Episode 29 - The First Year

Piano, finally

In episode 29 of Piano, Finally, David Reidy warmly invites listeners into his world of piano learning, reflecting on a transformative first year filled with challenges, triumphs, and plenty of music. Whether you’re a seasoned pianist or just dipping your toes into the keys, David’s candid storytelling resonates with anyone navigating the ups and downs of learning an instrument.

The episode begins with a spotlight on the 2025 National Chopin Piano Competition in Miami, a gateway to the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. Although David admits he won’t be attending in person, he shares his excitement about the live-streamed performances available on YouTube. For him—and countless others—it’s a chance to immerse in world-class piano artistry, all from the comfort of home. He enthusiastically points out the accessible streaming schedule and names like Ben Laude and Garrick Ohlsson, who will enrich the experience with their commentary and expertise.

Shifting gears, David embarks on a heartfelt reflection of his first year at the piano. A year ago, he was a beginner armed with only a basic knowledge of music theory and the ability to read treble clef. The bass clef was foreign territory, and the piano keyboard felt like uncharted waters. Over the months, through deliberate practice and guidance from two excellent teachers—Finn Pursell, with his harpsichord expertise, and Devi Mamak, a dynamic local musician—David’s relationship with the piano began to flourish. He recounts the thrill of transitioning from struggling with simple one-handed scales to playing all major scales with both hands, albeit at varying tempos.

One of his proudest achievements is the progress he’s made in learning pieces. What began with basic works from Denis Agay’s beginner books has now evolved into tackling preparatory ANZCA pieces and more expressive compositions. David’s advice to fellow learners? Record your practice sessions. Listening back, even months later, reveals growth in ways you might not notice day-to-day. For David, these recordings fuel his motivation to press on.

The episode also features a review of the Thinkspace Education Music Theory Course, which David completed during the year. Led by Guy Michelmore, the course blends foundational theory with practical applications, including improvisation and advanced harmony. Despite entering with some theoretical knowledge, David found the lessons enlightening, particularly their focus on how musical patterns create harmony and structure. He wholeheartedly recommends the course, especially for those who enjoy Michelmore’s engaging teaching style.

To round off, David shares his current progress with three pieces: a Spindler Canon, Türk’s Bagatelle in F, and Andrew Craggs’ Afternoon Snooze. Each recording, he explains, reflects his growing confidence in dynamics, articulation, and coordina

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Bölümler

1. Welcome (00:00:00)

2. Opening (00:00:14)

3. YouTube - National Chopin Piano Competition (00:00:43)

4. Essay - The First Year (00:03:01)

5. Review - Thinkspace's Learn Music Theory (00:07:18)

6. Closing (00:09:46)

7. Progress (00:10:40)