I’m so so super excited to be launching a new forum on Pianogroove this week. I’ll be leading the discussion on many different fronts that relate to the singing pianist, as well as the accompanying pianist, and musicians in general. I’ve been a gigging musician and teach for the past 8 years, and I love this chance to share my voice on creating inspired music and building skill as a pianist, singer AND singing pianist. I’ll even include exercises. I’m part of a growing number of musicians who no longer buy into the competitive mindset, but instead seek growth and empowerment thru collaboration. The more music there is in the world, the merrier! Here’s one of my first posts there…

Singing Pianist - Developing The 3rd Skill

Being a good singer, as well as a good pianist, doesn’t not automatically translate into a good singing pianist. It’s a 3rd skill that must be developed in the same way that all music works, by spending actual time doing it. If you can enjoy that time spent, than I believe it just might take less than that mythical 10,000 hours needed for humans to master any skill.

Combine Your Voice With Piano Practice

One way to shortcut this is to combine your voice with your piano skill practice routine.

For example, you can sing your scales, and arpeggiated chords. First sing simple syllables such as Ah or Oh, then note names. Be loose with it, allow your voice to flip octaves naturally. You might need to go very slowly at first, and your voice might feel small or pitchy, but just keep doing it til it starts to feel more natural.
It’s also a great idea to sing along with your right hand melody, when you are first learning a new tune. First using a syllable, then eventually the lyrics. You’ll catch me doing this often in my lessons.

Singing & Playing Regularly

Sometimes the sum is greater than the parts - by singing and playing regularly in your practice time, you are improving BOTH (as individual skills) + ear training + rooting the music deeper in our understanding AND (drum roll)… you log in that ever precious time needed to feel comfortable as singing pianist. And maybe even master it!

Exercises

• Sing Scales you are practicing, first with syllables such as la or oh, then with note names

• Sing arpeggios (broken chords), first with syllables such as la or oh, then with note names

• Sing Melody with your right hand as you learn new songs, first with syllables such as la or oh, then with lyrics

Pianogroove is a wonderful online community of pianist seeking to grow and expand thru collaboration. Amazing lessons, mainly pertaining to jazz as well as cutting edge forums paving the way for musicians from all over the world to come together and share inspiration, courage and skill! https://www.pianogroove.com