Episode 18
Ever wondered what it takes to judge a world-class piano competition from your living room? Join me, David Reidy, on the 18th episode of "Piano. Finally," where I recount my humorous attempt at playing judge for the Leeds International Piano Competition finals. I'll share my thoughts on the incredible winner, Jaeden Izik-Dzerko, and his breathtaking performance of Brahms Concerto no 2 in B-flat Major. Plus, I'll highlight Ryan Absher's YouTube channel, a treasure trove of piano techniques and pieces suitable for every skill level, sure to enhance your practice sessions.
Welcome to Episode 18 of "Piano. Finally," where I, David Reidy, share my ongoing adventure of learning to play the piano as an older adult. In this episode, titled "Judging a Piano Competition from My Living Room," I dive into my humorous experience of playing judge for the Leeds International Piano Competition finals. Imagine trying to judge world-class pianists from the comfort of your sofa; it's as entertaining as it sounds! Not only do I recount the event, but I also highlight the incredible performance of the winner, Jaeden Izik-Dzerko, who performed Brahms Concerto no 2 in B-flat Major.
To start, the episode begins with a light-hearted discussion on my piano journey, particularly during the school holidays when my teacher Devi is overseas. This hiatus provides me with a unique opportunity to practice more, and I recount how watching the Leeds International Piano Competition on YouTube filled some of this time. The finals featured five exceptional performances, and my self-appointed task was to rank them, albeit humorously realizing that my preferences were almost the exact opposite of the official jury's. Jaden Itzik-Zerko's stunning rendition of Brahms Concerto no 2 left an indelible mark, and I discuss why his performance stood out to me.
In the next segment, I shine a spotlight on Ryan Absher's YouTube channel, which has become a valuable resource in my own practice. Ryan, with his Master of Music in Piano Performance, offers a treasure trove of content ranging from piano techniques to in-depth analysis of various pieces. His engaging style makes complex concepts accessible to both beginners and advanced players. One of his standout videos, "Five Breakup Songs Not Called Moonlight Sonata," is both entertaining and educational, offering a fresh perspective on pieces that evoke feelings of sadness.
Connecting with the "Piano Finally Show" community is another key aspect of this episode. I share how listeners can reach out via email, our website, and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Staying connected allows us to inspire and support each other's musical journeys. I also give a personal update on my current practice piece, Nino Rota's "A Time for Us" from the film Romeo and Juliet. Although a family dinner calls, I promise to include extra recordings of my progress in the next episode, keeping the community engaged and motivated.
The episode also delves into the importance of music theory in learning an instrument. Reflecting on a recent school mass that included a bit of music theory, I discuss how understanding these concepts has been pivotal in my progress. Whether it's recognizing a C major chord or understanding plagal cadences, theory has provided a framework that makes learning and playing music more intuitive. This realization has inspired me to embark on a new project: creating a series of YouTube videos covering basic music theory from both a musical and physics perspective. These videos aim to make theory accessible to anyone interested, further enriching the "Piano Finally" community.
In addition to music theory, the episode explores various piano software options, specifically focusing on Sibelius. Despite its complexities and some frustrating design choices, Sibelius remains a significant player in the music notation software market. I discuss its history, features, and my personal experiences with it, ultimately comparing it to other software like MuseScore. This segment is particularly useful for anyone considering investing in music notation software, providing insights that can help in making an informed decision.
Finally, the episode wraps up with a reminder of how listeners can stay connected and subscribe to the show via popular podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Player FM. As I continue to work on my practice and share my journey, I invite everyone to join me in this harmonious adventure, making each moment at the keys fulfilling and enjoyable.
In conclusion, Episode 18 of "Piano. Finally" is a delightful blend of humor, education, and community. From judging a prestigious piano competition from my living room to exploring valuable online resources and delving into music theory, this episode offers something for every piano enthusiast. Whether you're just starting out or are an advanced player, let's continue to inspire each other and make our time at the keys as harmonious as possible. Until next time, may your piano journey be filled with joy and discovery.
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
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