Show Notes
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. ([email protected]) The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.
More from Learn Piano: A Personal Practice
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. ([email protected]) The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.
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. ([email protected]) The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests anddo not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.
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. ([email protected]) 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/
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. ([email protected]) The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.
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. ([email protected]) The views expressed are those of the host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia Ali Studios LLC.