How to Play Piano / Keyboard and Sing at the Same Time

Think of some of the most popular pianists that you know of…What names come to you mind?

Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Billy Joel are all celebrities who are good at Piano playing and Singing.

You might argue that composers like Beethoven, Mozart are famous as well; pianists like Duke Ellington, Jerry Lee Lewis, Oscar Peterson are popular as well.

And they were never known for their singing. Point taken…

Why Play Piano & Sing?

Here are some reasons to learn this skill – playing the piano or keyboard and singing.

• If you can sing and play piano, you are in more demand. If you are old enough to perform in pubs and can play the piano and sing, be ready to get all the adulation irrespective of how you look. You will be a star there or wherever you perform!
• Reduces your dependency on other musician, which means you can really be a one man band (armed with a good arranger keyboard)
• Part of Piano Curriculum – Most schools which teach piano expect you to hum out simple tunes. As part of the examination, you can expect the examiner to play simple tunes and you will be expected to hum it. So this is a skill which will definitely give you a few extra marks.

How to Sing and Play the Piano Together

There is no technique which will teach you how to sing and play the piano at the same time. To play the piano song itself you may try things like breaking down the song into pieces, trying to learn the left and right hand separately, but all the while ensure that you keep on humming the song as well.

1. Position Your Mic Just Right

   You will have to get this right (through trial and error). Make sure you don’t lean too forward. Your microphone should also be at the correct height so that your posture is erect. The way your mic is positioned will affect your posture and your breathing technique, so make sure you’re comfortable with this aspect.

2. Sing and Play Separately at First

   Remember those days when you were struggling to use both your hands together? Most beginners learn their left and right hand part separately. You do the same here as well – learn them separately.

   Start by singing a cappella (without any instruments) and then work your way to singing along with a pre-recorded piano track. You can then play few simple chords while you focus on your singing technique.

   Now, switch the focus to your piano playing, while singing quietly. Once you’re confident with the keys, gradually start combining the two.

3. Play Block Chords Initially

   Most keyboard players have a hard time initially playing the keyboard/piano and singing at the same time. To start off, try playing only the chords while singing (solid chord only, no arpeggios). As you become more comfortable, try breaking up the chords or do some improvisations.

4. Practice More

   In order to build better coordination, you need to coach your brain and muscles. This is best achieved through repetition because muscular coordination is best built through repeating of patterns.

5. Listen to Popular Pianists

   Listen to popular pianists like Elton John and carefully observe the use of the piano throughout the song. They don’t play the same thing and in the same manner throughout the song. Usually the piano playing part is toned down while singing and then it picks up again between the verses.

   Also, practicing regularly is the key to become better at anything. Over time, you yourself will be able to figure out what works best.

6. Start Early

   If you have recently started taking piano lessons, then a good habit to develop is to sing along whatever you play on the piano. You may choose to hum or sing the actual words of the song, but just do it. You never know, you may have a hidden skill which you might uncover.

Conclusion

If I had to go back to my first piano lesson, I would definitely make it a point to at least hum if not sing the songs that I am learning to play on the piano. If you decide to try this out, just understand that all this while you have concentrated only on the piano playing so if you try to sing as well, you will definitely fumble. Start concentrating on the singing as well and with practice you will definitely be able to play piano and sing together.

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Daughter finds fame after mum secretly films her singing at the piano

A 29-year old woman has become an internet sensation after a video of her incredible singing and playing a piano in a cathedral went viral on Facebook.

Surprisngly, Shukrananda Gant, did not want to be filmed and and asked her mom not to do so. But her mother, Karen Courtney (theatre producer and writer), was so impressed with her perfrmance that she filmed her daughter anyways, and Shukrananda (works as a vocal coach in Witney) is happy that her mom did not listen to her.

In just 24 hours, after the video was posted on Boxing Day, the video was watched and shared more than 28,000 times.

The song is haunting, beautiful and emotional (wait for around 30 secs in to the video, to hear her voice clearly). Few have even compared her singing with Alanis Morissette (on her hit song “Uninvited”).

The acoustics in the Cathedral make it even moving and hauntingly beautiful.

We really hope that we get to hear more of this singer / songwriter.

KeytarHQ Editorial Team

KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.