In this episode, I share the story of a day that felt filled with unexpected beauty, music, and joy. It began with a warm 150th-anniversary piano association lunch at the Saint Paul Grill, complete with salmon, conversation, a surprise flourless chocolate cake, and one vivid fuchsia rose still blooming outside in the November cold. From there, we walked to the Landmark Center for Dr. Nicholas Susi’s recital, which included left-hand works by Scriabin and Bach followed by Debussy’s Preludes, Book II. Sitting in the front row, I was able to watch the physical artistry of the performance up close, from delicate colors and blurred hand movements to dramatic glissandos and thunderous bass effects. The music moved from misty landscapes to humor, mystery, ancient stillness, and finally the dazzling brilliance of Feux d’artifice, which felt like fireworks exploding from inside the piano itself. This episode reflects on how joy can arrive through friendship, beauty, shared listening, and small luminous moments, like a rose blooming at the edge of winter.

Find out more: www.cynthiaalistudios.com

opyright © 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. (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 continue the summer series by stepping out into the sunlit world of music and reflecting on a flute choir showcase where the piano made an unexpected appearance. During the concert, a pianist joined the ensemble for Scott Joplin’s lively Maple Leaf Rag, bringing ragtime energy, rhythm, and charm into a flute-centered setting. The experience reminded me that piano is not only a solo instrument for practicing at home, but also a powerful collaborative instrument that can accompany singers, instrumentalists, choirs, ensembles, and community events of all kinds. This episode explores how learning piano opens doors into the wider world of music and how even a simple musical outing can remind us that the piano can take us almost anywhere.More info: 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. (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 continue the summer series by stepping out into the sunlit world of music and reflecting on the people who inspire us to play. I share the story of meeting Amy Grant at a small event at the Electric Fetus in Minneapolis after following her music since eighth grade, when I first played through her Age to Age songbook at the piano. Hearing her perform new songs and briefly meeting her afterward brought together my childhood musical memories and my adult life as a piano teacher. This episode invites listeners to think about their own musical influences, whether from childhood or later in life, and to consider how those early inspirations can become part of a meaningful personal piano practice today.

For more info: 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. (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.