Piano, Finally podcast

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

35:24

Let’s talk about adulting— actual adulting. Not just paying bills or keeping a houseplant alive, but the kind that involves emotional maturity, healthy boundaries, and conscious self-leadership. Because let’s be honest, most of us weren’t taught how to be fully functioning adults… and it shows. Joining us is Michelle Chalfant , licensed therapist turned holistic life coach, creator of The Adult Chair® model, and author of the new book The Adult Chair: Get Unstuck, Claim Your Power, and Transform Your Life . With millions reached through her podcast, coaching programs, and retreats, she’s here to walk us through the five pillars of being a healthy, grounded adult. Here’s the truth: being an adult isn’t about checking boxes or pretending you’re fine. It’s about owning your truth. Feeling your feelings. Practicing compassion without letting yourself off the hook. It’s about setting firm boundaries—with no need for justification—and recognizing that your triggers are not flaws, they’re clues. None of us were handed a guidebook for how to grow up emotionally. We inherited patterns from people who were figuring it out as they went. But what Michelle shares today is empowering: it’s never too late to unlearn what no longer serves you and become the adult you were meant to be. Whether you’re starting this work or knee-deep in your personal development era, this episode will meet you where you are—and help you move forward with clarity, self-trust, and strength. Connect with Michelle: Website: https://theadultchair.com/ Book: https://theadultchair.com/book IG: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant/?hl=en FB: https://www.facebook.com/@TheMichelleChalfant/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/michellechalfant Related Podcast Episodes: How To Build Emotionally Mature Leaders with Dr. Christie Smith | 272 Boundaries vs. Ultimatums with Jan & Jillian Yuhas | 297 Gentleness: Cultivating Compassion for Yourself and Others with Courtney Carver | 282 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Piano, finally

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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.

56 епізодів

Piano, finally

updated 4 дні тому

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56 епізодів

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

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1
Episode 55 - Play Like No One Is Listening 17:34

4 дні тому17:34

17:34

🎙 Episode 55 – Play Like No One Is Listening G’day and welcome back to Piano, Finally , where an old bloke keeps learning the piano, one step (and one podcast) at a time. This week’s script was written in the foyer of Carriageworks ahead of Aphrodite , a world premiere chamber opera by Nico Muhly. The venue, with its industrial charm and bold programming, is perfect for discovering new voices—and maybe a future Taylor Swift. More on the opera at the end of the episode. 🎭 Aphrodite at Carriageworks 🎸 Friday’s school carnival featured the annual Battle of the Bands—loud, fun, and featuring some talented Year 8 students. I only caught one band in between dunk tank duties, but it was great to see so many students skipping the rides and cheering on their friends. 🎧 This episode sounds a little different again—thanks to a second Rode NT1 mic that lets me speak and play at the same time. We’ll see how it goes. 📺 YouTube Spotlight – Zarty – Music Discovered via algorithm magic, Zarty’s video “STOP PLEASE 21 Classical Accompaniments that are not Alberti Bass” was a revelation. Zarty breaks down alternatives to the classic Alberti pattern, showing each one in isolation and in Mozart context. His clear explanations and clean presentation make it easy to understand how accompaniment shapes the feel of a piece. Highly recommended for anyone struggling with left-hand patterns (like me on a bad day). 📝 Essay – Play Like No One Is Listening Inspired by that old quote about dancing, I reflect this week on playing the piano as if no one is listening—even when they are. As hobbyist pianists, we’re lucky. No exams, no assessments, just the joy of learning and sharing music. Whether it's sneaking in a few bars during a music class cover or trying out the school grand piano after hours, I’ve learned that playing publicly—even informally—can be liberating and fun when there’s no pressure. Don’t wait for perfection. Share the music. 🎹 Nord Stage 4 Review – The Organs We continue our Nord Stage 4 deep dive with the organ section. With two independent organs, full drawbar control, and models like the Hammond B3, Vox Continental, Farfisa, and two pipe organs, there’s plenty to explore. You can blend layers, apply vibrato and chorus, and even use pitch bend and sustain creatively. Nord Stage 4 Overview 🎼 Progress & Piano Talk This week’s practice includes four pieces I’ve been maintaining, now played using a new virtual instrument—Claire by Native Instruments, sampling the legendary Fazioli f308. It’s not the $400k real thing, but it’s close enough through headphones. Claire Bundle Until next week, play like no one is list 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 54 - Under Pressure 19:00

11 днів тому19:00

19:00

🎙 Episode 54 – Under Pressure Welcome to Episode 54 of Piano, Finally , the podcast of one old bloke making his way—note by note—through learning the piano. It’s been a big week at school with the Creative and Performing Arts Showcase on Wednesday and a packed end-of-term schedule coming up, featuring the walkathon, carnival, and Battle of the Bands (yes, I’ll be in the dunk tank again). The week also brought a tech upgrade with a new Mackie Big Knob Studio+ audio interface—so if the show sounds a bit different, that’s why. A review of it is on the way. 🎧 Video Feature – Best Piano VSTs of 2025 This week’s recommended video comes from Stu Harrison at Merriam Music , who reviews five top-tier piano VSTs: Keyscape, CFX Garritan, Addictive Keys, Pianoteq 8, and Claire. If you’re building out a virtual piano rig or just want to know what’s new, this is a thorough and insightful look. I’ve even added one of them to my own setup—hint: Mi piacciono i pianoforti italiani. 📝 Essay – Under Pressure The Showcase performances sparked a reflection on pressure in music. While student performers juggle nerves, grading systems, and the looming ATAR, adult learners like me have the luxury of learning purely for enjoyment. No exams, no deadlines, just curiosity and flexibility. That freedom—especially to take detours like learning synthesis and adding stage keyboards—has been a huge part of the fun. I’m still debating whether to join the September recital, but if I do, I’ll choose something that keeps it enjoyable rather than stressful. 🎹 Gear Review – The Nord Stage 4 Pianos We start a new review series on the Nord Stage 4 by looking at its piano section. Unlike traditional keyboards, the NS4 includes both modelled and sampled pianos (the latter via the synth engine). With limited memory, you have to choose your sounds carefully—but Nord makes it easy to load and swap models. I explore the grand, upright, electric, clavinet, and digital categories, including gems like the Velvet Grand, Amber Upright, and even a DX7. The Nord Sound Library offers many more. If you’re interested in purchasing the Stage 4 locally, here’s a link to Turramurra Music. A standout feature? Layering. Up to seven sounds can be blended—say, an acoustic and electric piano—to create rich textures like those used by Elton John. Add in dynamic compensation, touch adjustments, and even pitch bending, and you’ve got a remarkably flexible performance tool. 🎼 Progress This week’s practice focused on tricky passages from two pieces: Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja (Mozart) and Wild Chase (Wynn-Anne Rossi). Recorded using the Kawai NV10 and Pianoteq 8 with the New York Steinway D in Classical mode. 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 53 - A Community 19:53

18 днів тому19:53

19:53

Episode 53 – A Community G’day and welcome to Episode 53 of Piano, finally , the podcast of a bloke getting around to learning the piano… finally. This week finds me writing from the foyer of the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith, not the Opera House this time. I was waiting for Shake & Stir’s touring production of 1984 , and I have to say, it was an impressive adaptation—just five actors and some clever use of video screens. Highly recommended if it’s heading your way: 👉 Tour info 👉 The Joan 🎹 YouTube Recommendation: My Keys To Music If Nord keyboards are your thing—or you want them to be—Marc Larochelle’s channel My Keys To Music is a goldmine. Whether he’s breaking down sound design, comparing Nord models, or just playing the Doctor Who theme from an overhead angle, it’s all very watchable and informative. He even explores AI tools for separating tracks into stems—something I plan to try during the holidays. Courses, deeper dives, and downloadable patches are all on his website , and there’s bonus material via his Patreon. Just don’t sign up via the iOS app—Apple takes a cut. Use the web version instead. 🎥 My Keys To Music on YouTube 🎶 Essay: A Community My performance of Someone Like You isn’t happening after all, but another chance looms—a recital at the end of Term 3. I’m undecided. Is performing worthwhile? Definitely. Music communicates, and someone needs to do the performing. Whether you’re a pro with the Sydney Symphony or a volunteer in a Christmas variety show, performance builds community between players and listeners. Maybe that’s reason enough. 🎛️ Gear Talk: Nord Stage 4 – Overview I’ve finally got my hands on the Nord Stage 4 (88-key version), and this review will be spread over a few episodes. This keyboard is a beast—three instrument sections (organ, piano, synth), full effects, layering, aftertouch, triple sensors, 512-program capacity, and serious versatility. It’s 130cm long and nearly 20kg, so more “transportable” than portable, but you’d only need this one keyboard for most gigs. 🛒 Nord Stage 4 official page 🛍️ Turramurra Music – AU retailer 🛒 Sweetwater – US retailer 🎭 Coming Up: The Creative and Performing Arts Showcase is on Wednesday, and I’m looking forward to being impressed by our young artists. 🎵 Progress update: Still aiming for September recital readiness. Current contenders include: Fritz Spinder – Canon Daniel Gottlob Türk – Bagatelle Andrew Cragg – Afternoon Snooze , Blackout Blues These were recorded using the Kawai NV10 and Pianoteq 8 with the New York Steinway D model. Until next time—may your piano stay in tune and yo 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 52 - A Dangerous Business 16:27

25 днів тому16:27

16:27

🎙 Episode 52 – A Dangerous Business G’day, and welcome back to Piano, Finally —a podcast from an old bloke finally learning the piano. This week’s episode was written once again from the busy foyer of the Sydney Opera House—where Vivid’s light show and some eye-watering appetiser prices ($825!) set the scene before another performance by Sir Stephen Hough. We begin with an update from the Cliburn piano competition, streaming live on YouTube . All six finalists are men—curious, but I’m just glad to have a favourite from the earlier Gina Bachauer comp in the running. (Note to competition organisers: please consider school holidays next time!) 🎹 This week’s featured channel is DSoundman —a.k.a. Douglas: songwriter, studio producer, and worship leader. His content dives deep into keyboard reviews, tutorials, and creative sound design. Whether you’re new to Nord and Roland boards or just curious about what modern stage pianos can do, his videos are a treasure trove. He also sells courses and preset packs for those looking to level up. In the essay, A Dangerous Business , we reflect on just how far the piano journey can carry you. What started with a single Roland piano has spiralled into digital grand actions, YouTube rabbit holes, sound design adventures, and reflections on music education. We tip our hat to David Bennett Piano , Elton John, and Billy Joel—and we explore why learning classical first still makes sense, even if you’re aiming for Pink Floyd. Classical training builds the foundation—but pop music’s chord progressions are opening new doors. The goal is to blend both worlds, and it turns out the scenic route—via detours and diversions—makes for a much better trip. 🎛 To that end, we review Syntorial by Audible Genius —a powerful course that teaches synthesis through ear training rather than theory. With 199 lessons, a built-in synth, and a free trial of the first 22 lessons, it’s a brilliant way to learn what all those knobs and sliders actually do. It’s already helping improve listening skills and synth programming—and it’s surprisingly fun. 🎶 In progress news: the debating season’s over, practice is back on track (even if Wednesday went mysteriously off the rails), and a few “once-a-session” pieces made it to the mic—Spindler’s Canon , Türk’s Bagatelle in F , and Cragg’s Afternoon Snooze and Blackout Blues . Recorded on the Kawai NV10 with Pianoteq’s New York Steinway Model D, they’re a nod to the Cliburn competition’s piano of choice. As always, get in touch at david@pianofinally.show or via pianofinally.show . Until next time, 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 51 - Once a Day 14:46

5 weeks тому14:46

14:46

Welcome to Episode 51 of Piano, Finally ! This week, I talk about how my piano practice was affected by long work days, debating competitions, and the occasional musical side quest — like programming the Nord Stage 4 to sound like the iconic synth from Van Halen’s Jump . (You’ll hear my first attempt in the progress section.) In the spirit of broadening musical horizons, this episode’s recommendation is the Early Music Sources channel, run by Elam Rotem. It’s a beautifully produced, deeply researched dive into the music of the 16th and 17th centuries — ideal if you're curious about how music evolved into what we hear today. 👉 Explore Early Music Sources 👉 Hear recordings by Elam Rotem The essay this week is all about practice: how I’ve been organising mine, how it’s evolved, and why I’ve started playing each of my “ready” pieces just once a day . This one-take approach (also used for the progress recordings at the end of each episode) mirrors performance pressure — one shot, no do-overs. It makes for more mindful playing, even if the occasional mistake sneaks through. I break down how I categorise pieces (can’t play yet, sort of can, and performance-ready), and what my thirty-minute sessions tend to look like — or what gets skipped when time runs out. The episode also includes a review of the Blue Mountains Musical Society’s production of Come From Away . The show is brilliantly cast, creatively staged, and a local production that holds its own against Broadway. And at $49 a ticket, it’s a bargain. 👉 Blue Mountains Musical Society – Book tickets In the progress section: Mozart’s Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja , Wynn-Anne Rossi’s Wild Chase , and a first attempt at Van Halen’s Jump , patched together on the Nord Stage 4. The acoustic pieces were recorded using the Kawai NV10 with Pianoteq 8 on the M4 Pro Mac Mini, running the Anton Petrov Grand in Recording Mode 2. Thanks again for listening. If you’re working on an instrument of your own, I’d love to hear how it’s going — send a note to david@pianofinally.show or visit the website at 👉 www.pianofinally.show 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 50 - One Year 13:22

6 weeks тому13:22

13:22

G’day, and welcome to Episode 50 of Piano, Finally ! This week marks one full year since the podcast began, and in that time, fifty proper episodes have made it to air. In this episode, I take a moment to reflect on the journey so far — from consistent recording and practicing, to discovering the joy of small but meaningful progress at the piano. As I write this, I’m sitting in the Sydney Opera House foyer, waiting for a Stephen Hough concert. There’s also an update on the school’s Battle of the Bands (spoiler: I won’t be performing), and a quick mention of the Van Cliburn piano competition, which is now underway and streaming live — with top-down keyboard views and excellent coverage. 👉 Watch the Cliburn 👉 Ben Laude’s daily recaps This week’s viewing suggestion is The Piano , a heartwarming ABC series set around a public upright in Sydney’s Central Station. Don’t confuse it with the BBC show of the same name — this one’s not a competition, though it does feature Harry Connick Jr. and Andrea Lam quietly observing from behind the scenes. The stories are beautifully produced and moving. 👉 Watch the featured segment 👉 View the full series on iView I also look back at the podcast’s first year — the ups and downs of recording, what’s improved, and how it’s changed how I engage with music. From new genres to more concerts, the podcast has opened a lot of doors, including a trip to Armidale and plans for a piano festival in Bathurst. In this week’s concert review, I recap Sir Stephen Hough performing Brahms’ First Piano Concerto with the SSO — with a Prokofiev highlight and encore Chopin Nocturne to round it off. You can find a Spotify playlist of the concert here: 👉 SSO concert page The practice pieces this week include Mozart’s Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja and Wild Chase by Wynn-Anne Rossi. I’m making headway, especially with Alberti bass and coordination across hands. And for early music fans, check out Elam Rotem’s Early Music Sources channel — packed with 16th- and 17th-century insights and examples. 👉 Early Music Sources and recordings Thanks again for listening this past year. Here’s to the next fifty! 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 49 - Do I Need A Piano Teacher? 16:34

7 weeks тому16:34

16:34

Thanks for tuning in to Episode 49! This week, I talk about why piano lessons are back, how progress changes when there’s someone else listening, and whether it’s worth having a piano teacher at all (spoiler: yes, it is). 🎼 Back to Lessons Lessons resumed this week after the summer break—though it’s a short term, just five weeks before Devi heads overseas again. Playing the Spindler Canon and the Bagatelle in F in front of someone else felt very different than at home. I also made a bit of progress on Mozart—those first two bars are getting there, slowly. 🎬 YouTube Pick – Andy Chamberlain Music This week’s video recommendation is You’ve Been Lied To About Time Signatures by Andy Chamberlain Music. It starts with theory basics, then dives into some wonderful historical context—particularly from 18:45 to 24:40, where Andy explains how 13th-century notation influences what we see on the page today. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfWy5yhAukA 🧠 Essay – Do you need a piano teacher? After a year of lessons, I reflect on how much more I’ve enjoyed and benefited from guided learning than I did trying to go it alone. From immediate feedback and technique tips to having someone who finds pedal technique as interesting as you do—it makes all the difference. Devi helped me fix timing in Afternoon Snooze and even fingering in Der Vogelfänger . For me, lessons are more than worth it. 🎹 Review – K&M Keyboard Stand I recently bought a K&M 18810 Omega stand for the Nord Stage 4. It’s rock solid, holds the 20kg keyboard without a problem, and looks like it’ll last a lifetime. I’ve added the second-tier riser, a laptop shelf, and an iPad holder—great flexibility, sturdy German engineering, and easily sourced here in Australia. More about K&M: https://www.k-m.de/en/ Where I bought mine: https://www.turramusic.com.au/products/konig-meyer-k-m-18810-omega-keyboard-stand 🎧 Progress Update You’ll hear Afternoon Snooze and Blackout Blues again this week, plus the two bars of Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja I’ve been polishing. I’m also working on Wild Chase by Wynn-Anne Rossi—an energetic piece that’s tricky because the melody is shared between both hands. Not ready to record yet, but it’s underway. Everything was recorded on the Kawai NV10 with Pianoteq 8 using the Anton Petrov Grand in Recording Mode One. 📬 Get in Touch Email: david@pianofinally.show Website: http://www.pianofinally.show Also on Instagram and YouTube (audio only). Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite app. 🎉 Coming Up Next week marks the podcast’s first birthday, and I’ll take a look back at the year that was. Until then, I hope your p 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 48 - Dancing about Architecture 18:29

8 weeks тому18:29

18:29

🎹 Episode 48 – Dancing about architecture Welcome to Episode 48. This week, I reflect on remixing, musical distractions, and the sneaky ways we convince ourselves we’re making progress. 🎧 Remixing in the Classroom Year 9 music students had a workshop on remixing, led by two presenters, including musician Nyxen . I got to sit in on parts of the day and was surprised by how much I enjoyed her music and her breakdown of the production process. Check out Nyxen’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NYXENMUSIC Here’s the track they worked on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4136AwqMjiA 🎹 Denis Zhdanov’s Competition Story A fun video from Denis Zhdanov about his first piano competition—light, entertaining, and with a nice piece at the end: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOAuDBWLzXI 📺 YouTube Pick – David Bennett Piano David Bennett’s videos dissect music theory through popular songs. I’ve learned a lot from his breakdowns of chord progressions and modes. Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidBennettPiano This week’s pick is especially useful: “Film and TV Themes that will help you identify intervals” – a great resource for recognising intervals by ear, from Jaws to The Flintstones : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JftZNTUJTJc 🧠 Essay – Dancing about architecture There’s a quote—often misattributed—about how writing about music is like dancing about architecture. I use it this week to reflect on the trap of watching music content instead of doing music. I’ve set myself a rule: no YouTube videos or piano reading during the week until I’ve done at least 30 minutes of practice. No more illusions of progress without real playing. 📘 Review – Bill Hilton’s “Exercises, Inventions & Ideas” As a Patreon supporter, I’ve been working through Bill Hilton’s teaching pack. The first PDF includes a clever dexterity exercise with deliberately tricky fingering, a pedal-focused invention using finger cycling, and a segment on legato/staccato control. The first video and download in the series is free to all: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8kQ2qn7qCk 🎼 Progress Update Türk’s Bagatelle in F is now on maintenance rotation. Afternoon Snooze and Blackout Blues are getting close—though I’ve slowed down Afternoon Snooze , because a nap should sound lazy, not brisk. Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja is coming together with both hands, very slowly. M 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 47 - Making it up 17:46

9 weeks тому17:46

17:46

Welcome back! In this episode of Piano, finally , I talk about a week of not-much-practice, school restarting, and musical surprises—including a band at a diocesan staff day that, while technically solid, wasn’t quite my style. 🎭 On Stage If you're in Sydney or the Blue Mountains, tickets are now on sale for the Blue Mountains Musical Society’s production of Come From Away , on at Springwood later this month. Tickets: https://www.bluemountainstheatre.com.au/what-s-on/season-2025/come-from-away/ 🎼 Streaming Spotlight I caught Yunchan Lim’s phenomenal performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations at Carnegie Hall via Stage+. As the youngest winner of the Van Cliburn competition, he delivered 80 uninterrupted minutes of brilliance—and possibly some sneaky B-roll camera work. Watch on Stage+: https://www.stage-plus.com/video/live_concert_9HKNCPA3DTN66PBIEHFJGE9I 🎧 Podcast of the Week This week’s recommendation is Musicianship Mastery by David Lane—formerly The Musician’s Toolkit . Now back to a weekly schedule, the show focuses on practical musicianship skills. Highlights include why memorisation matters and an inspiring interview with Michael Hall on blending Western classical and Indonesian music. Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/musicianship-mastery-with-david-lane/id1661500413 🎹 New Gear – Nord Stage 4 Yes, I bought a Nord Stage 4—a top-tier stage piano blending organ, piano, and synth engines. I’m halfway through a great course by Marc Larochelle at MyKeysToMusic. The Nord’s 384 built-in programs have nudged me toward improvisation—something I hadn’t seriously explored before. Turns out, just playing around with sounds can be surprisingly useful. More on the Nord Stage 4: https://www.nordkeyboards.com/products/nord-stage-4 🥁 Review – Roland TR-6S Drum Machine Never clicked with metronomes, so I turned to the Roland Aira TR-6S drum machine instead. It’s musical, easy to use, and blends well with piano practice. I picked mine up from Turramurra Music—though they’re currently out of stock. Roland product page: https://www.roland.com/GLOBAL/products/tr-6s Where I bought it: https://www.turramusic.com.au/products/roland-tr-6s 🎶 Progress Update This week includes Spindler’s Canon again—now with a drum machine hand clap—plus two Andrew Craggs pieces. The Mozart is com 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 46 - Get Out 17:10

10 weeks тому17:10

17:10

G’day everyone, and welcome to Episode 46 of Piano, Finally ! This week, I’ve been thinking about all the unexpected doors learning the piano opens — doors that aren’t always about the piano itself. On ANZAC Day, I joined the Hawkesbury District Concert Band as a bus driver for the Sydney march. It was a real privilege to be part of an important community event alongside students and local musicians. If you’ve been following the Chopin competitions this year, good news — the preliminary rounds are now streaming live from Warsaw! Introductions are in Polish and English, but of course, the music transcends language. If you’d like to catch some incredible performances, here’s the link to the first session: 👉 Watch the Warsaw preliminary rounds Also, if you're curious about music theory (with a twist of science and art), I recommend The Meta in Music lecture series by Professor Milton Mermikides. It’s based loosely on Gödel, Escher, Bach by Douglas Hofstadter and brings Bach's puzzles and musical secrets to life. It's well worth a look — here’s the link to the first lecture: 👉 Watch The Meta in Music In this episode, I also talk about why it’s worth making the effort to attend smaller, local concerts. From feeling the vibrations of cellos and pianos at arm’s length, to having the chance to chat with performers, small venue performances really reconnect you with what music is meant to be — human, shared, and vibrant. Finally, I share my experience at the Megalong Music Festival. Set in the beautiful Megalong Valley in the Blue Mountains, it was a spectacular celebration of chamber music, community, and brilliant young musicians. If you’d like to learn more about the festival or get involved next year, you’ll find more information here: 👉 Megalong Music Festival Thanks for joining me again. If you’re learning an instrument yourself, I’d love to hear from you! Until next week, I hope your piano stays in tune and you enjoy your time at the keys. 🎹 www.pianofinally.show 📧 david@pianofinally.show 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 45 - Playing 16:41

11 weeks тому16:41

16:41

Welcome to Episode 45 of Piano, Finally This week, David reflects on what it really means to “play” the piano—not just as a technical activity but as a source of joy, creativity, and fun. 🚗 Road Trip & Piano Concert The episode begins with a musical journey—literally—to Armidale for the Piano Plus Showcase Concert , part of the Autumn Piano School . The highlight? Watching Coady Green blaze through two of Anton Rubenstein’s études with jaw-dropping precision. 🎶 Listen to the études: YouTube Link 🥁 Practising with Rhythm David shares his experiment with using a drum machine instead of a metronome. Inspired by the idea that bands keep time with drummers, he’s testing this approach to add energy to his practice sessions. More updates coming in the next episode! 🎧 Podcast Pick: Start Here (Season 2) A glowing recommendation for the Start Here podcast from ABRSM, hosted by Alexis Ffrench. It dives into musical genres beyond classical, including Drum & Bass, Drill, Gaming Music, and Opera—with expert guests each week. 🎹 Essay: What Does It Mean to "Play" the Piano? In a thoughtful essay, David considers how different languages express playing music—and why in English we use the word “play.” Whether it’s for pleasure, growth, or expression, choosing to play is a powerful act. He reflects on the tension between delayed gratification and having fun now , and how tools like the Nord Stage 4 bring extra joy to learning. 🎵 Practice Progress David continues work on preparatory pieces Afternoon Snooze and Blackout Blues , and starts a new piece from Grade 1: Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja from Mozart’s The Magic Flute , arranged by Barrie Carson Turner. 🏞️ Bonus Music Outing A surprise chamber music concert at the Megalong Music Festival offered a magical Sunday and will be featured in more detail in the next episode. 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 44 - Choosing for the Year 17:11

12 weeks тому17:11

17:11

🎹 Episode 44 – Choosing for the Year Welcome back to Piano, Finally , the podcast by an old bloke finally getting around to learning the piano. In this episode, I share a bit of everything – from an odd experience learning the school song to choosing my piano pieces for the year ahead, and even a book review for those exploring pop piano. 🎵 The School Song Saga I kicked off the holidays with a curious challenge: trying to play the school song. Despite knowing it well, my first attempt sounded way off – but, oddly enough, it fixed itself the next day. Still working on the fingerings, though. 📺 Stage+ – A Treasure Trove of Classical Documentaries I talk about the value of Stage+, a high-quality classical music streaming platform from Deutsche Grammophon. It offers not just performances but excellent documentaries, including “Magic Moments in Music” and stories about greats like Bernstein, Karajan, Tsujii, Lang Lang, and Trifonov. 🎼 Choosing My Pieces for the Year Devi and I selected four main pieces for the coming months – all aimed at expanding my technique and musical range. 🎶 Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja (Mozart / arr. Barrie Carson Turner) A bright, fast piece introducing Alberti bass and runs in G major. 🎧 Listen here 🎹 A Wild Chase (Wynn-Anne Rossi) Tricky fingering, dual bass clefs, and a fast tempo – definitely a challenge. 🎧 Listen here 🕰️ Going Baroque (Glenda Austin) My first foray into baroque-style music, complete with counterpoint and complexity. 🎧 Listen here 🎤 Hallelujah (Jeff Buckley) From the Rockschool Contemporary Piano book – a modern piece with a strong rhythmic focus. 🎧 Listen here 📘 Book Review – The Pop Piano Book by Mark Harrison A Discord recommendation, this 500-page book is a full course on pop piano playing. It starts with theory and moves into genre-specific chapters like R&B, gospel, and rock. The book’s practical but bulky – maybe the PDF version is the way to go. 📖 Find it at Harrison Music 🎧 Progress Report Two pieces are now performance-ready: Spindler’s Canon and Türk’s Bagatelle in F . I’m still working on Afternoon Snooze and Blackout Blues – both tricky in their own ways. Recorded on the Kawai NV10 with Pianoteq 8’s U4 upright model. 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 43 - Artificial Meaning 19:02

13 weeks тому19:02

19:02

🎹 Piano, finally – Episode 43: Artificial Meaning G’day, everyone! In this week’s episode, I share a bit about live music, online rabbit holes, and thoughts on what makes music meaningful, even in the age of AI. 🎶 Sydney Symphony and Daniil Trifonov I had the pleasure of hearing Daniil Trifonov perform Rachmaninov’s Fourth Piano Concerto at the Opera House. A magical evening that also featured Lyadov’s The Enchanted Lake —a piece by a lesser-known Russian composer. Learn more about Anatoly Lyadov and why he might have missed his big break. 🎹 YouTube Find: Andertons Music Co. If you enjoy keyboard demos and a bit of fun, check out Andertons Keyboard Department . Hosted by Jack Duxbury and friends, this channel has blindfold challenges, gear reviews, and loads of musical insight. You can explore the full Andertons Music Co. YouTube channel here . 🤖 Essay: Artificial Meaning After attending a Matthew Cawood masterclass and watching Rick Beato’s video Will these AI tools make songwriters irrelevant in 2025? , I’ve been pondering the role of human connection in music. AI tools like Mureka and Suno can now churn out tunes, but can they offer anything meaningful? Or are they just filling silence? 📘 Book Review: Playing the Piano for Pleasure by Charles Cooke A recommendation from the Bill Hicks Discord group led me to this charming book from 1941. Cooke, a journalist and keen amateur pianist, offers timeless advice, personal stories, and repertoire suggestions. A few tips may feel dated (one hour of practice daily, anyone?), but the book remains a gem. You can grab a copy on Amazon. 📩 Stay in Touch Got piano progress or practice stories to share? Drop me a line at david@pianofinally.show or visit www.pianofinally.show . You’ll also find audio-only versions of the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 🎧 This Week’s Practice Pieces: Fritz Spindler’s Canon Daniel Gottlob Türk’s Bagatelle in F Andrew Cragg’s Afternoon Snooze and Blackout Blues All recorded in one take using a Kawai NV10 with Pianoteq 8 and a Shigeru Kawai SK-EX model. Thanks for tuning in—whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time here. Until next time, keep playing and keep listening. 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 42 - Devi Mamak 31:37

14 weeks тому31:37

31:37

🎙️ 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

15 weeks тому15:30