Music Theory – NATALYA PLAYS PIANO

Best Podcasts for Pianists, Creatives, and Music Lovers

August 11, 2025

Artist Growth, Career Development, Film Music, Film Scores, Freelance Musician, Independent Music, Music Analysis, Music and Emotion, Music Business, Music Career, Music Education, Music Income, Music Industry, Music Promotion, Music Psychology, Music Science, Music Storytelling, Music Strategy, Music Theory, Musician Wellness, Musicianship, Networking, Performance, Pianist Mindset, Piano, Piano Inspiration, Pop Culture Music, Practice Tips

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I’m a huge fan of podcasts. I’ve got one for every mood, topic and occasion. Whether I’m cooking dinner, driving to a gig, or going for a walk – I love to learn new things and get inspired. Over the years, I’ve found a handful of podcasts that keep me motivated as a pianist, feed
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How to Read Lead Sheets and Fake Books: A Pianist’s Guide

June 14, 2025

Accompanist Guide, Artist Growth, Aural Skills, Collaborative Pianist, Ear Training, Ensemble Playing, Music Analysis, Music and Emotion, Music Education, Music Industry, Music Storytelling, Music Theory, Musicianship, Performance, Piano, Piano Accompaniment, Piano Exercises, Piano Inspiration, Piano Practice, Piano Technique, Practice Tips

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Whether you’re sight-reading for a last-minute gig, jamming with a singer, or performing pop songs at a wedding, lead sheets and fake books are a lifesaver for pianists who want flexibility, freedom, and speed. But if you’re used to fully-notated classical scores, lead sheets can look… a little bare. Just a melody? A few chord
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Musicality explained: A Beginner’s Guide to Expression

June 7, 2025

Artist Growth, Aural Skills, Career Development, Collaborative Pianist, Ear Training, Music Analysis, Music and Emotion, Music Career, Music Education, Music Psychology, Music Science, Music Storytelling, Music Strategy, Music Theory, Musicianship, Performance, Pianist Mindset, Piano, Piano Inspiration, Piano Practice, Piano Technique, Practice Tips

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“But how do I play it musically?” If you’ve ever asked your teacher that question – or been that teacher – you know how slippery musicality can feel. It’s not just about playing the right notes, or even playing them well. It’s about making music speak – telling a story through sound, communicating emotion through
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Perfect Pitch: What It Is, Can You Develop It, and Do You Need It?

May 24, 2025

Aural Skills, Ear Training, Music Education, Music Theory, Musicianship, Piano Technique

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For as long as I can remember, I’ve had perfect pitch – but for much of my early life, I didn’t realize it was anything unusual. I just assumed that everyone could identify notes instantly, recognize keys without a reference, and pick out melodies without too much effort. As a child, I would sit at
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Learn Music by Ear: 6 Steps to Recognizing Chords & Melodies Like a Pro

May 10, 2025

Aural Skills, Ear Training, Music Analysis, Music Education, Music Theory, Musicianship, Piano, Piano Exercises, Piano Practice, Piano Technique, Practice Tips

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Have you ever listened to a song and wished you could immediately play it by ear? Training your ears to recognize chords and melodies is one of the most valuable skills a musician can develop. Whether you’re a pianist, singer, or instrumentalist, having a strong ear makes learning music faster and more intuitive. But how
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