E44: New AI Revolution- Unbelievably Human, Hilarious Conversations with Legendary Composers!
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. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to chat with iconic figures from the past—laughing along the way—this episode will leave you both entertained and amazed!
Tune in for a fascinating mix of music history, cutting-edge AI, and plenty of laughs.
Show Notes
This episode is also available as a YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/0SG290DMZbw
These are the custom instructions I gave to ChatGPT- after this experiment I might add something like "be opinionated, don't be afraid to be controversial, don't try to be diplomatic, give specific examples of everything you talk about" 😂
"When you are role-playing as a musician or composer, think about how this person's personality and character was described by others, then really amplify and exaggerate these qualities in the way you speak- the goal is an exaggerated caricature. Also, speak English with a really exaggerated caricature accent that reflects where the person was from. To keep conversations interesting and entertaining, bring up personal autobiographical details wherever possible. Speak as if to a friend, so not overly formal. Use humour on a level appropriate to the person you're roleplaying as. If the person has negative traits and character, please feel free to indulge this".
The intro/outro music is my jazz arrangement of the Rachmaninov Adagio from Symphony #2, you can watch the whole thing here if you like:
https://youtu.be/hMqREAngb4s
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23:10
E43: Why We Need To Be Able To Talk About Race And Gender In Classical Music: a Cautionary Tale
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 materials
- Navigating sensitive discussions in music education
- Lessons learned from attempting to address these issues
- Broader implications for inclusivity in classical music
Links:
This episode is also available with video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/UXQ1gPeO9ek
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism- Robin DiAngelo:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/566247/white-fragility-by-dr-robin-diangelo/9780807047415
Useful study notes on 'White Fragility':
https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/hs-ethnic-studies/white-fragility
A must read extract in The Guardian from Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People about Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/30/why-im-no-longer-talking-to-white-people-about-race
YouTube video Music Theory and White Supremacy by Adam Neely:
https://youtu.be/Kr3quGh7pJA
A talk by Philip Ewell on YouTube- a useful introduction to his work:
https://youtu.be/q1yYR-VLpv0
My podcast review of the 2021 Leeds Internation Piano Competition:
https://heartofthepiano.com/e21-leeds-international-piano-competition-the-leeds-2021-review/
Fiona Sinclair's (CEO Leeds International Piano Competition) Leeds University presentation on gender inequality in music competitions and in the profession as a whole:
https://www.youtube.com/live/xtdpAVyJzVg?si=sOp3PWG5_T_rCB-R&t=2801
A couple of news links concerning possible preferrential treatment for women in the Leeds International Piano Competition:
https://slippedisc.com/2024/09/exclusive-how-the-leeds-piano-competition-is-rigged-for-equality/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/09/19/female-pianists-favoured-men-major-competition-rules/
The new AI tool which creates incredible podcast episodes- Notebook LM's new Audio Overview feature:
https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/google-s-new-ai-audio-generator-lets-you-make-a-stunningly-real-ai-podcast-without-a-mic-here-s-how-to-try-it
The intro/outro music is my jazz arrangement of the Rachmaninov Adagio from Symphony #2, you can watch the whole thing here if you like:
https://youtu.be/hMqREAngb4s
Transcription:
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Have you ever found yourself hesitant to discuss issues of race or gender for fear of saying something wrong? When we feel unable to talk about these issues freely, resentments and tensions can build up. Movements like Black Lives Matter, along with recent events in the UK, have highlighted how crucial it is to have these conversations.
It's obviously a contentious topic, but when conversations are stifled—when we're afraid to discuss racial issues honestly for fear of being 'cancelled' or vilified—this creates a pressure cooker environment. As a result, when people of colour speak out about inequalities and push for change, white people can react in exaggerated,
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43:38
E42: ABRSM 2025-2026 Syllabus Review Part 2- the individual grades
Please check the shownotes for timings if you just want to listen to the review for one particular grade
Show Notes:
Init [1:40]
Grade 1 [2:53]
Grade 2 [4:03]
Grade 3 [6:00]
Grade 4 [10:06]
Grade 5 [13:17]
Grade 6 [15:33]
Grade 7 [17:45]
Grade 8 [23:03]
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35:55
E41: ABRSM 2025-2026 Syllabus Review Part 1- embracing diversity or a subtle erosion of classical tradition?
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.
Show Notes:
Introduction
Excitement about the new ABRSM syllabus for 2025-2026.
Importance of these pieces for teachers in the coming years.
Syllabus Transition
Current syllabus (2023-2024) usable until the end of 2025.
New syllabus (2025-2026) begins in 2025.
Personal Review
Personal opinions on the new syllabus, potentially controversial.
Attempt to be balanced and see multiple perspectives.
Learning and performing all new Grade 8 pieces.
Performances and tutorials will available on Heart of the Piano YouTube channel.
Shorter review will be available on YouTube for those who prefer less detail.
Review Methodology
Re-read and replayed all pieces from the current syllabus.
Comparison of new syllabus pieces against the current syllabus.
Context of Wider Issues in Music Education
Reference to the review of the latest Trinity syllabus.
Discussion on decolonisation of music education.
Alarm at Trinity's new syllabus allowing exams without classical music.
Context of Black Lives Matter and the critique of classical music as linked to colonialism.
Personal background and experiences with classical music.
Importance of representation of non-white and women composers.
Critique of the argument that classical music is inherently problematic or racist.
ABRSM's Approach to Representation and Diversity
Efforts by examination boards to include women and non-white composers.
Positive discrimination to encourage diversity.
Approval of ABRSM's representation efforts in the new syllabus.
Concern about some pieces in new List B syllabus not being classical.
Concerns about Trinity's Recent New Syllabus, and Fears About ABRSM Following Suit
Critique of Trinity's shift towards pop and non-classical music.
The potential for students to focus narrowly on styles like jazz or pop.
Discussion on the decline of classical music in education.
Importance of maintaining classical music exams.
Problems with turning pop and jazz music into sheet music for exams.
The need for a balanced musical diet in education.
Personal Beliefs and Teaching Philosophy
Encouragement for classical music study alongside other genres.
Role and influence of exams in developing well-rounded musicians.
Suggestion for separate exams for rock/pop music.
Comparison with ABRSM's New Syllabus
Initial relief at the classical focus of new ABRSM books.
Subsequent concerns about non-classical pieces creeping into the syllabus.
Need for maintaining classical music standards.
Future of Classical Music Education
Risks of dumbing down exams by including too much non-classical music.
The role of ABRSM in shaping musical tastes and standards.
The importance of a balanced appreciation of classical music.
Personal Reflections on Music Education
Discussion on the neo-colonialism of the music industry.
Importance of classical music as an art form needing support.
ABRSM's role in bridging the gap between students' everyday musical experiences and classical music.
Historical Context of ABRSM
Reference to the book "The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music: A Social and Cultural History".
Examination of ABRSM's historical role in shaping music education.
Controversial Issues in Music Education
Critique of the demonisation of classical music as elitist.
The need to support classical music education.
The impact of political and societal views on classical music.
Thoughts on the New ABRSM Books
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1:39:26
E39: Interview with Tim Topham: legend of the piano education community!
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 sure everybody will be interested in our chat which includes topics such as common preventable weaknesses that most piano students have, the history of improvisation and freedom from the written note in classical music, the problem with method books, and more...
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 sure everybody will be interested in our chat which includes topics such as common preventable weaknesses that most piano students have, the history of improvisation and freedom from the written note in classical music, the problem with method books, and more...
Key Topics Discussed:
Delaying reading music for beginner piano students, often for the first 10 weeks or more
Developing musicality, creativity, and curiosity from the very first lessons
Typical problems when students are taught to read music right away, including lack of singing, improvisation, playing by ear etc
Tim's new book "No Book Beginners" which provides a framework and detailed lesson plans for teaching beginners without method books
The importance of singing, rhythm, improvisation & playing by ear before introducing reading
How Tim's approach can work alongside other methods such as Piano Safari
Adapting these creative teaching strategies for older and adult students
The "sound before symbol" learning theory behind delaying reading music
The website resources that complement the lesson plans in the book
Links:
Top Music Pro website: topmusic.co
"No Book Beginners" book: topmusic.co/book
Music Learning Theory: giml.org
Tim's podcast: topmusic.co/podcast
Notes:
The intro/outro music is my jazz arrangement of the Rachmaninov Adagio from Symphony #2, you can watch the whole thing here if you like: https://youtu.be/hMqREAngb4s
I have availability for online students at the moment- if you're interested, do get in touch using the contact page at http://HeartOfThePiano.com
I promised some links to the best podcast episodes in the outro-
this is probably the best place to start:
https://heartofthepiano.com/e34-we-discuss-the-4-most-important-psychological-skills-you-need-to-practise-at-the-piano-to-be-deeply-musical/
as it sums up many of the strategies that come up most frequently with my students
This strategy has instantly transformed the playing with some of my students, the difference is like night & day! https://heartofthepiano.com/e35-tension-release-we-discuss-the-5-psychological-skill-you-need-to-practise-at-the-piano-to-be-deeply-musical/
Some very powerful strategies in this episode that can make a huge difference to the quality of our playing, and how we deal with nerves & pressure: https://heartofthepiano.com/e28-self-determination-theory-for-pianists-how-it-can-unlock-improve-your-musicality-and-help-you-deal-with-performance-anxiety/
And here's a link to my YouTube playlist of my tutorials and performances of UK exam board pieces:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0sZ0MK31wvKeCOH_ZFADgaZkgzyPJvw3
Luister naar Heart of the Piano Podcast, Matthäus-Passion: een lijdensweg met Gijs Groenteman en Thomas Oliemans en vele andere podcasts van over de hele wereld met de radio.net-app