Learn Piano: A Personal Practice

🎹🎙️SS2: E3 Flute Choir, Maple Leaf Rag & Piano 07.07.2026 9min

In this episode of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, I continue the summer series by stepping out into the sunlit world of music and reflecting on a flute choir showcase where the piano made an unexpected appearance. During the concert, a pianist joined the ensemble for Scott Joplin’s lively Maple Leaf Rag, bringing ragtime energy, rhythm, and charm into a flute-centered setting. The experience reminded me that piano is not only a solo instrument for practicing at home, but also a powerful collaborative instrument that can accompany singers, instrumentalists, choirs, ensembles, and community events of all kinds. This episode explores how learning piano opens doors into the wider world of music and how even a simple musical outing can remind us that the piano can take us almost anywhere.More info: www.cynthiaalistudios.comCopyright © 2026 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️SS2: E2 - The People Who Inspire Us to Play Piano: Amy Grant 30.06.2026 12min

In this episode of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, I continue the summer series by stepping out into the sunlit world of music and reflecting on the people who inspire us to play. I share the story of meeting Amy Grant at a small event at the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis after following her music since eighth grade, when I first played through her Age to Age songbook at the piano. Hearing her perform new songs and briefly meeting her afterward brought together my childhood musical memories and my adult life as a piano teacher. This episode invites listeners to think about their own musical influences, whether from childhood or later in life, and to consider how those early inspirations can become part of a meaningful personal piano practice today.For more info: www.cynthiaalistudios.comCopyright © 2026 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️SS2: E1 - Out and About in the Sunlit World of Music 23.06.2026 6min

In this episode, you get a preview of the Summer Series Season 2, where we’ll explore music in unexpected places, including a little white church with a pump organ, a Jeremy Camp concert, an Amy Grant event, a Debussy recital, a flute choir performance with Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag, and more. We also look back at last summer’s first “Out and About in the Sunlit World of Music” series and invite listeners to revisit the episodes they may have missed. Season 1 included a book review of The Little Chronicle of Magdalena Bach, a visit to the Schubert Club Museum at the Landmark Center, a piano concerto outing, a Piano Lounge conversation with guest Jim Freschi, reflections on a day in the life of a pianist, an unboxing of music from one of my outings, and a final reflection on what music filled the summer. It’s an invitation to step away from the piano bench and discover music out in the wider world.For more info: www.cynthiaalistudios.comCopyright © 2026 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

S5: E12 - Finale - Musical Artistry 21.04.2026 13min

As we close Season 5, we come back to the heart of musical artistry, not as something you force, but something you discover through listening, curiosity, and experience, where history, emotion, story, technique, and personal voice all come together to bring music to life; thank you for being part of this journey, and if you missed any episodes, I invite you to go back and explore them.As we move closer into summer, you can look forward to a special 6-week series, starting Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026 where we step away from the piano bench and into the sunlight world of music, exploring fresh topics beyond the keys, just like last year, before returning in the fall with Season 6 on Tuesday, September 29th, 2026.For more information: https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunityCopyright © 2026 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

S5:E11 Beyond the Notes: Embodying the Music 14.04.2026 10min

In this episode, Cynthia explores what it means to move beyond playing correct notes and begin truly embodying the music, where the performer feels the rhythm, breath, and emotion so deeply that the music and player become one; drawing on examples like Édith Piaf, Glenn Gould, and Dalida, she illustrates how great artists fully live inside the sound they create, and she shares her own experience preparing for certification, where shifting from technical focus to physical and emotional connection brought her playing to life, offering simple ways to begin such as clapping rhythms, swaying with the pulse, singing phrases, and sensing the atmosphere of the piece, ultimately inviting pianists to experience music not just as something to execute but as something to become.Cynthia Ali Studios: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunityCopyright © 2026 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️S5:E10 Finding Your Artistic Voice on the Piano 07.04.2026 18min

In this episode, we explore how your artistic voice at the piano is shaped through the choices you make every day. From the pieces and composers you are drawn to, to the mood, setting, and even the order of your program, your voice is already revealing itself. Even when playing from the same score as others, your individuality comes through in what you choose to bring to life. This episode invites you to notice what feels natural and meaningful to you, and to trust that your artistic voice is not something you force, but something you discover over timeFind out more here: Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali StudiosCopyright © 2026 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

S5:E9 Stage Presence: Preparation to the Unexpected 31.03.2026 21min

S5:E9 – Stage Presence: Preparation to the UnexpectedIn this episode, we explore stage presence as a complete, practical picture—from what you wear and how you walk on stage, to your inner attitude, expression while playing, and how you acknowledge the audience at the end. Each element works together to create a confident and connected performance. But beyond preparation, we also look at the unexpected moments that can happen in live performance, and how true stage presence is revealed in how you handle them. With real examples and simple strategies, this episode guides you in building both the outer and inner skills needed to stay grounded, composed, and expressive—no matter what unfolds on stage.Copyright © 2026 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️S5: E8 Pedaling as a Paintbrush 23.03.2026 14min

Pedaling at the piano can be thought of like using a paintbrush, where the goal is to find just the right amount of sound without making it muddy or too dry. Just as an artist must rinse the brush to keep colors clear, a pianist must clear the pedal to maintain clarity in the music. The pedal can connect tones, shape phrases through lifting, and add resonance at the end of a piece, but it requires careful listening and adjustment. This idea of “just enough” reflects a broader principle also found in the Tao Te Ching, where overfilling a cup or over-sharpening a knife leads to loss of function. In the same way, effective pedaling is not about using more, but about sensing when enough is enough to keep the music clear, expressive, and alive.Copyright © 2026 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️S5:E7 Bringing Music to Life Through Articulation and Character 17.03.2026 23min

This episode explores how articulation and musical character work together to bring music to life. Articulation is like pronunciation in language, shaping how notes begin and end, but it becomes more meaningful when connected to the character, or emotional mood, and the personality, or behavior, of a piece. The same articulation, such as staccato, can feel playful, gentle, or dramatic depending on the character of the music. Through examples like The Merry Farmer and Fanitul, this episode shows that short notes are not just short. They carry expression and personality. When musicians understand this, articulation becomes a tool for storytelling and helps transform playing from mechanical to expressive.More info:www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunityCopyright © 2026 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

S5: E6 What is the Story in the Piece? 10.03.2026 13min

This episode explores how understanding the story behind a piece of music can deepen its artistry. Using Debussy’s The Sunken Cathedral as an example, it reflects on how learning the legend of a cathedral rising from the sea can transform the way the music is heard and interpreted. The narrative behind the piece can influence tone, pacing, and expression, helping the architecture of the music make greater sense. The episode invites musicians to consider the stories that may live within the pieces they play and how those narratives can shape a more meaningful and imaginative performance.Copyright © 2026 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️ S5:E5 Creating an Atmosphere with Your Musical Artistry 03.03.2026 14min

This episode explores the idea that music does not just exist as notes on a page. It lives somewhere. Instead of focusing only on technique and accuracy, we can ask, Where does this piece live? Is it warm or cool? Indoors or outdoors? A chapel, a winter landscape, a Viennese salon? By imagining an atmosphere or setting, we create coherence in tone, pacing, and phrasing. This is not about acting or fantasy. It is about giving the music a home. When we step into that internal environment, our nervous system settles and the sound becomes more dimensional. Artistry deepens when we do not just play the notes, but enter the world of the piece.Subscribe here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.For upcoming classes for 2026, you can find details here:⁠ https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity⁠Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️S5: E4 Musical Artistry and the Power of Emotion 23.02.2026 23min

This week on the podcast, we explored how emotion transforms music from correct to compelling. Technique and dynamics matter, but without emotional intention, a piece can feel flat. We looked at Schumann’s The Merry Farmer as an example. It isn’t just a cheerful tune — it’s the sound of earned joy. The steady rhythm and grounded bass suggest a farmer walking home after a day of labor, carrying pride and satisfaction. When you connect the music to your own experiences of hard work and relief, the piece gains depth and character.As you practice this week, ask yourself: What human feeling lives inside this music? When you bring your own emotional truth into the sound, your audience feels it too.Subscribe here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.For upcoming classes for 2026, you can find details here:⁠ https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity⁠Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

S5: E3 Choosing Your Piano:: Acoustic vs. Digital for Artistic Expression 17.02.2026 11min

In this episode of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, explore how your choice of instrument shapes your musical artistry. Compares acoustic and digital pianos, focusing on how their unique features affect touch, dynamics, resonance, and expressive range.Using classical examples like Debussy’s Rêverie to illustrate subtle softness and Grieg’s March of the Trolls to demonstrate bold, dramatic contrasts, she highlights why acoustic pianos are especially suited for nuanced classical repertoire.Learn how digital keyboards shine in contemporary music, offering versatility through effects, layering, and percussion, while noting their limitations in dynamic sensitivity.The episode encourages listeners to thoughtfully match their instrument to their musical goals and repertoire, reinforcing that artistry is shaped not just by what you play, but by what you play it on.Subscribe here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.For upcoming classes for 2026, you can find details here:⁠ https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity⁠Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️S5:E2 – From Bach to Mendelssohn: History as a Guide to Artistry 10.02.2026 13min

In this episode of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, we explore how historical context directly shapes musical artistry. Rather than treating music as a collection of notes, we look at the deeper questions that guide expressive playing: when a piece was written, where it was written, who composed it, the musical era it comes from, and the setting and audience it was written for.Using Prelude in C Major by Johann Sebastian Bach as our first example, we examine the Baroque period and its musical conventions, including steady rhythm, clarity, structure, and restraint. Understanding Bach’s role as a composer working under church and court patronage in Germany helps us approach this piece with intention rather than over-romanticizing it.We then contrast this with Venetian Gondola Song No. 1 by Felix Mendelssohn, written in the early Romantic era. Inspired by Venetian gondoliers, this piece calls for warmth, lyricism, and expressive rubato. Playing it with the same rigid approach as a Baroque prelude would strip it of its character entirely.Through these two contrasting examples, this episode shows why historical awareness is not academic trivia, but a practical tool for shaping sound, expression, and artistry at the piano.Next week, we continue the conversation by exploring how the instrument itself—the piano—can influence and shape musical artistry.Subscribe here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.For upcoming classes for 2026, you can find details here:⁠ https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity⁠Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹S5:E1 Musical Artistry – Take Your Music to the Next Level 02.02.2026 11min

This new season is focused on musical artistry. What happens after you know the notes, can play pieces, and have built technique, but want your music to feel more expressive, alive, and meaningful?In this opening episode, I introduce the theme of musical artistry and talk about the difference between playing accurately and shaping sound intentionally. I also share why winter can be a natural time for listening, reflection, and deeper musical awareness, and offer a simple tone color exercise you can try at the beginning of your practice this week.If you have ever felt that your playing sounds correct but not quite expressive yet, this season is for you.Subscribe here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.For upcoming classes for 2026, you can find details here:⁠ https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity⁠Copyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon riginal creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️J1: E4 Narrowing Down the Pieces You Want to Learn 26.01.2026 5min

A listener favorite for clarity and calm. In this rerun, we revisit how to thoughtfully choose the pieces that truly matter to you. A beautiful way to step into the new year with direction, purpose, and joy in your musical goals.Check out the adult classes for piano: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunityCopyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️J1: E3 Why Bother Myself with Learning Scales? 19.01.2026 5min

This fan favorite explores why scales matter, not as a chore, but as a pathway to freedom and ease at the piano. A wonderful refresher for early winter practice, especially if you're starting the year wanting more fluency and confidence.Check out the adult classes for piano: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunityCopyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️ J1: E2 Create a Space Conducive for Practice 12.01.2026 5min

Listeners returned to this episode again and again for its blend of inspiration and practicality. Today we revisit how to shape a practice space that feels inviting, supportive, and uniquely yours. A perfect January reset.Check out the adult classes for piano: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunityCopyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️ J1: E1 Best Time to Practice with a Busy Life 05.01.2026 5min

Start the year with one of our most-loved episodes. This gentle rerun explores how to make piano practice fit into a full, busy life. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or simply a crowded mind, this episode offers calm encouragement and simple wisdom to help you find your own rhythm again.Check out the adult classes for piano: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunityCopyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.

🎹🎙️S4: B3 - Part 3: Conversations in the Piano Lounge with Dr. Sara Langmead 19.12.2025 32min

In this third episode of a three-part Piano Lounge conversation, I will continue the conversation with Dr. Sara Langmead to explore the real, behind-the-scenes life of a modern pianist, teacher, and mother. Sara reflects on the many seasons of her musical life, from raising children to rediscovering performance as her kids grew up, reminding us that you can do everything, just not all at the same time.We talk about how she balances practice, performance, and teaching with family life, and how her priorities and artistry have evolved through each chapter. Sara also shares her groundbreaking work on gender-equitable music literature, including the development of a piano syllabus that highlights the voices of women composers throughout history.Check out the adult classes at: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunityIf you’re an adult piano student or lifelong learner seeking a genuine glimpse into how real pianists integrate music into daily life, with honesty, heart, and purpose — this episode will both inspire and encourage you.opyright © 2025 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast is either public domain,original, or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party content is used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe upon original creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com)The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.