Piano, finally

Welcome to show number one hundred and one! Thanks to everyone who stuck around, and a special thanks to Bill Hilton for mentioning the milestone in his newsletter. Over the next hundred episodes, I'm introducing two new sections: what I've been looking at and listening to for general musical education, and an in-depth look at something I've learned during the week. I'll still occasionally review equipment like the Yamaha Montage M8X when it arrives to pair with my MODX M6. What's been ...

G'day, everyone. Welcome to show number one hundred of "Piano, finally"! It has taken a while to get here, but things have been pretty busy. Musically, the biggest event was the Belong choir concert. We performed two sold-out shows at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville with a ten-piece band. Despite some early logistical hiccups with the stage setup, it was a spectacular experience. Reflecting on the past hundred episodes, starting the piano wasn't quite a spur-of-the-moment deci...

Welcome to show number ninety-nine! In this week's show, I'll review an amazing production at the Sydney Theatre Company, take a musical trip back to the 1960s courtesy of the Blue Mountains Musical Society, and try to prioritise things. First, I must apologise for the unexpected break in the shows. It has been four weeks since episode 98; things just got in the way with visitors, exams, and reports. Progress Update My piano lessons are going well. We have gone back to some of the older piece...

Welcome to show number ninety-eight. In this week's show, I'll review Matthew Cawood's latest video, talk about the myth of multi-tasking and let you know how last night's performance went. During my voice lessons on Monday, we found that I can now get to the D# above middle C reasonably consistently, and the E above that occasionally. This week's piano lesson was longer, and we spent a good bit of time on A Mingus Among Us. Thursday night was the choir rehearsal, but the highlight of the wee...

G'day, everyone! Welcome to show number ninety-seven. In this week's show, I discuss getting back to learning scales, the changing way society approaches learning music, and last week's pretty special Sydney Symphony Orchestra concert. Progress Update I had my piano and voice lessons on Monday. Finding time to practice the piano has been a bit of a challenge lately, so progress is slow, but the singing is coming along nicely! I can now reach some notes that were previously out of my range. Ou...

Welcome to show number ninety-six! In this week's show, I'll discuss money and music, and let you know about an amazing free resource I've found on YouTube. You may have noticed that the last show came out a day early, and the week before that, there wasn't an episode at all. That was because I was called out to help with the St Vincent de Paul van. Sometimes, other things just have to take priority! In it for the money I was listening to the Music Show on the weekend, where a quote by Stephe...

Welcome to episode 95! I'm David Reidy, an old bloke getting around to learning the piano, finally. In this week's show, I review a new book about scales and arpeggios, discuss piano racing, and suggest one of my favourite YouTube creators who is back from a break. Listener Feedback & Progress I received an email from Chris, an adult piano learner, with some great suggestions for my learning and the podcast. It is genuinely gratifying to hear from listeners, as it's usually just me in the...

Welcome to show number 94 of Piano, finally! I'm David Reidy, an old bloke getting around to learning the piano. This week, it's school holidays, so we're busy tidying up the house to make a proper music room. I'm also putting in some extra choir practice to learn the bass part for A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman for an upcoming charity event in May. Megalong Music Festival, Day Two I'm finishing my review of the Megalong Music Festival, set in the beautiful Blue Mountains. D...

G'day, everyone. Welcome to Piano, finally, a podcast by an old bloke who is getting around to learning the piano, finally. Review: Megalong Music Festival, Day One In this week's show, I start reviewing the Megalong Music Festival. The concerts take place in the Megalong Valley Community Centre, a concrete block, metal-roofed building which is used by the local scouts, the pony club and for other community events. It was definitely not built as a concert venue, but the hall is small, seating...

G'day, everyone. Welcome to show number ninety-two of Piano, finally, a podcast by an old bloke who is getting around to learning the piano, finally. In this week's show, I review the Sydney Theatre Company's latest musical, muse about cover versions, and review a really handy pocket device for practising note recognition and copying. Theatre Review: My Brilliant Career On Saturday, I went to see the Sydney Theatre Company's production of My Brilliant Career. If you want the short recommendat...

Welcome to show number ninety-one of Piano, finally, a podcast by an old bloke who is getting around to learning the piano, finally. In this week's show, I'm going to think a bit about how we all should support our local music scene, review a collection of music by Stephen Sondheim, and share some progress recordings. Progress Update: The voice lessons are working! Two of the choir pieces are All By Myself and Alone, and I was able to handle the middle Cs in the bass part reasonably well. I'm...

Welcome to show number 90! This week, we are taking a look at the 29th edition of the Blue Mountains Music Festival.If this is your first time listening, I hope you find the show interesting and consider subscribing. If you're a regular listener, thank you for your ongoing support. In This Episode: The Making of Synthesiser V's Choir Voices: I discuss the AI voice tool, Synthesiser V 2 Pro by Dreamtonics,which I’ve been using to create isolated practice tracks for the choir. I share my though...

G'day everyone! I'm David Reidy, and welcome to show number 89 of Piano, finally. This week, I'm exploring the reliability of practising with others, reviewing a YouTube progress video, and diving into some fascinating AI vocal software. Recording Under the Storm This episode comes to you amidst some local connectivity challenges. A large electrical storm recently knocked out both my landline and 5G internet, which might delay the posting of this show until I can reach a stable connection. Co...

G'day everyone! I'm David Reidy, and welcome to show number 88 of Piano, finally. In this episode, I'm branching out into some new musical territory while navigating the usual challenges of finding practice time. Singing Lessons and Choir Progress I've officially started singing lessons with Sussanne to help with my new choir. We're working on Tracey Chapman’s "Fast Car," which fits comfortably in my range. Our upcoming concert features 24 songs performed "off book," so I’ve been using my com...

Welcome to show eighty-seven! It’s a busy week catching up with an ex-student launching a music career and managing a packed choir schedule. YouTube: Bardcore I explore "Bardcore" this week! Hildegard von Blingin' orchestrates modern songs with medieval instruments, while The Miracle Aligner translates hits into ancient languages like Latin and Attic Greek. https://www.youtube.com/@Hildegardvonblingin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7jOobdrdGohttps://www.youtube.com/@the_miracle_alig...

G'day everyone. Welcome to show number eighty-six. If you're a regular listener, thanks for your support, and if you're new here, I hope you enjoy the show. This week, things have taken a vocal turn. Following my enjoyment of the Belong choir, I've signed up for another community choir—one that didn't require an audition! I've found myself in the bass section, managing up to middle C for now. It's proving to be great fun and an unexpected detour on my musical journey. YouTube - Stefan Wyatt -...

G'day, everyone! Welcome to show number eighty-five. It was in January 2024 that I finally picked up a keyboard to start learning the piano. That means I've officially passed the two-year mark! I’m not organised enough to know the exact date,but looking back, deciding to learn the piano after sixty was undoubtedly a great decision. Podcast Review: The Music Show I recently rediscovered "The Music Show" on ABC Radio National, hosted by Dr Andrew Ford. I was reminded of it after hearing Andrew ...

G'day, everyone! Welcome to show number eighty-four. The holidays are officially over, and we are back into the swing of things at school. It’s been a busy week of planning and welcoming new classes, but it's always nice to have a fresh start. Follow-up: Amazon Returns Last week, I mentioned receiving some dubious print-on-demand music books from Amazon. I’m happy to report that the return process was incredibly simple, and the refund was processed almost immediately. I still haven't found th...

G'day, everyone! Welcome to show number eighty-three. I’m writing this week's show from a slightly different location:under the shade of a Eucalypt tree at the Stargazer Lawn in Barangaroo. It is the day of the dress rehearsal for the Belong Choir's performance at the Sydney Festival Vigil. The atmosphere is buzzing with activity as chairs are set up and the area is taped off. It’s been a busy weekend, but a privilege to be part of such a special event. YouTube Review: Three Elton John Songs ...

G'day, everyone! Welcome to show number eighty-two. I’ve just returned from a week in Queensland visiting family, though it meant very little piano practice happened. It’s been great working in the Belong Choir with Nardi Simpson, a Yuwaalaraay storyteller and composer, who makes the rehearsals inclusive and fun. Podcast Recommendation: No one saw it coming I’m a big fan of history podcasts, and this week I recommend Marc Fennell’s "No one saw it coming." Specifically, the episode "The ballet...

Welcome to show eighty-one! It's scorching here—hitting 43°C—and I'm busy prepping for the new school year. I’m recording early this week as I’m heading to Queensland to assemble a 3D printer for the grandkids! YouTube Review: Matthew Cawood - 30 Piano Techniques Matthew Cawood's video "30 Piano Techniques Explained in 15 Minutes" is excellent revision. He covers everything from basic articulation to ornaments and bass patterns like the Alberti bass. I even found a few new ones, like "octave ...

G'day everyone! Welcome to show number eighty. It's the new year, and despite a rocky start with unseasonably cold morning swims, everything is going well here. I've been busy tidying up the house, potentially making room for a new keyboard once the driveway is sorted! Podcast Update: The Rest is History I need to make a quick correction to last week’s episode. The new musical episodes of The Rest is History, covering Tchaikovsky and Wagner live from the Royal Albert Hall, are available now. ...

Episode 78 - A Series of Fortunate Events G'day everyone! Welcome to show number seventy-eight. The holidays have finally started! School has finished for the year, and while I have some work to do on a new Physics program for 2027, there is plenty of time to get it done. Devi and I have chosen some new pieces to keep me busy over the break, and I'm looking forward to increasing my daily practice. YouTube - Guy Michelmore - Want to Write a Better Tune? This week I look at a video by Guy Miche...

Episode 78 - A Series of Fortunate Events G'day everyone! Welcome to show number seventy-eight. The holidays have finally started! School has finished for the year, and while I have some work to do on a new Physics program for 2027, there is plenty of time to get it done. Devi and I have chosen some new pieces to keep me busy over the break, and I'm looking forward to increasing my daily practice. YouTube - Guy Michelmore - Want to Write a Better Tune? This week I look at a video by Guy Miche...

Episode 77 - Christmas Shopping G'day, everyone! Welcome to show number seventy-seven. Teaching has finally finished for the year, wrapping up with a wonderful awards ceremony and a staff performance that was definitely more enthusiastic than musical! I’m looking forward to my last piano lesson of the year this Monday, where Devi and I will pick out a few pieces to keep me busy over the break. YouTube Review: Merriam Pianos - Hybrids This week, I take a look at a video from Merriam Pianos fea...

G’day everyone, I’m David Reidy. Welcome to Piano, Finally, a podcast by an old bloke who’s getting around to learning the piano, finally. In the lead-up to Christmas, practice opportunities appear and disappear in equal measure. A little more playing happened this week, though not as much as hoped. The 3D printer is busy producing small gifts for the staff party, and while it’s handy for personalised presents, it hasn’t yet found a role at the piano. 🎧 YouTube – Piano Myth or Fact? Do Kids L...

G’day everyone, I’m David Reidy. Welcome to Piano, Finally — a podcast by an old bloke who’s getting around to learning the piano, finally. With the exams marked and reports written, the last weeks of the school year bring a welcome return to regular practice (and twice-daily swimming). This week’s episode is built around a story in two parts: a run of theatre outings, and an unexpected new musical adventure. 🎭 Performances Around Sydney A free week meant several nights out: • The Rest Is His...

We’re into the last three teaching weeks of the school year; final marking is nearly done, and I’m looking forward to a bit more time at the piano. 🎧 YouTube – Beethoven Literally Used Four Chords to Write Für Elise YouTube analysis channels can be a goldmine. Jazz pianist Charles Cornell – co-founder of Better Piano and author of Jazz Piano Improv – has a terrific breakdown of Für Elise. He looks at the key (A minor), the 3/8 time signature (so it doesn’t feel like a waltz), and the chord mo...

G’day, I’m David Reidy. Welcome to Piano, Finally, a podcast by an old bloke who’s getting around to learning the piano, finally. This week was light on practice thanks to Year 9 camp at Lake Macquarie and the start of exam-marking season, but there was still some playing – including at camp – and some reflections on what it means to practise where people can see you. 🎧 YouTube – 5 Minutes on… Moonlight Sonata YouTube pointed me to Daniel Barenboim’s 5 minutes on… Beethoven – The “Moonlight” ...

Welcome back to Piano, Finally — the podcast of one bloke who’s learning piano later in life. This week’s episode is all about stepping up to new challenges and enjoying the progress along the way. I’ve been practising more than usual, working on three pieces — including my first “real” classical work: Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. It’s tricky, but rewarding, and I’m discovering just how much a single piece can transform practice from routine to exciting. 🎧 YouTube – Yuja Wang and Rachmaninov...

G’day, everyone—and welcome back to Piano, Finally, a podcast by an old bloke learning the piano, finally. This week’s episode recaps my trip to the Out West Piano Fest in Bathurst—a weekend of incredible performances, great company, and the best farm food I’ve ever had. 🎼 Review – Out West Piano Fest Held on Blackdown Farm and organised by Piano Plus, the festival brings together music, meals, and the scenic countryside over three days. The performances took place in a gallery-shed surround...

🎧 This Week’s Competitions The Out West Piano Fest is just around the corner, and I’ll be heading to Bathurst for the weekend—my first planned break from the podcast. If you’re there, say hello! Details at pianoplus.com.au/out-west-piano-fest-2025. For those who enjoy piano competitions, the Honens International Piano Competition is underway, with finals streaming live and available afterwards on the Honens YouTube channel. Meanwhile, the 19th International Chopin Competition continues into i...

Episode 69 – It’s Not About the Money Welcome back to Piano, finally, the podcast of one bloke learning piano later in life. This week’s episode was planned and drafted on the train to Sydney—an unusually productive commute at $6.90 each way! 🎧 YouTube and Podcast – 19th International Chopin Competition Stage One of the 19th International Chopin Competition has finished, with forty pianists progressing to the next round. I’m following Anthony Ratinov, runner-up in Miami and a recent guest on...

Episode 68 – It Takes Time G’day, everyone—and welcome back to Piano, Finally, the podcast from an old bloke who’s learning the piano, finally. This week’s episode comes to you from Queensland, recorded on portable Rode gear via an iPhone and edited in Cubase on a MacBook Pro. It’s also a rehearsal for the upcoming Out West Piano Fest, where I’ll be recording on location. 🎧 YouTube Feature – 19th International Chopin Competition The 19th International Chopin Competition has begun, with every...

Episode 67 – If a job’s worth doing… Welcome back to Piano, Finally, a podcast from an old bloke learning the piano later in life. Term three has wrapped up, and with it my piano lessons for now. Devi has me back on Wynn-Anne Rossi’s A Wild Chase, plus a new piece—Kevin Olson’s Machines on the Loose—and Juan Cabeza’s Diversion 1. Plenty to keep me busy through the break. 🎧 Podcast & YouTube – A Musical Séance This week’s suggestion comes via Dan Schreiber’s book The Theory of Everything E...

🎙 Episode 66 – Nothing’s Wasted Welcome back to Piano, Finally, the podcast of one bloke learning piano later in life. This episode didn’t go quite as planned—I was meant to be sharing a recording from Devi’s piano showcase, but thanks to a calendar mishap, I missed it by a day. Disappointing, yes—but not wasted. The extra practice means I now have four polished pieces ready to play whenever someone asks. 🎧 YouTube Spotlight – David Bennett Two new videos worth a look: Beginner’s Guide to Woo...

Episode 65 – Aspirations Welcome back to Piano, Finally, the podcast from an old bloke learning the piano. With the showcase just a week away, I’ve doubled practice sessions—half an hour in the morning, twenty minutes in the afternoon—rotating between the Kawai NV10 and Nord Stage 4. Devi’s electric Kawai will be the instrument on the day, so I’m aiming to be ready, even if the occasional wrong note slips through. 🎧 YouTube Spotlight – Paul Fey My organ journey continues with Paul Fey’s chann...

🎙 Episode 64 – Purpose G’day and welcome back to Piano, Finally. This week I had something like a first public performance—playing my four showcase pieces for a junior music class I was covering. They asked, I played, and it went alright. With just two weeks until the actual showcase, I’m ramping up practice but not aiming for perfection—it’s about learning, and sharing the journey. 🎧 YouTube Spotlight – Ten Keyboard Sounds EVERY Player Should Have Pierre Piscitelli’s video on Ten Keyboard So...

🎙 Episode 63 – Narrow or Broad Welcome back to Piano, Finally. Apologies for the break last week—I came down with Influenza A and even had to miss my lesson with Devi. Thankfully the antivirals worked, and I’m back at the keys (though you may still hear a touch of it in my voice). This week included some extra performances by senior students preparing for their exams—Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and Dire Straits were all on the program. It’s a reminder of just how diverse the world of music can b...

🎙 Episode 62 – Why Are We Playing? G’day and welcome back to Piano, Finally. This week included two very different performances: Circa and the Art of the Fugue at City Recital Hall, and Radio Luxembourg at The Joan in Penrith. Both highlighted the power of live music, from Bach’s intricate counterpoint to the raw energy of 1960s rock and pop. 🎭 Performance Reviews Circa and the Art of the Fugue combined the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra with contemporary circus from Circa. Historically inf...

🎙 Episode 61 – When Are We Going to Use This? Welcome back to Piano, Finally, where I share the ups, downs, and sideways detours of learning piano later in life. This week’s opening note: if you contact me via Buzzsprout’s FanMail, I can’t reply—so if you’d like a conversation, please send an email to david@pianofinally.show. It’s Science Week here in NSW schools, and between showing science demos to preschoolers and heading out to a Bach-meets-acrobatics performance, I’ve also been keeping a...

🎙 Episode 60 – Choosing Six Welcome to Episode 60 of Piano, Finally, a podcast about learning the piano later in life and enjoying the journey along the way. This week, tickets went on sale for the Out West Piano Fest. It will be held in October at Blackdown Farm in Bathurst and features five concerts over three days with meals included. Wynona Wang, prize-winner at the 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition, will be performing, along with other pianists and a few surprise guests. More d...

🎙 Episode 59 – It’s Our Job Welcome to Piano, Finally. This week brings a few changes in how the show is recorded. The entire episode has been produced in Cubase using Steinberg’s SpectraLayers for audio processing. Recording the MIDI data from the Kawai NV10 directly into Cubase has improved the quality of the piano sound—now I just need to work on improving my playing! A warm welcome to new listeners who found the show through Marc Larochelle’s My Keys To Music newsletter. Thank you for joi...

🎙 Episode 58 – Listening In G’day and welcome back to Piano, Finally—where a bloke learning piano later in life reports in from yet another theatre foyer. This week’s episode was written from the Northern Foyer of the Sydney Opera House, in the sunlight beneath John Olsen’s mural Salute to Slessor’s 5 Bells. A pre-concert talk with Jaime Martín and Genevieve Lang turned out to be one of the highlights of the week—more on that later. 🎨 More on the mural 📺 YouTube Feature – Aspen Music Festival...

🎙 Episode 57 – Reading and Writing Welcome to Piano, Finally, a podcast about learning the piano—later in life and without the pressure. This week’s episode has been recorded a day early as I head off to the Opera House for another concert in the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s subscription series—more on that next week. 🎧 The latest episode of the Chopin Podcast focuses on the Polonaises, including one I hadn’t heard before: the Polonaise-Fantaisie, which has quickly become a favourite. Denis Zh...

🎙 Episode 56 – Leaving Evidence G’day, and welcome back to Piano, Finally, where each week I share the detours, lessons, and progress from learning piano later in life. This week’s episode was written from the foyer of the Bell Shakespeare Company’s theatre, ahead of a performance of Coriolanus—more on that at the end. 🎭 Term’s over, holidays have begun, and with piano lessons on break too, I’m gearing up for more time at the keys. Devi’s set a new goal for next term: get off the page and sta...

🎙 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 Carriagewo...

🎙 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 soun...

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: 👉 To...

🎙 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...

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 rese...

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 t...

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 pr...

🎹 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/@N...

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/...

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...

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...

🎹 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 ...

🎹 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 Lya...

🎙️ 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 ...

🎙 Episode 41 – Pianos and Keyboards G’day, and welcome back to Piano, Finally – the podcast by an old bloke, finally learning piano. In this episode, we take a look at a curious music theory making the rounds on YouTube, dip a toe into the world of electronic keyboards, and review a more contemporary collection of piano pieces from AMEB’s Rock School. 🎵 A Conspiracy in Classical Music? It started with a video about using a metronome and ended with a full-blown theory claiming we’re all playin...

Welcome Welcome to episode 40 of Piano, Finally! If you're new here, I hope you enjoy the show. If you’re a returning listener, thanks for coming back! If you're learning piano or another instrument, I'd love to hear how you're going—drop me an email at david@pianofinally.show. This week, I prepared part of this episode at the Sydney Opera House before attending Bell Shakespeare’s Henry V. It’s one of my favorite Shakespeare history plays, and this production was excellent. YouTube Spotlight:...

🎹 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 david@pianofinally.show. 🎧 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 i...

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 detail...

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. L...

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 ...

🔹 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 david@pianofinally.show. 🔹 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, Rachm...

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 ...

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 Unauthori...

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, delvi...

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 t...

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 intere...

In episode 29 of Piano, Finally, David Reidy warmly invites listeners into his world of piano learning, reflecting on a transformative first year filled with challenges, triumphs, and plenty of music. Whether you’re a seasoned pianist or just dipping your toes into the keys, David’s candid storytelling resonates with anyone navigating the ups and downs of learning an instrument. The episode begins with a spotlight on the 2025 National Chopin Piano Competition in Miami, a gateway to the presti...

Welcome Thanks for tuning in to another episode of Piano, Finally. The Christmas season is here, and I’ve just wrapped up my last piano lesson for the year. I’m currently working on Canon and Bagatelle, with a new addition, Afternoon Snooze by Andrew Craggs. YouTube Recommendation – Lord Vinheteiro 🎼 This week, I’m highlighting one of my favourite piano YouTubers, Lord Vinheteiro. Known for his deadpan expression and impressive piano skills, his channel features educational and entertaining c...

In Episode 27 of Piano, Finally, host David Reidy shares an engaging mix of piano progress, creative inspirations, and thoughtful reflections on the holiday season. As an adult beginner learning piano, David’s journey is relatable and encouraging, making this episode a must-listen for music lovers and creative minds alike. David starts by reflecting on the end of the academic year and his preparations for the six-week holiday break. With help from his teacher Devi, he’s selecting pieces align...

In this episode of Piano, Finally, David Reidy reflects on his progress as he continues his journey of learning piano. After returning to work and recovering from time off, David shares how establishing a morning practice routine has transformed his ability to improve at the piano consistently. He offers practical advice for fitting music practice into busy schedules and highlights the difference it has made in his playing. The YouTube segment revisits some of David’s past recommendations, in...

Episode 25 – Piano Legs In this episode of "Piano, Finally", David Reidy returns after an unplanned three-week break with a deeply personal update. Following an unexpected hospital stay for surgery, David reflects on the incredible support he received from colleagues, family, and friends during his recovery. This leads him to explore the metaphor of "piano legs"—the essential support systems we all need to balance the challenges of life and learning a new skill. David dives into two standout ...

Welcome to another musical adventure! In this episode of the Piano, Finally podcast, our host, David Reidy, takes listeners on a journey through his experiences as a budding pianist while also sharing recent piano news, reflecting on music’s role in challenging times, and giving a unique piano bench review. David opens with updates on his piano practice, including correcting a chord mistake in Adele’s Someone Like You. He also discusses his excitement for an upcoming live recording of No Such...

Have you ever wondered if you can truly learn a new instrument later in life? Join me, David Reidy, as I share my personal adventure of learning piano in my later years in the latest episode of "Piano, Finally." With the invaluable guidance of my teacher, Devi, I've been transforming sheet music into a playable reality, focusing particularly on Adele's "Someone Like You." I'm thrilled to share the progress I've made and dive into the intricate details of mapping chords and perfecting my finge...

What if machine learning could redefine the way we create music? Join me, David Reidy, as I challenge the boundaries between human creativity and technological innovation through my journey of learning the piano. You'll hear about my preparation for a potential performance of Adele's "Someone Like You," a daunting piece that I'm determined to master with my teacher's guidance over the next nine months. I'll also share my thoughts on the intriguing blend of education and humour offered by Prof...

Ever felt the thrill of tackling a new challenge, only to find it opens unexpected doors? Join me, David Reidy, as I navigate the fascinating world of piano in this week's "Piano Finally." Inspired by Ryan Abshier's captivating video ranking top piano concertos, I created a playlist on Apple Classical Music to share these masterpieces with you. As I ponder an intriguing invite to perform at a school fundraising event, I reflect on the joys and jitters of sharing music, even as a beginner. It'...

How does an older adult tackle the challenge of learning piano, and what can concert experiences teach us about music appreciation? Join me, David Reidy, as I navigate my journey through the keys, sharing not only my triumphs and stumbles with major scales and key signatures but also the magic of a recent symphony concert by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. From the comfort of your home, enjoy a front-row seat to the melodies of Mozart, Respighi, and Shostakovich and uncover why attending conce...

Ever had a whimsical chat with a fellow theater enthusiast about oboists during intermission? Join me, David Reidy, as I recount such an amusing exchange from my recent outing to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Sunset Boulevard" at the Opera House, starring the legendary Sarah Brightman. My journey through the world of live music doesn't stop there; I also spotlight an intriguing podcast series on Frederic Chopin, featuring insights from pianist Garrick Olson and historian Alan Walker. Whether it'...

Ever wondered what it takes to judge a world-class piano competition from your living room? Join me, David Reidy, on the 18th episode of "Piano. Finally," where I recount my humorous attempt at playing judge for the Leeds International Piano Competition finals. I'll share my thoughts on the incredible winner, Jaeden Izik-Dzerko, and his breathtaking performance of Brahms Concerto no 2 in B-flat Major. Plus, I'll highlight Ryan Absher's YouTube channel, a treasure trove of piano techniques and...

Unlock the secrets to mastering your piano scales and refining your practice routines with me, David Reidy! This episode promises to elevate your piano journey as I recount my own progress with all 12 major scales and introduce an innovative practice organisation software tool. You'll also discover Matthew Carwood's YouTube channel, a treasure trove of piano performance analyses that are perfect for sharpening your musical insights. Plus, get the lowdown on my state-of-the-art piano setup fea...

Ever wondered how a reluctant jazz attendee ends up enjoying a night of live music? That's exactly what happened to me, David Reidy, and I’m here to share all the unexpected musical twists and turns from my latest adventures. From sitting out Devi's annual student showcase and promising to perform next year to discovering a newfound appreciation for jazz at the Live at the Village event in Springwood, my musical journey has been anything but predictable. I’ll also give you the inside scoop on...

What if a simple fix could reignite your passion for music? Join me, David Reidy, as I share how a quick but crucial repair to my Kawai NV10 by technician Stan brought my piano playing back to life. In this episode of Piano Finally, I explore my progress with scale practice under my piano teacher's guidance and unveil an exciting iPad app I'm developing to make practising scales more intuitive. Additionally, I highlight the "Musician Toolkit" podcast by David Lane, which has become an invalua...

Join me, David Reidy, on the latest episode of "Piano, Finally,". Travel with me through the bustling piano shops of Sydney, where luxury pianos with rich histories and exquisite craftsmanship beckon. I also take a moment to spotlight the incredible work of Jason Zak and the Nathaniel School of Music's YouTube channel, urging you to support their treasure trove of valuable content. In this episode, you'll also hear my thoughts on the significance of music theory in piano playing, informed by...

Join me, David Reidy, in the latest episode of "Piano, Finally." We delve into the evocative music of George Winston, whose compositions provide both challenge and inspiration. I'll be guiding you through his pieces, ideal for both keen listeners and budding pianists. Plus, let's confront the demons of stage fright together, exploring how to turn performance jitters into a source of joy. I'll explore my personal progress with Nino Rota's "A Time For Us" from the classic film "Romeo and...

Struggling to keep your piano practice consistent amidst a busy schedule? Join me, David Reidy, on this week's episode of Piano, Finally, where I share my personal journey of mastering the keys while managing real-life challenges. Plus, hear how the Roland keyboard and Pianoteq software have become essential tools in my musical toolkit, and discover my quest for a more organised practice routine. Curious about the life of a classical pianist? I highly recommend exploring Tiffany Poon's...

Join me, David Reidy, on "Piano. Finally." as I share the latest developments with my Kawaii NV10. Plus, I've got a personal recap of my night out at the Camelot Lounge where I experienced an electrifying performance by my piano teacher, Devi Mamak, and her Caravan Band. Imagine a fusion of Indian ragas, Beethoven, and Middle Eastern dance all under one roof—it was an evening to remember! Feeling curious about how violin techniques could enrich your piano skills? Meet TwoSet Violin, the Aust...

What does it feel like to truly connect with your instrument? Join me, David Reidy, on this tenth episode of "Piano Finally,".Reflecting on my six-month journey from my first Roland FP-30X to the impressive Kawai Novus hybrid, I delve into how YouTube has been an indispensable guide in making informed decisions and enhancing my learning experience. As an older adult learning piano, I emphasize the joy in the journey over rushing to perform publicly. I share my progress on Samuel Arnold's Gig...

Welcome to Episode 9. Thanks for joining me this week. It has been busy; school is back for Term 3, which means this will be back into a normal rhythm but also much busier. My regular piano lessons will be starting back this coming week, and I’m looking forward to learning some new things over the coming term. Before the holidays, my piano teacher mentioned that she would be running a showcase concert in the middle of September. I don’t think I’m ready to perform in front of members of the pu...

Ever faced the frustration of coming home to find your prized electronic piano completely unresponsive? This week on Piano Finally, join me, David Reidy, as I recount my recent adventures—from a delightful trip to Queensland and smoothly handing over my Roland FP-30X to Nixon, Halley, and Ace, to the unexpected challenge of a non-functional Kawai NV-10 upon returning home. Discover the detailed troubleshooting process, the stellar customer service I received, and the planned repair that’s set...

Ever wondered how an old bloke like me, David Reidy, finally got around to learning the piano? Well, this week's episode is packed with insights and stories from my own musical journey. On top of that, I dive into a review of Alfred's Basic Piano Library All-in-One Course by Palmer, Manus, and Lethco, a stellar resource for young beginners. I share my thoughts on why this series could be a great starting point for the younger folks in your life. Reflecting on the musical influences in my own...

Have you ever wondered if sight reading is truly essential for mastering the piano? Join me on this episode of "Piano. Finally," where we tackle this age-old debate head-on. I'll take you through my personal journey into sight reading, highlighting the transformative "Improve Your Sight Reading" series by Paul Harris. These books, organized with graded practice pieces, have been an invaluable resource in my practice, and I'll explain exactly why. Along the way, I'll share the importance of ce...

How are you going to learn the piano? Join me, David Reidy, in the latest episode of Piano Finally, where I kick off with an exciting update on the Gina Bachauer piano competition and its stellar performances with the Utah Symphony Orchestra. I also discuss the potential overhaul of the podcast website Later in the episode, I look at the benefits of private piano lessons as well as the hurdles involved in learning in the traditional way. I detail why I decided to choose this path and how it ...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a busy schedule yet still found moments of inspiration that reignite your passion? Join me, David Reidy, as I navigate a week filled with debating competitions and school events, all while trying to squeeze in piano practice. Discover how a Year 8 student's original composition at our school's creative showcase provided a much-needed spark in my musical journey. With the holidays just around the corner, I'll share my plans for ramping up my practice time and ...

What if the key to mastering the piano lies in choosing the right instrument? Join me, David Reidy, on this episode of "Piano Finally," as I share my journey learning piano with the Roland FP-30X. You'll get an inside look at my practice sessions, the pieces I'm working on, and how the remarkable features of the Roland FP-30X are making a difference. From its 88 progressively weighted keys to the Supernatural Piano Sound Engine, discover why this keyboard is a game-changer for beginners, espe...