Learn Piano: A Personal Practice

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, discover insights from Madeline Bruser’s The Art of Practicing and a glimpse into our next book club pick, Lang Lang’s Journey of a Thousand Miles.

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

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

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.

🎶 Summer Reflections at Cynthia Ali Studios
This summer, our Summer Series carried us beyond the piano bench to find music in everyday life. We explored The Little Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach, played historic instruments at the Schubert Club, experienced a piano concerto, shared heartfelt student conversations, peeked into “a day in the life” as a pianist, and unboxed fresh new music.

Our Book Club read The Art of Practicing, and we gathered for a Debussy listening evening, with Ravel up next. In lessons, Level One students grew their note reading with Vivaldi’s Spring and Autumn, alongside favorites like Twist and Shout, Do-Re-Mi, and Chim Chim Cher-ee.

On a personal note, I joined the 7 in 7 songwriting challenge, writing and recording seven songs in seven days. Raw and real, they capture the creative spark of bringing lyrics, chords, and piano together.

As we turn toward autumn, our Fall Series: Core Musicianship & Piano Fluency Skills begins September 22nd. We’ll go deeper into listening, sight reading, improvisation, and more, with special conversations in the Piano Lounge.

✨ I invite you to reflect: What music filled your summer, and what did you discover?

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

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’m sharing a little moment of joy, an unboxing of the sheet music I picked up during my recent visit to the music store (as mentioned in the last episode). There’s something magical about opening fresh scores—like holding possibility in your hands. You’ll get a first peek at some beautiful new editions, including a shimmering Ravel piece that feels like sunlight on water, and a charming Mozart piece full of elegance and wit. I think you’ll enjoy this little glimpse of new music to learn.

Subscribe to the podcast email list here: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcasts

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, come along with me as I visit mylocal music store for a special Connecting Traditions recital and presentation. You’ll hear reflections from the event and join me as I browse through shelves of sheet music, searching for new treasures to bring home to my piano studio. It’s a mix of inspiration, exploration, and a little behind-the-scenes glimpse into how I choose the music that shapes our lessons.

Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rightsreserved.

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 anddo not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

This is the second part of the conversation. 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.

_______________________

🎉 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 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.

_______________________

🎉 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.

_______________________

🎉 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