Piano, finally

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, including updates on TwoSet Violin’s sudden return, The Chopin Podcast’s expanded series (now including a deep dive into a newly discovered Chopin waltz), and Stefan Wyatt’s instructional videos for Czerny and Burgmüller exercises. These resources provide inspiration and guidance for learners at every level.

In the essay segment, David discusses the value of music theory in understanding and creating music. He shares how concepts like chord progressions and the circle of fifths have enhanced his ability to learn and appreciate the structure of pieces like Adele’s works and classical canons. Inspired by this newfound knowledge, David reveals plans to experiment with composing his own music.

David also reviews the ANZCA video exam system, breaking down the pros and cons of Video Performance versus ANZCA Go! exams. For adult learners balancing piano with full-time work, these flexible options might be the perfect fit.

Finally, the progress segment includes updates on pieces he’s been practising: Fritz Spindler’s Canon, Louis Köhler’s Etude in G, and Daniel Gottlob Türk’s Bagatelle in F. He discusses his recording process using the Kawai NV10 keyboard and Pianoteq 8 software, offering insights into his setup and sound preferences.

Whether you’re just starting your piano journey or looking for fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with tips, reviews, and encouragement. Tune in to learn, grow, and stay motivated!

Send me a text message.

You can contact me:

• via email at [email protected]; this is probably the best option
• the show website, www.pianofinally.show
• Instagram and Threads @pianofinally
• and on YouTube
• all the podcast directories - list
• here's the RSS feed

Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link.
All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.

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 the Leeds International Piano Competition and how platforms like YouTube and Medici TV are transforming the way we experience these grand events. Thanks to my wonderful piano teacher Devi, my musical tastes are expanding, leading me to explore new genres and even buy tickets to the Blue Mountains Music Festival!
In this episode, I also dive into my practice sessions, specifically focusing on Nino Rota's "A Time For Us" from Franco Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet." I discuss the progress I’ve made with the first nine and a half bars and the challenges I’m facing with a tricky run of sixths. Using the NV-10 with the SK-EX Concert Grand setting has been a revelation for my practice, and I'll be reintroducing PianoTek software into my setup soon. Join me as I reflect on how learning piano has not only honed my skills but also connected me to a wider musical community, enriching my life in ways I never expected.

Send me a text message.

You can contact me:

• via email at [email protected]; this is probably the best option
• the show website, www.pianofinally.show
• Instagram and Threads @pianofinally
• and on YouTube
• all the podcast directories - list
• here's the RSS feed

Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link.
All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.

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's a raw, real experience that reminds us all of the beauty in learning and connecting through music.

Send me a text message.

You can contact me:

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

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, especially those planning to transition to acoustic pianos. We'll also explore the Roland FP-30X’s practical benefits, like its compact size, headphone outputs, Bluetooth audio, and MIDI connectivity.
In the second part of the episode, I'll share essential contact resources for those looking to dive deeper into their piano journey. Reach out via email at david@pianofinallyshow or visit the website www.pianofinally.show for more details and show notes. I'll also bring you up to speed on my current practice piece, "Gigue" by Samuel Arnold, discussing my progress and the challenges I've encountered. As always, I aim to inspire you to keep enjoying your practice sessions and wish you a harmonious week ahead with your piano. Tune in to stay motivated and informed on your path to piano mastery!

Send me a text message.

You can contact me:

• via email at [email protected]; this is probably the best option
• the show website, www.pianofinally.show
• Instagram and Threads @pianofinally
• and on YouTube
• all the podcast directories - list
• here's the RSS feed

Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link.
All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.

🎹 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.

1. 🎶 Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja (Mozart / arr. Barrie Carson Turner)
   A bright, fast piece introducing Alberti bass and runs in G major.
   🎧 Listen here
2. 🎹 A Wild Chase (Wynn-Anne Rossi)
   Tricky fingering, dual bass clefs, and a fast tempo – definitely a challenge.
   🎧 Listen here
3. 🕰️ Going Baroque (Glenda Austin)
   My first foray into baroque-style music, complete with counterpoint and complexity.
   🎧 Listen here
4. 🎤 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 [email protected]; this is probably the best option
• the show website, www.pianofinally.show
• Instagram and Threads @pianofinally
• and on YouTube
• all the podcast directories - list
• here's the RSS feed

Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link.
All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.