Episode 27 - Christmas Tunes

Piano, finally

In Episode 27 of Piano, Finally, host David Reidy shares an engaging mix of piano progress, creative inspirations, and thoughtful reflections on the holiday season. As an adult beginner learning piano, David’s journey is relatable and encouraging, making this episode a must-listen for music lovers and creative minds alike.

David starts by reflecting on the end of the academic year and his preparations for the six-week holiday break. With help from his teacher Devi, he’s selecting pieces aligned with the ANZCA Preparatory Grade exam requirements. Though not committed to the exam yet, he’s focused on improving his skills with pieces like Adele’s Someone Like You and experimenting with versatile chord progressions. Alongside piano practice, David plans to keep busy with new creative projects, including building a 3D printer and exploring music software.

In the YouTube Spotlight segment, David highlights Nerdforge, a crafting channel known for its inventive projects. Their latest video documents the creation of leatherbound editions of Brandon Sanderson’s The Stormlight Archive, a project that resonates with David’s past experiences in bookbinding and his admiration for Sanderson’s work. He applauds the creators’ artistry and dedication, encouraging listeners to watch the inspiring video.

David’s essay on Christmas music offers a humorous yet critical take on the festive season. While he enjoys some works, like Handel’s Messiah, he’s less fond of the repetitive holiday tunes played in shopping centers. He critiques their uninspired renditions, which he associates with the commercialization of Christmas. David challenges listeners to rethink their holiday playlists and seek out more meaningful musical experiences.

The episode also includes a detailed review of the ANZCA Preparatory Repertoire Books, comparing the Classical and Modern options. David shares insights into the diverse styles offered and emphasizes the value of exploring both books, reassuring beginners that contemporary pieces don’t compromise on quality or challenge.

Finally, David updates listeners on his piano progress, focusing on refining pieces like Spindler’s Canon and Türk’s Bagatelle in F. His journey reflects the dedication and patience required to develop musicality.

With its mix of humor, insights, and inspiration, Episode 27 offers something for everyone. Tune in and let David’s piano journey motivate you to embrace your own creative passions!

Send me a text message.

You can contact me:

• via email at [email protected]; 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

Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast are affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link.
All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.

Chapters

1. Welcome (00:00:00)

2. Opening (00:00:14)

3. YouTube - Nerdforge (00:01:58)

4. Essay - Christmas Tunes (00:04:04)

5. Review - ANZCA Preparatory Repertoire (00:06:32)

6. Closing (00:10:17)

7. Progress (00:11:04)