Episode 12
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.
Are you struggling to keep your piano practice consistent despite a busy schedule? You're not alone. In the latest episode of Piano Finally, David Reidy shares his personal journey of mastering the keys while managing real-life challenges. This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical advice for anyone looking to balance their love for music with their daily duties.
David begins by addressing the ongoing technical issues with his beloved Kawai NV10. The piano has been silent for a while, and despite attempts to fix it remotely, it seems another technician visit is required. This highlights a common struggle many pianists face—technical issues can disrupt your practice routine. However, David doesn't let this setback deter him. He continues to practice on his Roland keyboard, using the PianoTek software to keep his sessions interesting. This software has become an essential tool in his musical toolkit, allowing him to simulate different piano sounds and settings, thus adding variety to his practice.
One of the key themes of this episode is the importance of a structured practice routine. David shares his quest for a more organized approach, admitting that keeping track of what to practice can be challenging, especially when life gets busy. He has tried using a practice diary, but it proved ineffective as it needs to be filled out after each session. Instead, David works from memory, focusing on scales, specific pieces, and sight-reading exercises. He emphasizes the importance of scales, noting that even the less commonly used ones should not be neglected.
In this episode, David also recommends Tiffany Poon's YouTube channel for those curious about the life of a classical pianist. Tiffany's channel offers an insider's look at her expertise in Schumann and her global performances. David appreciates the transparency with which Tiffany shares her challenges and joys, providing a realistic view of what it means to be a professional pianist. Her channel is a great resource for anyone looking to understand the dedication and effort required to succeed in the classical music world.
David also provides a detailed update on the progress of his rendition of Nino Rota's "A Time For Us" from Romeo and Juliet. He discusses the challenges he faces in maintaining a consistent tempo and achieving steady left-hand chords, especially when juggling work commitments. Despite these hurdles, he has made significant progress up to bar nine and a half and continues to strive for consistency. This section of the episode is particularly useful for those who are balancing work and practice, as it offers practical tips on how to manage both effectively.
Another interesting aspect of this episode is David's discussion of his technical setup. He uses the Piano Tech Bosendorfer 280VC for MIDI recording and playback, adjusting the setup due to the location of his recording equipment. This setup allows him to practice on different quality pianos, adding variety and keeping his practice sessions engaging. David reviews the Pianoteq 8 software, which models different pianos and can be used with a MIDI keyboard to experience a wide range of expensive pianos. He shares his experience with the Bösendorfer 280VC, highlighting its different presets and how they enhance his practice.
Throughout the episode, David emphasizes the importance of staying motivated and finding joy in practice. He acknowledges that life can get in the way but stresses the need to make time for music. Whether it's early in the morning or after a long day at work, sitting down at the piano can be a source of relaxation and fulfillment. He encourages listeners to find what works best for them, whether it's using software like Pianoteq, following a structured practice routine, or seeking inspiration from other musicians.
David concludes the episode by inviting listeners to contact him with any questions or suggestions. He is available via email and on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. The show notes for the episode are also available on the Piano Finally website, providing additional resources and links to the topics discussed.
In summary, this episode of "Piano Finally" is a treasure trove of practical advice and inspiration for pianists of all levels. David Reidy's personal journey, combined with his technical insights and recommendations, makes it a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their piano practice amidst life's challenges. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pianist, there's something in this episode for everyone. So, tune in and let David guide you on your musical journey, helping you find harmony amidst the chaos.
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
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All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.