In this episode of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, explore how your choice of instrument shapes your musical artistry. Compares acoustic and digital pianos, focusing on how their unique features affect touch, dynamics, resonance, and expressive range.

Using classical examples like Debussy’s Rêverie to illustrate subtle softness and Grieg’s March of the Trolls to demonstrate bold, dramatic contrasts, she highlights why acoustic pianos are especially suited for nuanced classical repertoire.

Learn how digital keyboards shine in contemporary music, offering versatility through effects, layering, and percussion, while noting their limitations in dynamic sensitivity.

The episode encourages listeners to thoughtfully match their instrument to their musical goals and repertoire, reinforcing that artistry is shaped not just by what you play, but by what you play it on.

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You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.

For upcoming classes for 2026, you can find details here:⁠ https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity⁠

Copyright © 2025 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.

In this episode of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, we explore how historical context directly shapes musical artistry. Rather than treating music as a collection of notes, we look at the deeper questions that guide expressive playing: when a piece was written, where it was written, who composed it, the musical era it comes from, and the setting and audience it was written for.

Using Prelude in C Major by Johann Sebastian Bach as our first example, we examine the Baroque period and its musical conventions, including steady rhythm, clarity, structure, and restraint. Understanding Bach’s role as a composer working under church and court patronage in Germany helps us approach this piece with intention rather than over-romanticizing it.

We then contrast this with Venetian Gondola Song No. 1 by Felix Mendelssohn, written in the early Romantic era. Inspired by Venetian gondoliers, this piece calls for warmth, lyricism, and expressive rubato. Playing it with the same rigid approach as a Baroque prelude would strip it of its character entirely.

Through these two contrasting examples, this episode shows why historical awareness is not academic trivia, but a practical tool for shaping sound, expression, and artistry at the piano.

Next week, we continue the conversation by exploring how the instrument itself—the piano—can influence and shape musical artistry.

Subscribe here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.

For upcoming classes for 2026, you can find details here:⁠ https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity⁠

Copyright © 2025 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.

This new season is focused on musical artistry. What happens after you know the notes, can play pieces, and have built technique, but want your music to feel more expressive, alive, and meaningful?

In this opening episode, I introduce the theme of musical artistry and talk about the difference between playing accurately and shaping sound intentionally. I also share why winter can be a natural time for listening, reflection, and deeper musical awareness, and offer a simple tone color exercise you can try at the beginning of your practice this week.

If you have ever felt that your playing sounds correct but not quite expressive yet, this season is for you.

Subscribe here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.

For upcoming classes for 2026, you can find details here:⁠ https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity⁠

Copyright © 2025 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 riginal 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.

A listener favorite for clarity and calm. In this rerun, we revisit how to thoughtfully choose the pieces that truly matter to you. A beautiful way to step into the new year with direction, purpose, and joy in your musical goals.

Check out the adult classes for piano: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity

Copyright © 2025 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.

This fan favorite explores why scales matter, not as a chore, but as a pathway to freedom and ease at the piano. A wonderful refresher for early winter practice, especially if you're starting the year wanting more fluency and confidence.

Check out the adult classes for piano: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity

Copyright © 2025 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.

Listeners returned to this episode again and again for its blend of inspiration and practicality. Today we revisit how to shape a practice space that feels inviting, supportive, and uniquely yours. A perfect January reset.

Check out the adult classes for piano: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity

Copyright © 2025 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.

Start the year with one of our most-loved episodes. This gentle rerun explores how to make piano practice fit into a full, busy life. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or simply a crowded mind, this episode offers calm encouragement and simple wisdom to help you find your own rhythm again.

Check out the adult classes for piano: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity

Copyright © 2025 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.

In this third episode of a three-part Piano Lounge conversation, I will continue the conversation with Dr. Sara Langmead to explore the real, behind-the-scenes life of a modern pianist, teacher, and mother. Sara reflects on the many seasons of her musical life, from raising children to rediscovering performance as her kids grew up, reminding us that you can do everything, just not all at the same time.

We talk about how she balances practice, performance, and teaching with family life, and how her priorities and artistry have evolved through each chapter. Sara also shares her groundbreaking work on gender-equitable music literature, including the development of a piano syllabus that highlights the voices of women composers throughout history.

Check out the adult classes at: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity

If you’re an adult piano student or lifelong learner seeking a genuine glimpse into how real pianists integrate music into daily life, with honesty, heart, and purpose — this episode will both inspire and encourage you.

opyright © 2025 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.