’s episode explores something we haven’t touched on before: tone. 🎹 Tone isn’t just about loud or soft—it’s color, texture, and energy. It’s what gives your music soul.

You’ll learn:

• How your touch affects the sound.
• Simple tone exercises to try at your piano.
• Creative metaphors to help shape your musical voice (think: silk, fog, feathers, rain on glass…)
• A beautiful reminder: your tone is your fingerprint. 🎨

💡 Practice Prompt: Choose one piece this week and don’t worry about perfection. Instead, ask:How does my piano want to sound today? Listen closely. You just might hear it… breathe.

🎹 Upcoming Classes for Adults

✨ Level 1.4: Mastery Pathway Start Date: May 27th, 7pm CT (Replay available for 4 weeks) ✅ Join our next group! Designed for beginner adults ready to master foundational skills.New Group Class - Sign up here: https://square.link/u/E6NBtBdQ

Use Discount Code: KEYS10 (10% off)Early Bird Ends May 22 – Use code KEY10 for 10% off

🎶 Level 1.5: The Music Begins (6-week summer class) Dates: Tuesdays at 7pm CT — June 24 to July 29 Designed for those who completed Level 1 and want to keep progressing with confidence. 💲Just $75 — Use code KEY10 by June 17th to save 10%

🎉 Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Events!🎶

• Piano Studio Book Club: Join ​here​

If you enjoy today’s episode, please like, subscribe, and follow so you never miss a lesson or story. I can’t wait to continue this journey with you.

Plus, don’t miss out on these upcoming events visit CynthiaAliStudios.com/pianocommunity and be sure to download your free Piano Journal to track your practice and progress there too!

Download your PIANO PRACTICE JOURNAL here - ⁠​​⁠⁠https://cynthiaalistudios.kit.com/7c6571f7c4⁠⁠​

Listen to another incredible season as we dive deeper into the world of piano with fresh insights, expert tips, and inspiring content. 🎶✨

Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.

The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. ([email protected])

The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

In this week’s episode of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, Cynthia explores one of the most subtle and powerful aspects of musical expression: breath.

🌿 From my own Qigong practice to the flowing lines of Debussy, I share how posture, energy, and mindful breath shape every phrase we play. 🎹 Discover how to sit like a tree (yes, really!) and let your music move like wind in the trees.

✨ Whether you're a beginner or an advanced pianist, this episode will help you reconnect with the living, breathing nature of music—so you can play with more freedom, flow, and feeling.

New Group Class - Sign up here:

https://square.link/u/o4nVcF69

Use Discount Code: KEYS10 (10% off)

Date: Tuesdays, May 27th, June 3rd, June 10th, June 17th, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Central Time

🎶Download your PIANO PRACTICE JOURNAL here -⁠​⁠ ⁠https://cynthiaalistudios.kit.com/7c6571f7c4⁠⁠

🎶 Also, don’t forget about some exciting upcoming events at Cynthia Ali Studios! ⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity⁠

🎶Join us  for the discussion at The Piano Studio Book Club:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15v6Y17DsU/⁠⁠

Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.

The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. ([email protected])

The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.