Heart of the Piano

Dec 19 2024 39 ep. 58 mins 5
Heart of the Piano Podcast artwork

Passionate, irreverent and often opinionated discussions on all things piano related as well as interviews, news, tips and reviews.

  Music  Arts  Education
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E44: New AI Revolution- Unbelievably Human, Hilarious Conversations with Legendary Composers!

Oct 11 2024 23 mins  
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. Join me as I explore the incredible capabilities of this revolutionary technology. I

E43: Why We Need To Be Able To Talk About Race And Gender In Classical Music: a Cautionary Tale

Oct 05 2024 43 mins  
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: - The importance of open dialogue about race and gender in music - Challenges in representing diverse composers in educational materia

E42: ABRSM 2025-2026 Syllabus Review Part 2- the individual grades

Jun 06 2024 35 mins  
Please check the shownotes for timings (at HeartOfThePiano.com) if you just want to listen to the review for one particular grade

E41: ABRSM 2025-2026 Syllabus Review Part 1- embracing diversity or a subtle erosion of classical tradition?

Jun 06 2024 99 mins  
In this thought-provoking first part of a two-part review, I explore the new books and discuss how ABRSM are navigating the complex landscape of music education in a changing world. Join me as I delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by this new syllabus, which is sure to spark lively debate within the piano community. Part two will review the individual grades.

E39: Interview with Tim Topham: legend of the piano education community!

Dec 02 2023 55 mins  
Tim Topham is a legend in the piano education world, his podcast "The Integrated Music Teaching Podcast" is a who's who of the most interesting & creative piano educators. It was a huge honour to chat to Tim about his new book which advocates and provides a framework for delaying reading music with beginner piano students. This episode is not just for piano teachers though, I'm su

E38: Trinity 2023 Piano Syllabus Review Part 2- the individual grades with audio clips from the official recordings

Sep 07 2023 59 mins  
Check the shownotes for timings if you just want to listen to the review for one particular grade

E37: Decolonising Piano Education… the radical new Trinity Piano Syllabus- and unpacking the many cans of unleashed worms

Sep 05 2023 84 mins  
The most radical and indispensable piano syllabus ever! This will either be incredibly exciting for piano teachers & students- or highly controversial. Either way, it’s a must-own. In this episode I discuss some of the many controversial issues that this new syllabus raises, and give you a detailed verdict on these new books. Part two will review the individual grades.

E35: Tension & Release- we discuss the #5 psychological skill you need to practise at the piano to be deeply musical

Apr 09 2023 87 mins  
Cheryl is back for a masterclass on how awareness of musical tension and release can make huge changes to our playing, and demonstrates that we absolutely need to learn to learn to feel it in the body before we can successfully apply it to our piano playing

E34: We discuss the 4 most important psychological skills you need to practise at the piano to be deeply musical

Nov 27 2022 90 mins  
My friend Cheryl is back to chat about and get a deeper understanding of the practical ways in which we can become truly great pianists by bringing the psychological skills I've demonstrated in recent episodes into our learning and practising

E33: Comprehensive Review of Pop Performer! by ABRSM

Nov 08 2022 73 mins  
An epic review (with music audio clips) of ABRSM's hotly anticipated foray into pop music! I'm holding ABRSM to a high standard so I'm quite critical, but I do also look for what there is to enjoy in these books. Listen to this episode to find out if you should buy them for yourself or recommend them for your students!