Some musicians like Ray Charles or Elton John make it seem effortless, but being able to sing and play the piano at the same time takes a lot of practice! Naturally, it’s difficult because you’re multitasking by playing two instruments simultaneously – your voice and the piano.
It’s easy to lose focus on one when the other is off. If you focus on your voice, you might mess up the timing with your fingers, and if you pay too much attention to the piano keys, you might find yourself mumbling the song.
Acquiring this dual skill will take a lot of practice, so we’ve put together some singing tips here to help you become independent of your hands and sing well.
To sing and play the piano at the same time, you will need to focus on:
- Sing on time, i.e. start your phrases on the right beat (or off-beat)
- Keeping the rhythm of the piano and singing
- Associate a word or syllable with a specific piano note
- Keep the rhythm of the song
It may seem difficult to think of everything at once, but with time and working through melodic phrases you will get there. It is a question of automatism.
Here are some tips to get you started on the right foot.
1) Adopt correct posture
Proper posture is key to singing. Good posture translates into better breathing and a better sound. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer to sit or stand – it’s fine as long as you keep your spine flexible. You may be tempted to lean forward when playing the piano, but standing up straight helps your voice and breathing technique.
2) Position your microphone
How you position your mic will affect your posture and breathing technique, so make sure you don’t need to lean too far. Your mic should also be placed at the right height to encourage you to straighten your spine.
3) Sing and play separately, to begin with
As you prepare, focus your attention on one specific skill at a time. Start by singing a cappella (possibly tapping out the rhythm with your fingers), then work on your singing with a pre-recorded piano track. You can then try playing a few simple chords (for example on the first beat of each measure and then on each downbeat) while you focus on your singing technique. Then, sing softly and try to play the original score along.
4) Measure your body power
Make sure you don’t tighten your shoulders and neck when singing. Instead, you should focus your control and energy on your pelvic floor – that way, whether you’re sitting or standing, you’ll be able to sing with good breathing and open throat technique. If you prefer to sit, the first tip is to sit on the edge of your seat and lean against it. If you’re more comfortable standing, your legs should be shoulder-width apart while you release the power from your feet.
5) Play with light fingers
It sounds simple, but by playing lightly with your fingers, you will reduce tension and the chances of throwing yourself. Keep your wrists flexible and toned. This will allow your entire body to be more relaxed and toned.
6) Practice regularly
You will need to be consistent in your practice to master this skill. It is recommended that you practice for at least half an hour each day, and if possible, record your sessions to track your improvements over time. You should notice a difference in your ability within a month or two.