If you’ve been away from live audiences for a while, you may be looking for ways to up your game as a musician in 2021.
How can a keyboardist have stage presence? By learning piano performance techniques, and with charisma, a pianist can command any stage or recording studio. Iconic musicians like Lady Gaga and Elton John serve as a testament to what’s possible.
Whether you’re thinking of learning, or already have keyboard skills, here’s our guide to wowing a crowd by playing with panache. Click here if you are looking to book a Piano Lesson in Southampton near you.
How can a keyboardist have stage presence?
The piano is very versatile. You can accompany yourself anytime, anywhere, on an upright, a grand, or a digital equivalent. But as a keyboard player, stage presence is vital and can take your performance to another level. This applies whether you’re a solo singer accompanying yourself, a solo pianist, or part of a larger band. And with so much content going onto video platforms like Instagram and TikTok, even if you’re rehearsing or in the studio, chances are you’ll be seen in action. What you play will have an impact on how you perform. We have some tips on super songs to sing and play if you’re seeking inspiration in this area.
What makes a good piano performance?
Firstly, you need to make sure that you can be viewed and heard clearly. If you’re singing while playing (something that’s extra impressive for a crowd), you’ll need a mic attached to the piano or a stand that’s angled so you can be heard. And you’ll need to ascertain the best place for the keyboard or piano to be so situated on the stage or in the studio. This is so that you can move around, perform and be seen.
Making sure your mic is in the right position is paramount to helping you to keep the right posture. Bring the mic close enough to your mouth so you don’t have to lean, and high enough that your spine stays tall. Your face must still be visible though, so the audience can see you expressing the song.
Piano performance techniques
Bear in mind that you don’t necessarily need to sit down. Some of the biggest characters in music create flamboyant performances by standing when playing – either for all or part of the songs. If you choose to sit when playing the keyboard, a good way to maintain power is by sitting on the edge of your seat. This creates a sense of energy.
Get the right posture when performing. It’s very important to retain good alignment when playing music keyboards. Whether you decide to sit or stand, you should retain a flexible feeling in your spine.
If you do slump, your breathing and control will be affected, which will impact any vocals you’re adding. To stop this try not to lean forward, your rib cage should stay in its rightful position and not collapse forward. Slumping is an issue whether you sing or not, as in the long term it’ll cause back and neck issues.
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Do keep in mind that you don’t want to be too rigid either. As this will appear forced and formal. Just because you have music keyboards in front of you doesn’t mean you cannot still get into the song and enjoy yourself.
If anything, the movements you make are even more crucial as they are limited. You want the audience to be on your side, and not feeling disconnected just because there’s an instrument between you. Every little bit counts here.
Piano expressive techniques
Your left hand plays the accompaniment of a song, while your right plays the melody. This leaves your left freer at points, so you may want to gesticulate or dance with your left hand for effect (when it’s possible). Some pianists move around a lot and dance about while playing. Others use stillness to achieve a stage presence.
What will really set you apart from other performers is the way you can still communicate your message. This is mainly achieved via eye contact (with the live audience or the camera lens), facial expressions and really putting your back into it. You’ll notice most famous pianists display real energy through their body language. Even if the song is laid back, your body and fingers should be buzzing with emotive electricity.
How not to be nervous before a piano performance
Nerves may impact your presence as a performer, especially if they are debilitating. A little bit of apprehension can give you an edge. But it’s worth working on feeling relaxed on stage or in the studio, so you can focus on what you’re doing and be really slick. Fear of performing is common and can be overcome. It’s normal to feel nervous before going on stage. But not if it hampers your ability to give of your best.
How to get over stage fright when playing the piano
First, build up your skill on the piano. If you’re having to concentrate too hard on hitting the right notes, you may lose concentration. The risk of making a mistake is likely to increase your nerves. By building up your muscle memory (so your fingers automatically find the right notes) you’ll guard against any brain freeze brought on by performance anxiety. To get those muscle memories down, you’ll need to do it over and over. The same applies to learning song lyrics.
How can I improve my piano performance?
Watch. Learn. Practice.
Remember that there are huge resources at your fingertips. Study other performers playing on YouTube. Or watch your favourite artist live stream. Start to pick up what works and what doesn’t for various performances. Then try and test them out yourself.
If you’re a professional musician starting out in the recording industry, it may be worthwhile looking into artist development. All aspects of performance are covered as part of this, with mentoring and masterclasses. And depending on your age and ability, you may be eligible for funding to do it.
How can I practice the piano for performance?
Begin by practising with simple scales. then add in some arpeggios, before progressing to songs that are easy musically and vocally. You can then choose to lead with your vocals or the piano. That means you might take some artistic licence with the music vocally or instrumentally, extending out notes or playing with the timing.
If possible take lessons from a good piano teacher – or follow tutorials on YouTube. Many accomplished pianists are self-taught, but you have to be very motivated, and start with the (sometimes boring) basics. A tutor will be able to work on improving your stage presence and performance style, as well as your musical technique.
Related Questions
What skills does playing the piano give you?
You learn how to read music and develop a better understanding of rhythm and composition, all of which contribute to your skill set as a musician. It may also help your musical ear, which in turn helps with your tuning on stage.
Why do pianists lift their hands?
If you’ve ever watched a pianist do this, you’ll have seen how elegant, and often emotive, it can be. But there’s a practical reason too. It releases the tension that’s built up in the wrists and fingers, particularly if playing a fast and complex piece.
What are the four basic types of keys on a keyboard?
The types of keys on a keyboard fall into these categories: weighted, non-weighted, hammer action and graded weighting. With so many options on offer, speak to an in-store specialist to find out what’s best for your needs.
To book piano lessons in Southampton, check our online availability below;
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We also offer singing lessons for beginners, music production lessons & drum lessons at River Studios.