Episode 15
What if a simple fix could reignite your passion for music? Join me, David Reedy, 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 practicing scales more intuitive. Additionally, I highlight the "Musician Toolkit" podcast by David Lane, which has become an invaluable resource in my musical journey. Inspired by Tiffany Poon's thoughts on acoustics, I also reflect on how rearranging my piano space has significantly improved sound quality at home.
Ready to tackle those tricky pieces? I dive into the challenges of mastering major sixths in "A Time For Us," outlining the finger combinations that elevate both skill and performance. Hear the latest recording of this piece on my NV-10 using the SKEX Concert Grand setting and learn about my plans to incorporate PianoTek software for a more varied sound palette. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pianist, this episode is packed with practical tips, personal anecdotes, and valuable recommendations to enrich your piano-playing experience. Tune in for a delightful blend of technical advice, musical discovery, and personal reflections on the joys and hurdles of piano learning.
Have you ever felt your passion for something rekindle with just a simple fix? This was my recent experience with my beloved Kawai NV10 piano. Join me, David Reidy, in this blog post as I walk you through the highlights of the latest episode of my podcast, "Piano Finally." This episode is a blend of technical advice, musical discovery, and personal reflections on the joys and hurdles of piano learning. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pianist, there's something here for everyone.
One of the pivotal moments in my recent piano journey was the repair of my Kawai NV10. My technician, Stan, arrived with a toolbox and a wealth of knowledge, ready to diagnose the issue. After a series of voltage checks and circuit diagram consultations, he discovered a faulty connector. This simple fix brought my piano back to life and reignited my passion for playing. It's fascinating how a minor repair can have such a significant impact on your enthusiasm for music.
With my piano in working order, I delved into scale practice, guided by my piano teacher. Practicing scales is essential for any pianist, and I've been slowly building up my repertoire. My teacher has been instrumental in helping me master scales that share the same fingering as C-major. To make this practice more intuitive, I'm developing an iPad app that displays major scales with their correct fingering. This app aims to assist pianists in practicing scales in a more random order, preventing rote memorization and promoting genuine understanding.
In addition to my scale practice, I've been exploring valuable resources to enhance my musical journey. One such resource is the "Musician Toolkit" podcast by David Lane. This podcast offers insights into music performance and composition, making it an invaluable tool for musicians. David Lane's wealth of experience and practical advice has inspired me to incorporate more structured practices into my routine. His episodes, which range from 15 minutes to almost two hours, cover a wide array of performance-related topics, making it a must-listen for anyone serious about music.
Sound quality and piano placement are crucial aspects of creating a conducive practice environment. Inspired by Tiffany Poon's thoughts on acoustics, I reevaluated the placement of my Kawai NV10. Initially, I chose the location based on convenience, but after some reflection, I realized the importance of acoustics. My piano room has a normal-height ceiling, carpeted floors, and windows along one side, which I initially thought was sufficient. However, I've noticed a significant difference in sound quality when adjusting the blinds on the windows. This experience underscores the importance of considering acoustics when setting up your piano space.
One of the more challenging pieces I've been working on is "A Time For Us," which features a tricky section of major sixths. These intervals require varying finger combinations, pushing the limits of finger span and legato technique. Starting with the familiar 1 and 5 fingers, the difficulty increases as the piece progresses, requiring transitions to fingers 1 and 4, then 1 and 3, and finally 1 and 2. Practicing this section has been both a challenge and a joy, and I've recorded my latest progress using the SK EX Concert Grand setting on my NV-10.
To further enhance my piano sound, I've been exploring the use of PianoTek software. This software allows for a more varied sound palette, providing an additional layer of depth to my practice sessions. Although the Kawai NV10 can't take audio in using a USB cable like the Roland FP90X, I've found a workaround. By using an M1 Mac Mini and a small studio sound system, I can switch between the Kawai's internal sound and the PianoTek software, adding versatility to my setup.
Maintaining the cleanliness of my piano has also been a focus. Dust accumulates quickly, especially on the Kawai's shiny black finish. I've found that a soft cloth and regular dusting keep it looking pristine. To protect my Roland FP90X, which has a matte plastic finish, I've invested in a Clairvoyant Digital Piano Cover. This cover provides protection from dust and knocks, ensuring that the piano remains in good condition even when not in use.
In conclusion, this episode of "Piano Finally" is a rich tapestry of technical advice, personal anecdotes, and valuable recommendations. From repairing my Kawai NV10 to developing an iPad app for scale practice, every step of my journey has been a learning experience. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire and assist other pianists in their musical endeavors. Whether you're struggling with tricky pieces or looking to improve your piano setup, this episode has something for you. So, tune in, enjoy the journey, and keep making beautiful music.
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