Learn Piano: A Personal Practice

This finale brings the entire season together. We revisit each episode from September to December and show how every skill builds toward a single arc of musical fluency. From listening, to audiation, to recognition, to reading, to playing by ear, improvising, transcribing, transposing, and arranging, this season created a complete musicianship map for adult learners. You will hear how each step connects and how these skills form a circular flow that leads to confidence, creativity, and true musical independence.Next Friday features part three of my conversation with Dr. Sara Langmead, followed by a two-week holiday break to rest and recharge. In January, we will revisit four favorite episodes from early seasons. In February, Season Four begins with a focus on musical artistry. Subscribers will be the first to hear about the new piano offerings inside Cynthia Ali Studios in 2026.This finale is both a reflection and a turning point. It highlights what you built this year and introduces where we are going next. If you have been following along since September, you have built a deeper foundation than technique. You have built musicianship.Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.For upcoming classes for 2026,  you can find details here: https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunityCopyright © 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 week’s episode, we’re diving into the art of arranging music. Explaining how to take a piece you love and shape it into something that fits your hands, your skill level, and your personal musical voice. I’ll share the story of how I first discovered arranging back in sixth grade, explore how orchestra works are transformed into piano pieces, and show you simple, beginner-friendly tools you can start using right away. And to bring it all together, I’ll create a live arrangement of a familiar Christmas tune in real time, thinking aloud as I choose harmonies, textures, and colors. If you’ve ever wished a piece felt easier, richer, or more “you,” this episode is your invitation to start shaping music with confidence and creativity.Subscribe here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.For upcoming classes, you can find details here:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Copyright © 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, the host explores the art of transposition, changing a song’s key so it better fits the player, singer, or instrument. The episode explains how transposing helps musicians play in tune with others, simplify difficult keys, and adjust music to match a vocal range. Through practical examples, listeners learn how to shift melodies into new keys and adapt lead sheets for easier playing. The episode closes with the reminder that transposition is an empowering skill that helps the music fit you, rather than forcing you to fit the music.Join the 24 Days of Piano: A Musical Advent Calender: https://cynthiaalistudios.com/24daysSubscribe here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.For upcoming classes, you can find details here:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Song credit: It’s Ain’t  Gonna Rain No More, Composer: Wendell Hall, Year of publication: 1923, Public domain status: Public domain in the United States as of January 1, 2020, it was published before January 1, 1930.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, I explore the skill of transcribing, the process of turning sound into written music. I share a personal story of remembering my grandpa playing “It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More” and how I transformed that memory into music on the page and at the piano. You’ll hear how a simple remembered tune can become a beautiful, playable arrangement by outlining the melody, adding harmony, and dressing it up creatively. It’s a touching reminder that music lives within us, waiting to be rediscovered and shared.Join the 24 Days of Piano: A Musical Advent Calender: https://cynthiaalistudios.com/24daysSubscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠Song credit: It’s Ain’t  Gonna Rain No More, Composer: Wendell Hall, Year of publication: 1923, Public domain status: Public domain in the United States as of January 1, 2020, it was published before January 1, 1930.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, you’ll explore improvisation as the natural next step after playing by ear. Improvisation  is not about perfection but expression, t’s about permission to explore sound freely and have a conversation between your ears, heart, and hands. Listeners will be guided through simple ways to begin, like warming up in one key, varying familiar tunes such as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, or looping chords like C–Am–F–G to discover new moods. You’ll be introduced to call-and-response, mood-based playing, storytelling through images or poetry, and adding fills or flourishes to songs. Playing from lead sheets is a form of improvisation—shaping rhythm and melody in real time. The episode closes with an invitation to play short, spontaneous sessions as seeds for original compositions. Improvisation is not about showing off but about showing up with curiosity, trust, and presence turning each moment at the piano into an act of listening and discovery.Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠Copyright © 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 second episode of a three-part Piano Lounge conversation, I sit down 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.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.

In this episode of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, we explore the fascinating skill of playing by ear—the bridge between what you hear and what you play. Some pianists seem born with it, effortlessly recreating songs without sheet music, while others develop it over time through listening, experimenting, and recognizing musical patterns. Start with a familiar tune “Ode to Joy,” and learn how to match melodies to chords, and hear how ear training, intervals, and lead sheets help connect your inner hearing to your hands. Whether you’re naturally intuitive or still learning to trust your ear, this episode reminds you that music begins inside you, long before it ever touches the page.Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠Copyright © 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.Summary: In this episode of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, we explore the fascinating skill of playing by ear—the bridge between what you hear and what you play. Some pianists seem born with it, effortlessly recreating songs without sheet music, while others develop it over time through listening, experimenting, and recognizing musical patterns. Start with a familiar tune “Ode to Joy,” and learn how to match melodies to chords, and hear how ear training, intervals, and lead sheets help connect your inner hearing to your hands. Whether you’re naturally intuitive or still learning to trust your ear, this episode reminds you that music begins inside you, long before it ever touches the page.Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too.For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠Copyright © 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 the art of sight-reading—one of the most valuable (and often overlooked) skills in piano playing. You’ll learn how to approach a new piece with confidence by scanning the key signature, time signature, and rhythm patterns before you play. We’ll talk about reading ahead, keeping your eyes moving across the page, and finding flow even when mistakes happen. Whether you’re just starting out or rebuilding your sight-reading habit, this episode will help you see the music differently and enjoy the process of discovery in every note.A look back at a couple previous episodes to build on today's---🎹 S1: E18 Do You Overlook the Directions at the Beginning of Your Piece?🎹 S1: E19 Do You Know What a Time Signature Is?Register for the Christmas Music Level One here: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunityPurchase Chords Made Simple here: https://cynthiaalistudios.kit.com/products/chord-shortcutCopyright © 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)

In this hands-on episode of Learn Piano: A Personal Practice, we explore rhythm as more than clapping and countng—it’s a skill you capture. You’ll be guided through live rhythm dictation exercises: first writing what you hear, then echoing rhythms by ear, followed by a rhythm story featuring finger cymbals (zills) to help you recognize rhythm beyond the piano. By the end, you’ll be inspired to start your own Rhythm Notebook—a musical commonplace book where you collect rhythms the way others collect poems or leaves. A look back at rhythm from a previous episode--- 🎹S3:E4 Why is Rhythm Essential to Every Piano Player’s Practice?Grab your free Coffee-Inspired Rhythm Guide and practice rhythm using words like Latte-Coffee-Espresso! Get here:​ https://cynthiaalistudios.ck.page/0c455bda4aRegister for the Christmas Music Level One here: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunityCopyright © 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, Cynthia talks about the art of musical recognition — the skill of instantly identifying intervals, chords, meters, forms, and styles. Through engaging stories and practical tips, she shows how recognition transforms piano study from decoding notes into truly speaking the language of music. You’ll hear how childhood songs made intervals memorable, how college assignments sharpened meter awareness, and how listening to countless pieces revealed the character of nocturnes, waltzes, and Debussy’s shimmering preludes. Recognition isn’t just theory, it’s what allows pianists to read faster, memorize more easily, and play with authentic expression.Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too. For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Copyright © 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,Cynthia explores one of the most powerful musicianship tools every pianist can develop: audiation-the ability to hear music in your mind even when no sound is present. From everyday earworms to Beethoven’s legendary compositions written in silence, you’ll discover how this innerhearing sharpens memory, fluency, and expression at the piano. With practical exercises and inspiring stories, you’ll learn how to “turn up” your inner piano, practice away from the keyboard, and bring more sensitivity and imagination to your playing.Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too. For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Copyright © 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 first episode of a three-part Piano Loungeconversation, I sit down with Dr. Sara Langmead to explore the real, behind-the-scenes life of a modern pianist, teacher, and mother. We dive into how she balances practicing, performing, and teaching while raising a family, and what keeps her inspired at the piano through all of life’sseasons. She shares her aspirations as a musician, the challenges she’s navigated, and the ways she continues to grow artistically. If you’re an adult piano student who wants a deeper glimpse into how real pianists integrate music into daily life, with honesty, heart, and passion, this episodewill draw you in.Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too. For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Copyright © 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, the focus is on one of the most powerful ways to grow as a pianist: listening to the masters. The discussion explains how focused listening shapes style, tone, rhythm, and memory, with practical tips such as studying complete works, comparing multiple recordings, and using loop listening to internalize music. By developing a deeper listening habit, pianists can enrich their playing and build a more authentic musical voice.Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates onpodcasts and book club info too. For upcoming classes, you can finddetails here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠AdultPiano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠Copyright © 2025 Cynthia AliStudios LLC. All rights reserved.The music in this podcast iseither public domain,original, or used under Fair Use foreducational 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 ofthe host(s) and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Cynthia AliStudios LLC.

Welcome back to Learn Piano: A Personal Practice! In this first episode of Season 4, “Back in the Studio: Core Musicianship & Piano Fluency Skills,” Cynthia invites you to pause, breathe, and slow down as we return to the heart of piano learning. After a summer spent exploring music beyond the bench, from historic instruments to concerts, recitals, and bonus episodes that offered fresh inspiration, we are refreshed and ready for a new season of focused growth. This fall we will build core musicianship and piano fluency skills by developing sharper listening, stronger sight-reading, and a deeper understanding of intervals, chords, rhythm, and creative expression. We will also explore improvising, transcribing music you love, and even transposing pieces to fit new moods or voices. On the first Friday of each month Cynthia hosts “Conversations in the Piano Lounge,” beginning with special guest Dr. Sara Langmead in October, to talk about living with music in everyday life. Throughout the season you will gain tools to make playing feel more natural whether you are reading a new score, playing by ear, or creating your own music, and you will pick up practical practice tips to keep your momentum and joy alive at the keyboard.Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too. For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠⁠Copyright © 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, you will hear about the Adult Piano Program that is beginning this Fall. You can check out all the offerings at: www.cynthiaalistudios.com/pianocommunity. Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too. For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠Copyright © 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 special 3-part mini-series offers a peek into the everyday rhythms of my piano studio. Join me as I sort through stacks of sheet music, share where each score came from, and reflect on the stories and memories they carry. Each episode is a day-in-the-life glimpse at the music that shapes my teaching and my studio.Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too. For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠Copyright © 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, you will get some ideas on how to prepare your studio for Fall. Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too. For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠⁠Copyright © 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 special 3-part mini-series offers a peek into the everyday rhythms of my piano studio. Join me as I sort through stacks of sheet music, share where each score came from, and reflect on the stories and memories they carry. Each episode is a day-in-the-life glimpse at the music that shapes my teaching and my studio.Subscribe here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too. For upcoming classes, you can find details here: Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali StudiosCopyright © 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 special 3-part mini-series offers a peek into the everyday rhythms of my piano studio. Join me as I sort through stacks of sheet music, share where each score came from, and reflect on the stories and memories they carry. Each episode is a day-in-the-life glimpse at the music that shapes my teaching and my studio.Subscribe here: ⁠⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too. For upcoming classes, you can find details here: ⁠Adult Piano Community | Cynthia Ali Studios⁠Copyright © 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, discover insights from Madeline Bruser’s The Art of Practicing and a glimpse into our next book club pick, Lang Lang’s Journey of a Thousand Miles.Subscribe here: ⁠https://www.cynthiaalistudios.com/podcast⁠You will receive updates on podcasts and book club info too. 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.