🎹 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 [email protected].

🎧 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.

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You can contact me:

• via email at [email protected]; this is probably the best option
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• all the podcast directories - list
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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.

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:

1. New material – Understanding the piece before even touching the instrument.
2. Developing material – Refining technique, articulation, and dynamics.
3. 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

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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.

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 Bluesby 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!

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You can contact me:

• via email at [email protected]; this is probably the best option
• the show website, www.pianofinally.show
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• 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.

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.

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You can contact me:

• via email at [email protected]; 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.

🔹 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 [email protected].

🔹 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! 🎵

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You can contact me:

• via email at [email protected]; 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.

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

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You can contact me:

• via email at [email protected]; this is probably the best option
• the show website, www.pianofinally.show
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• 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.

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 [email protected]; this is probably the best option
• the show website, www.pianofinally.show
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• 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.

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 [email protected]; 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.

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 [email protected]; 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.

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 Canonsegment 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 [email protected]; 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.