Heart of the Piano Podcast

E14: Interview with Karen Bulmer of the Music, Mind, and Movement Podcast

Heart of the Piano Podcast

Show Notes

I was so excited about interviewing Karen Bulmer that it only very recently occurred to me after recording the interview that Karen is not actually a pianist! But every musician will get so much from listening to this episode, and I think particularly us pianists who often have to juggle so many things happening at once in our music will really benefit from so much of the conversation between me and Karen.

Karen is an incredibly clear thinker and communicator, with thoughtful responses on some of my favourite topics such as skilful use of attention in practice and performance, narrow and wide focus, internal and external focus, perfectionism in classical music, meditation and music, beginner's mind, movement and music, and all that good stuff!

I very much recommend all musicians to check out the Music, Mind, and Movement Podcast that Karen runs- she's had some amazing guests and all the interviews are fantastic. In episode 9, Karen actually got a student to interview her, so you can hear a lot about her background and work there. Rather than repeat that format for this interview at Heart of the Piano, I thought it would be interesting to have more of a two-way conversation and go deeper into many of the topics dear to my heart that I've heard Karen's guests discuss on her podcast.

More from Heart of the Piano Podcast

Jun 12, 2026

I’ve spent the last four weeks carefully examining the ABRSM 2027–2028 Piano Syllabus. Listen to find out what’s changed, what I think of the repertoire choices, and why this syllabus raises important questions about the future direction of ABRSM piano exams. Should students be able to take an ABRSM piano exam with only one classical piece? What does an ABRSM grade now represent? And what role should ABRSM play as one of the world’s most influential gateways into classical music?

Jan 8, 2026

The Heart of the Piano podcast is back! In this return episode, I dive deep into my ‘Grand Unified Theory’ of scales & arpeggios. This is a radical masterclass that breaks down the biomechanics of technique into basic ‘building blocks’ which every student can combine in unique and personal ways- and also addresses the hidden psychological barriers in adult students which prevent the acquisition of good technique. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, this episode will transform how you approach scales & arpeggios!

Oct 11, 2024

In this episode, I dive into the mind-blowing world of ChatGPT’s brand new voice AI feature, where I have hilarious, shockingly human-like conversations with some of history’s greatest composers! These experimental chats are not only educational but packed with unexpected humor and personality.

Oct 5, 2024

An exploration of the challenging but crucial conversations surrounding diversity and representation in classical music education, framed through a personal cautionary experience. Drawing from recent events in the industry, topics discussed include:

Jun 6, 2024

Please check the shownotes for timings (at HeartOfThePiano.com) if you just want to listen to the review for one particular grade

See all episodes →