Episode 108 - Don't Read Ahead

Welcome to episode 108 of "Piano, finally". This week, David explores the idea that it is sometimes better to go into something with as little information as possible, sharing how not knowing what to expect can add to the enjoyment. He recounts a great evening at a Bryn Terfel masterclass at the Opera House, and praises the energy of the final-year student theatre performance "Brand: Youself" at the University of Wollongong. In this week's YouTube piano theory roundup, it seems content creators are subconsciously agreeing to talk about chords. The Keys Coach explains adding passing chords and the 5-before method, using contrary motion to unify the progression. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLsEXle2j9k Guy Michelmore explores borrowed chords from the natural minor scale, turning out a short orchestral piece in Cubase in just a few minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37Yjw2vKEbA Piano with Melanie demonstrates filling out chord progressions in D major, keeping a static right hand while adding rhythm and notes step-by-step. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsFgx63vxG4 The essay, Don't Read Ahead, dives deeper into why expecting the best of yourself while dropping expectations for everything else can prevent frustration. David shares how going in blind enhanced his experiences with the Australian Queer Orchestra, the film "Cocoon", and the Bell Shakespeare musical "Mackenzie"(https://www.bellshakespeare.com.au/mackenzie). This philosophy also applies to saying "Yes" to new opportunities, like joining the Belong choir and participating in Devi's piano recital. For practice, David applies Bryn Terfel's masterclass advice to "Breathe when you need to". He notes that letting the hands rest and process is crucial when repeatedly stumbling over the staccato/legato sections of "Trumpet Tune". A quick housekeeping note: there will be no show next weekend due to school exams, choir rehearsal, and a Year 9 camp, with the next episode planned for 15 November. Also, earlybird pricing for the Blue Mountains Music Festival is ending soon. Finally, with the recital four weeks away, practice is strictly focused on "Trumpet Tune" and "A Wild Chase", leaving "Hallelujah" for later. The contents of the podcast were entirely generated by David Reidy, but the show notes were created by Gemini. Send me a text message. You can contact me: via email at [email protected]; this is probably the best option the show website, www.pianofinally.show Instagram and Threads @pianofinally and on YouTube  all the podcast directories - list here's the RSS feed Some of the links to books and other items mentioned in the podcast may affiliate links for Amazon or other providers. If you use one of these links, a commission may be paid to me at no additional cost to you. Thank you if you use a link.  All reviews of products, websites and services are unpaid, and no sponsorship has been received for any content on this podcast.