Learn Piano: A Personal Practice

In this hands-on episode of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, we explore rhythm as more than clapping and countng—it’s a skill you capture. You’ll be guided through live rhythm dictation exercises: first writing what you hear, then echoing rhythms by ear, followed by a rhythm story featuring finger cymbals (zills) to help you recognize rhythm beyond the piano. By the end, you’ll be inspired to start your own Rhythm Notebook—a musical commonplace book where you collect rhythms the way others collect poems or leaves.

A look back at rhythm from a previous episode--- 🎹S3:E4 Why is Rhythm Essential to Every Piano Player’s Practice?

Grab your free Coffee-Inspired Rhythm Guide and practice rhythm using words like Latte-Coffee-Espresso! Get here:​ https://cynthiaalistudios.ck.page/0c455bda4a

Register for the Christmas Music Level One here: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity

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 of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, Cynthia talks about the art of musical recognition — the skill of instantly identifying intervals, chords, meters, forms, and styles. Through engaging stories and practical tips, she shows how recognition transforms piano study from decoding notes into truly speaking the language of music. You’ll hear how childhood songs made intervals memorable, how college assignments sharpened meter awareness, and how listening to countless pieces revealed the character of nocturnes, waltzes, and Debussy’s shimmering preludes. Recognition isn’t just theory, it’s what allows pianists to read faster, memorize more easily, and play with authentic expression.

Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.

For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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 of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice,Cynthia explores one of the most powerful musicianship tools every pianist can develop: audiation-the ability to hear music in your mind even when no sound is present. From everyday earworms to Beethoven’s legendary compositions written in silence, you’ll discover how this innerhearing sharpens memory, fluency, and expression at the piano. With practical exercises and inspiring stories, you’ll learn how to “turn up” your inner piano, practice away from the keyboard, and bring more sensitivity and imagination to your playing.

Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.

For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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 first episode of a three-part Piano Loungeconversation, I sit down with Dr. Sara Langmead to explore the real, behind-the-scenes life of a modern pianist, teacher, and mother. We dive into how she balances practicing, performing, and teaching while raising a family, and what keeps her inspired at the piano through all of life’sseasons. She shares her aspirations as a musician, the challenges she’s navigated, and the ways she continues to grow artistically. If you’re an adult piano student who wants a deeper glimpse into how real pianists integrate music into daily life, with honesty, heart, and passion, this episodewill draw you in.

Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.

For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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 of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, the focus is on one of the most powerful ways to grow as a pianist: listening to the masters. The discussion explains how focused listening shapes style, tone, rhythm, and memory, with practical tips such as studying complete works, comparing multiple recordings, and using loop listening to internalize music. By developing a deeper listening habit, pianists can enrich their playing and build a more authentic musical voice.

Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You will receive updates onpodcasts and book club info too.

For upcoming classes, you can finddetails here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠AdultPiano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠

Copyright © 2025 Cynthia AliStudios LLC. All rights reserved.

The music in this podcast iseither public domain,original, or used under Fair Use foreducational 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 ofthe host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia AliStudios LLC.

Welcome back to Learn Piano: A Personal Practice! In this first episode of Season 4, “Back in the Studio: Core Musicianship & Piano Fluency Skills,” Cynthia invites you to pause, breathe, and slow down as we return to the heart of piano learning. After a summer spent exploring music beyond the bench, from historic instruments to concerts, recitals, and bonus episodes that offered fresh inspiration, we are refreshed and ready for a new season of focused growth. This fall we will build core musicianship and piano fluency skills by developing sharper listening, stronger sight-reading, and a deeper understanding of intervals, chords, rhythm, and creative expression. We will also explore improvising, transcribing music you love, and even transposing pieces to fit new moods or voices. On the first Friday of each month Cynthia hosts “Conversations in the Piano Lounge,” beginning with special guest Dr. Sara Langmead in October, to talk about living with music in everyday life. Throughout the season you will gain tools to make playing feel more natural whether you are reading a new score, playing by ear, or creating your own music, and you will pick up practical practice tips to keep your momentum and joy alive at the keyboard.

Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.

For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠

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, you will hear about the Adult Piano Program that is beginning this Fall. You can check out all the offerings at: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity.

Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.

For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠

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 special 3-part mini-series offers a peek into the everyday rhythms of my piano studio. Join me as I sort through stacks of sheet music, share where each score came from, and reflect on the stories and memories they carry. Each episode is a day-in-the-life glimpse at the music that shapes my teaching and my studio.

Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.

For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠

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, you will get some ideas on how to prepare your studio for Fall.

Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.

For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠

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 special 3-part mini-series offers a peek into the everyday rhythms of my piano studio. Join me as I sort through stacks of sheet music, share where each score came from, and reflect on the stories and memories they carry. Each episode is a day-in-the-life glimpse at the music that shapes my teaching and my studio.

Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠

You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.

For upcoming classes, you can find details here: Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios

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.