Episodes

  • 4 - Why to start
    Jun 23 2024

    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 aiming to catch up with my talented students.

    This week, I also delve into the world of metronomes with a comprehensive review of the Boss DB90. After testing various options, I've found this metronome to be an essential companion in my practice routine. Learn about its standout features, including the large backlit LCD display, adjustable tempo, and diverse sound options. I’ll also offer tips on setting up the device, like the importance of using the recommended power supply to avoid noise issues. Tune in to find out why the Boss DB90 has become a key player in my quest to master the piano and how it could benefit your practice sessions too.

    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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    12 mins
  • 3 - Where to start
    Jun 16 2024

    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 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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    16 mins
  • 2 - Planning to start
    Jun 9 2024

    Ever wondered how you can optimise your piano practice routine and set up a perfect practice space? Tune in as I, David Reidy, share my personal journey of dedicating five and a half hours of practice this week to Alyssa Milne's "Getting to Grade One." I also dive into the charming world of Samuel Arnold's "Gigue" and Manfred Schmitz's "Mini Hit," offering insights into my progress. Stay until the end to hear about "The Piano Doctor," a fascinating YouTube channel featuring a talented piano technician from West Michigan who not only showcases his skills but also teaches a course on becoming a piano technician. Additionally, I review a durable and battery-free metronome from Pianote that promises to help your practice sessions.

    Setting up your piano space is crucial for effective practice, and this episode provides the practical advice you need. From selecting the right digital piano to ensuring you have enough space, I cover it all. Learn the benefits of using headphones to practice quietly in shared living spaces and discover why a proper piano bench with adjustable height is essential for maintaining good posture. I'll also share tips on protecting your flooring and organising your growing collection of music books. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your practice environment, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you create an ideal piano practice space.

    Links
    Getting to Grade 1, edited by Alyssa Milne
    The Piano Doctor YouTube channel
    The Pianote Metronome

    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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    19 mins
  • 1 - Deciding to start
    Jun 2 2024

    Ever thought about picking up a musical instrument as an adult but felt overwhelmed by the commitment? Join me, David Reidy, as I share my personal journey of diving into the world of piano playing in this heartwarming episode of "Piano, Finally." Discover the key moments that led to my decision to start and how I've managed to fit two lessons on Mondays and daily practice sessions into my hectic schedule. You'll uncover the intriguing connection between my love for music theory – inspired by Douglas Hofstadter's "Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid" – and my choice of Bach's Crab Cannon for our podcast's opening tune. Plus, I'll share actionable tips on how I carved out time for practice by minimizing distractions like YouTube.

    In the second part of the episode, I dive into the essential tools and resources that have supported my piano learning adventure. I recount the joy of purchasing my first piano keyboard and the invaluable insights from the Nancy and Randall Faber Adult Piano Adventures book, which has truly made learning accessible for beginners like me. As I reflect on my current practice progress with Samuel Arnold's Gigue piece, you'll hear about the challenges and milestones I've faced along the way. Whether you're a seasoned pianist or just an adult curious about starting, this episode offers an honest and inspiring glimpse into the fulfilling world of adult piano learning.

    Links:
    Adult Piano Adventures Book 1 by Nancy and Randall Faber
    https://amzn.to/3VnPRA1

    Piano Tips with Stefan Wyatt
    https://www.youtube.com/@pianotips2623

    Getting to Grade One – Edited by Elissa Milne
    https://amzn.to/3yNaayg

    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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    19 mins
  • Introduction to Piano, finally
    May 26 2024

    Embark on a musical voyage with me, David Reidy, as I tackle the grand adventure of mastering the piano later in life. With a lifetime of teaching others, I'm stepping into the shoes of a student to bring you an honest, insightful look at what it's like to learn piano as an adult. From grappling with music theory to testing the best learning tools and resources, I'm here to share this journey's highs, lows, and unexpected delight. If you've ever considered tickling the ivories yourself or are fascinated by acquiring a new skill, you won't want to miss my raw, genuine experiences.

    As we peel back the curtain on adult music education, I'll guide you through the maze of online tutorials, local music schools, and the plethora of piano books and gear designed for beginners. I'll share tales from the trenches of navigating formal music examinations and regale you with the logical beauty of music theory, peppered with my fascination for physics and maths. No matter where you are in your musical quest, join me for a symphony of stories, tips, and candid reflections that will resonate with the curious onlooker and the aspiring pianist.

    The book that my practice performance is from is The Joy of First Year Piano by Denes Agay. You can use this Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3QXfUvm to see more details.

    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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    7 mins