Learn Piano: A Personal Practice

Cynthia Ali

This podcast is about learning to play the piano. The focus is on how to help you develop a personal practice that you love. Piano playing can bring so much enjoyment into your life.

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Today · 13 min
S6: E5 Finding Your Bandwidth: Making Room for Piano, Part 1: Reclaiming Your Time
Wish you had more time to practice piano? Sometimes findingextra time isn't about doing more. It's about managing what we're already doing. Take a look at your weekly schedule and see where you might make a little room for music. Could you spend less time scrolling on your phone or watching television? Simplify household tasks by automating bill payments, ordering groceries online, or combining errands into one trip? Perhaps you could delegate a few responsibilities or cut back on commitments. Once you've reclaimed some time, schedule your piano practice just as you would any other important appointment. Challenge yourself to find just two hours each week for piano practice! That's only 20 minutes a day, six days a week, and it adds up to104 hours of musical development over the course of a year! For more info: https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/ Copyright © 2026 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rightsreserved. 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 anddo not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.
October 20 · 11 min
🎹🎙️S6: E4 Tending to Your Piano Practice: What Happens After You Sit Down?
In Season 6, Episode 4 of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, “Tending to Piano Practice: What Happens After You Sit Down?”, we continue exploring the connection between caring for flowers and developing meaningful piano practice. While discipline brings us to the piano bench, thoughtful and intentional practice helps our music grow. Just as flowers need the right amount of water, gentle care, healthy roots, and occasional pruning, our piano practice requires focused attention, clear goals, patience, and flexibility. From choosing the best time to practice and working carefully through difficult passages to understanding musical patterns and correcting unhelpful habits, we discover how small, deliberate efforts lead to lasting progress. Ultimately, practicing isn't simply about putting in the time or playing the correct notes—it's about nurturing our musical abilities so that our expression, confidence, and enjoyment of music can truly blossom. For more info: https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/ 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.
October 16 · 31 min
🎹🎙️S6: B1 A Conversation with Steven Seidenberg: Music, Poetry, Photography, and Philosophy
In this episode of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice,I welcome Steven Seidenberg, a poet, philosopher, writer, photographer, andmusician whose creative work spans several artistic disciplines. We explorehis latest book, Coda, along with his photographic projects KanazawaVacancy and The Architecture of Silence. Our conversation takes a wonderfully musical turn asSteven shares his experiences composing for guitar and playing the shakuhachi,a traditional Japanese bamboo flute. We discuss the role of repetition inmusical composition and how rhythm influences his writing, from the carefulselection of words to the musical cadence of language when spoken aloud. Throughout our conversation, we explore what Steven'spersonal practice looks like across these different creative disciplines, howhe approaches his work, and the ways his artistic pursuits intersect. Thereis much we can glean from his experiences and apply to our own musicalpractices, offering fresh perspectives on repetition, creativity, and the artof developing a personal practice. Explore Steven's Work Official Website: https://www.stevenseidenberg.com/ Photography — Kanazawa Vacancy and The Architecture ofSilence: https://www.stevenseidenberg.com/artwork-1 Listen to Coda for Free Experience Steven's rhythmic use of language firsthand inhis complete, author-narrated audiobook, approximately 3 hours and 23 minuteslong. SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/sjseidenberg/coda-by-steven-seidenberg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6HSFcMK28cTt0Rabic5AZI Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coda-published-by-omnidawn-2025-read-by-steven-seidenberg/id1849257706 Listen to theConverstion on: YouTube here,Spotify here, Apple Music here, and more! If you enjoy today’s episode, please like, subscribe, andfollow so you never miss a lesson or story. Do you have ideas for futureconversations and guests, hit reply and let us know! For more info: https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/ Copyright © 2026 Cynthia Ali Studios LLC. All rightsreserved. The music in this podcast is either public domain,original,or used under Fair Use for educational purposes. Any third-party contentis used for commentary, criticism, or education and does not infringe uponoriginal creators' rights. (contact@cynthiaalistudios.com) The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests anddo not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.
October 13 · 16 min
🎹🎙️S6:E3 Discipline and Practice: Showing Up Is Not the Same as Practicing?
This episode explores the relationship between discipline and effective piano practice, using the daily care of summer flowers as a metaphor for tending musical growth. Discipline is what helps us return to the piano consistently, even on days when motivation is low, while true practice involves purposeful attention to the specific skills, passages, rhythms, or techniques that need improvement. Like watering flowers, small efforts may not produce visible results immediately, but over time they accumulate into real progress. Discipline is the action that gets you to your bench to practice. It leads you to your practice, so you can make growth in your journey as a pianist. 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. For more info: https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/
October 6 · 15 min
S6:E2 Passion and Purpose: How Are They Intertwined?
This episode explores how passion and purpose work together to sustain piano practice. A piano student's comment about their participation on a volleyball team sparked the thought of how much I love playing volleyball. I reflect on how passion made me want to practice, while having a team, games, and a reason to improve gave that passion purpose. The same is true in music: loving the piano does not always automatically create motivation, but having something meaningful to work toward can give practice direction. Whether your purpose is preparing for a performance, learning a favorite piece, developing your artistry, playing for others, or simply keeping music as part of your life, purpose gives passion somewhere to go. 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. For more info: https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/
September 29 · 9 min
S6: E1 What Is Getting in the Way of Your Piano Practice?
Season 6 of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice begins September 29 with a new fall theme: Overcoming Obstacles to Your Piano Practice. In this opening episode, I look back at some of our summer musical adventures before returning to the piano bench to explore the habits, expectations, time constraints, and life circumstances that can interfere with consistent practice. Throughout the season, we’ll talk about passion and purpose, discipline, focus, bandwidth, realistic expectations, momentum, inspiration, and how our piano practice can grow and change along with us. We’ll also continue our Piano Studio Book Club with Poulenc: A Biography and welcome Rachel Revvenaugh for another Conversation in the Piano Lounge. For more info: https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/ 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.
August 11 · 11 min
🎹🎙️ SS2: E8 Summer Finale: Little Things
In this episode, Cynthia reflects on an unexpected musical experience at a friend’s ice skating competition and how one beautiful piece, Little Things by Adrián Berenguer, followed her home to the piano. From skating and performance to adult learning and simple beginner pieces, she explores the difference between critique and meaning, and why music does not have to be perfect, or win first place, but to matter. This summer finale is a reminder to notice the music that grabs your heart, find joy in the journey, and build a personal musical life from the little moments that stay with you. For more info: https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/ 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.
August 4 · 7 min
🎹🎙️Faith, Music and the Artist's Journey
In this episode, I reflect on a day that moved from quiet nostalgia to an electric evening concert with musician Jeremy Camp. After the stillness of a historic church, wooden pews, natural light, and a pump organ, the flashing lights, drums, electric guitars, and joyful worship of the evening created a powerful contrast. Jeremy’s story about beginning the song “This Man” at age sixteen, but needing to live through suffering before he could finish it, opened a deeper reflection on creativity and the artist’s journey. Sometimes a song, story, or work of art must wait until life gives us the experience to express it truthfully. From a nineteenth-century hymn to modern worship music, the day revealed how instruments, settings, and personal hardship shape creative expression and how music continues to carry hope across generations. For more info: https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/ 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.
July 28 · 7 min
🎹🎙️ SS2: E6 The Music Inside the Little White Church
In this episode, I visited my college reunion and finally stepped inside a small historic white church on campus that I had walked past for years but had never entered. Inside, I discovered a beautiful connection between Swedish immigrant history, old hymnals, diaries, artifacts, and music. One of the most memorable moments was hearing “Children of the Heavenly Father” played on an old pump organ. The song also held deep personal meaning for me, as my Swedish grandfather used to sing it in Swedish near the end of his life. What began as a simple campus visit became a moving reflection on history, family memory, and the way music can carry comfort across generations. For more info: https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/ 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.
July 20 · 6 min
🎹🎙️ SS2: E5 Frankenstein Reflections: Art, Music, and Atmosphere
In this episode, I reflect on Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein through the intertwined worlds of art, music, history, and atmosphere. My son and I have long loved del Toro’s richly imaginative films, and seeing his At Home with Monsters exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Art gave us a deeper appreciation for the way he blends beauty, darkness, grief, and wonder. Watching Frankenstein, I was especially drawn to the ornate Rococo-style piano and the use of Bach’s Prelude and Fugue No. 17, both of which bring refinement, order, and humanity into the film’s Gothic world. From Georgian salons to Victorian parlors, the piano has long represented culture, creativity, and emotional expression. This episode explores how one beautiful instrument can connect a cinematic story of creation and identity to centuries of musical history—and remind us why the piano always seems to find its way into the heart of the story. More info: www.cynthiaalistudios.com 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.
July 14 · 7 min
🎹🎙️SS: E4 A Day of Piano - Debussy, Fireworks, and a Fuchsia Rose
In this episode, I share the story of a day that felt filled with unexpected beauty, music, and joy. It began with a warm 150th-anniversary piano association lunch at the Saint Paul Grill, complete with salmon, conversation, a surprise flourless chocolate cake, and one vivid fuchsia rose still blooming outside in the November cold. From there, we walked to the Landmark Center for Dr. Nicholas Susi’s recital, which included left-hand works by Scriabin and Bach followed by Debussy’s Preludes, Book II. Sitting in the front row, I was able to watch the physical artistry of the performance up close, from delicate colors and blurred hand movements to dramatic glissandos and thunderous bass effects. The music moved from misty landscapes to humor, mystery, ancient stillness, and finally the dazzling brilliance of Feux d’artifice, which felt like fireworks exploding from inside the piano itself. This episode reflects on how joy can arrive through friendship, beauty, shared listening, and small luminous moments, like a rose blooming at the edge of winter. Find out more: www.cynthiaalistudios.com opyright © 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.
July 7 · 9 min
🎹🎙️SS2: E3 Flute Choir, Maple Leaf Rag & Piano
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.com 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.
June 30 · 12 min
🎹🎙️SS2: E2 - The People Who Inspire Us to Play Piano: Amy Grant
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.com 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.
June 23 · 6 min
🎹🎙️SS2: E1 - Out and About in the Sunlit World of Music
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.com 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.
April 21 · 13 min
S5: E12 - Finale - Musical Artistry
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/pianocommunity 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.
April 14 · 10 min
S5:E11 Beyond the Notes: Embodying the Music
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/pianocommunity 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.
April 7 · 18 min
🎹🎙️S5:E10 Finding Your Artistic Voice on the Piano
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 time Find out more here: Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios 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.
March 31 · 21 min
S5:E9 Stage Presence: Preparation to the Unexpected
S5:E9 – Stage Presence: Preparation to the Unexpected In 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.
March 23 · 14 min
🎹🎙️S5: E8 Pedaling as a Paintbrush
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.
March 17 · 23 min
🎹🎙️S5:E7 Bringing Music to Life Through Articulation and Character
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/pianocommunity 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.

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