Episode 53 - A Community

Episode 53 – A Community

G’day and welcome to Episode 53 of Piano, finally, the podcast of a bloke getting around to learning the piano… finally.

This week finds me writing from the foyer of the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith, not the Opera House this time. I was waiting for Shake & Stir’s touring production of 1984, and I have to say, it was an impressive adaptation—just five actors and some clever use of video screens. Highly recommended if it’s heading your way:
👉 Tour info
👉 The Joan

🎹 YouTube Recommendation: My Keys To Music
If Nord keyboards are your thing—or you want them to be—Marc Larochelle’s channel My Keys To Music is a goldmine. Whether he’s breaking down sound design, comparing Nord models, or just playing the Doctor Who theme from an overhead angle, it’s all very watchable and informative. He even explores AI tools for separating tracks into stems—something I plan to try during the holidays.

Courses, deeper dives, and downloadable patches are all on his website, and there’s bonus material via his Patreon. Just don’t sign up via the iOS app—Apple takes a cut. Use the web version instead.
🎥 My Keys To Music on YouTube

🎶 Essay: A Community
My performance of Someone Like You isn’t happening after all, but another chance looms—a recital at the end of Term 3. I’m undecided. Is performing worthwhile? Definitely. Music communicates, and someone needs to do the performing. Whether you’re a pro with the Sydney Symphony or a volunteer in a Christmas variety show, performance builds community between players and listeners. Maybe that’s reason enough.

🎛️ Gear Talk: Nord Stage 4 – Overview
I’ve finally got my hands on the Nord Stage 4 (88-key version), and this review will be spread over a few episodes. This keyboard is a beast—three instrument sections (organ, piano, synth), full effects, layering, aftertouch, triple sensors, 512-program capacity, and serious versatility. It’s 130cm long and nearly 20kg, so more “transportable” than portable, but you’d only need this one keyboard for most gigs.

🛒 Nord Stage 4 official page
🛍️ Turramurra Music – AU retailer
🛒 Sweetwater – US retailer

🎭 Coming Up: The Creative and Performing Arts Showcase is on Wednesday, and I’m looking forward to being impressed by our young artists.

🎵 Progress update: Still aiming for September recital readiness. Current contenders include:

• Fritz Spinder – Canon
• Daniel Gottlob Türk – Bagatelle
• Andrew Cragg – Afternoon Snooze, Blackout Blues

These were recorded using the Kawai NV10 and Pianoteq 8 with the New York Steinway D model.

Until next time—may your piano stay in tune and yo

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