Shows
Piano, finallyEpisode 95 - It's not a raceWelcome 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 room when recording. In terms of my own progress, choir rehearsals...
2026-04-1814 minPiano, finallyEpisode 94 - Let's do that againWelcome 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. Day two showcased an incredible "Folk and Fancy" program featuring t...
2026-04-1215 minPiano, finallyEpisode 93 - Consistently distractingG'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 OneIn 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 a bit over a hundred people, so the lack of concert hall...
2026-04-0512 minPiano, finallyEpisode 92 - Cover StoriesG'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 recommendation for this show, get a ticket if you can; it is a great...
2026-03-2914 minPiano, finallyEpisode 91 - Musical SupportWelcome 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 also working on a new...
2026-03-2215 minPiano, finallyEpisode 90 - The Blue Mountains Music FestivalWelcome 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 thoughts on ethical AI training in th...
2026-03-1514 minPiano, finallyEpisode 89 - Practise TogetherG'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 StormThis 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.Community and Music LessonsDespite a busy week adjudicating...
2026-03-0816 minPiano, finallyEpisode 88 - Fast CarG'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 ProgressI'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 commute to learn lyrics via an Apple Music play...
2026-03-0117 minPiano, finallyEpisode 87 - All By MyselfWelcome 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_aligner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtt78SW-mggEssay: All By Myself I c...
2026-02-2217 minPiano, finallyEpisode 86 - The EntertainerG'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 - How to play ornaments on the pi...
2026-02-1514 minPiano, finallyEpisode 85 - Year TwoG'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 on another podcast discussing Stravinsky’s "The Rite of Spring." "The Musi...
2026-02-0815 minPiano, finallyEpisode 84 - Say “Yes"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 the proper copyright owners to notify them, but I’ll keep looking.Y...
2026-02-0114 minPiano, finallyEpisode 83 - Who’s ListeningG'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 for Beginners Coincidentally, just as I deci...
2026-01-2618 minPiano, finallyEpisode 82 - The “T” WordG'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 that caused a riot and changed music," which dives into Stravinsky’s The Rite o...
2026-01-1817 minPiano, finallyEpisode 81 - Play What You LikeWelcome 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 legato." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH8BxXAHnWsEssay: Play What You Like
2026-01-1122 minPiano, finallyEpisode 80 - Not planning, not failingG'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. They are excellent listens, exploring the lives, scandals, and music of...
2026-01-0418 minPiano, finallyEpisode 79 - The Observer EffectEpisode 78 - A Series of Fortunate EventsG'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...
2025-12-2819 minPiano, finallyEpisode 78 - A Series of Fortunate EventsEpisode 78 - A Series of Fortunate EventsG'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...
2025-12-2120 minPiano, finallyEpisode 77 - Christmas ShoppingEpisode 77 - Christmas ShoppingG'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 featuring Stu Harrison. Stu discusses his sw...
2025-12-1420 minPiano, finallyEpisode 76 - In PublicG’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 Learn Faster Than Adults?Ryan Abshea...
2025-12-0716 minPiano, finallyEpisode 75 - Something NewG’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 SydneyA free week meant several nights out:• The Rest Is History Returns at the Opera House...
2025-11-3019 minPiano, finallyEpisode 74 - Unexpected BenefitsWe’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 EliseYouTube 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 movement fr...
2025-11-2315 minPiano, finallyEpisode 73 - Practising in PublicG’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 SonataYouTube pointed me to Daniel Barenboim’s 5 minutes on… Beethoven – The “Moonlight” Sonata, part of a 13-video series where he talks about music by Beetho...
2025-11-1620 minPiano, finallyEpisode 72 - A Bit of a ChallengeWelcome 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 RachmaninovIn 2023, Yuja Wang performed all four Rachmaninov Piano Concert...
2025-11-0917 minPiano, finallyEpisode 71 - Out West Piano FestG’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 FestHeld 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 surrounded by Indigenous art, featuring...
2025-11-0220 minPiano, finallyEpisode 70 - The Judging of Art🎧 This Week’s CompetitionsThe 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 its second week—forty pianists made it to Stage Two, though my pick, Anthony Ratinov, didn’t advance further. Perfor...
2025-10-1920 minPiano, finallyEpisode 69 - It's Not About the MoneyEpisode 69 – It’s Not About the MoneyWelcome 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 CompetitionStage 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 Ben Laude’s Late Cho(pin). You can catch his first-round p...
2025-10-1217 minPiano, finallyEpisode 68 - It Takes TimeEpisode 68 – It Takes TimeG’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 CompetitionThe 19th International Chopin Competition has begun, with every performance livestreamed and archived on YouTube. If you mis...
2025-10-0520 min