Piano Forum

Piano Board => Performance => Topic started by: green on December 13, 2012, 11:29:27 PM

Title: Vocalizing while playing - how to stop?
Post by: green on December 13, 2012, 11:29:27 PM: I tend to vocalize while playing, it helps me to focus, and arises spontaneously, so when I consciously try to stop it, I find myself playing more unevenly, in a way that feels less 'connected' to the keyboard and what I am playing.

Anyone found ways to overcome this?
Title: Re: Vocalizing while playing - how to stop?
Post by: andreslr6 on December 13, 2012, 11:40:41 PM: Well, if it actually affects your playing then it is a problem. In reality, me and a lot of people don't mind people singing or humming while they're playing, my favorite pianist is GG actually haha.

I don't know, I can't know because I don't do it but the more things you concentrate on, the less time and energy you have to distract yourself. If doing it unconsciously doesn't affect your playing but trying to stop it is a distraction, then leave it and sing :).
Title: Re: Vocalizing while playing - how to stop?
Post by: j_menz on December 14, 2012, 12:52:56 AM: Quote from: andreslr6 on December 13, 2012, 11:40:41 PM
In reality, me and a lot of people don't mind people singing or humming while they're playing

And a lot of us really do.

To OP, try singing, but only in your head.
Title: Re: Vocalizing while playing - how to stop?
Post by: andreslr6 on December 14, 2012, 01:28:10 AM: Quote from: j_menz on December 14, 2012, 12:52:56 AM
And a lot of us really do.

Well, I don't mind as long as by vocalizing he doesn't mean this

1:18 and 3:00 are some examples. Or the climatic 5:33 and 6:10 :P
Title: Re: Vocalizing while playing - how to stop?
Post by: the89thkey on December 14, 2012, 03:01:30 AM: I tend to do this too...in the Piu mosso just after the opening theme of Rach 3 I sing the orchestra quite loudly I'm afraid...of course I don't do it while performing because the orchestra is there already ;).
Title: Re: Vocalizing while playing - how to stop?
Post by: lostinidlewonder on December 14, 2012, 03:34:47 AM: There's nothing wrong with it so long it's not louder than the music itself! I'd aim to keep it quieter rather than stopping, you can always sticky tape your mouth together though :)
Title: Re: Vocalizing while playing - how to stop?
Post by: the89thkey on December 14, 2012, 03:40:33 AM: Good suggestions...
oh and I forgot the whole 4 pages of arpeggios at the beginning of Rach 2...another fertile passage for loud singing
Title: Re: Vocalizing while playing - how to stop?
Post by: lukediv on December 14, 2012, 04:48:54 AM: If its not causing you problems, why stop?

I think its kind of fun actually, it shows you're enjoying yourself :)
Title: Re: Vocalizing while playing - how to stop?
Post by: j_menz on December 14, 2012, 05:15:30 AM: Quote from: lukediv on December 14, 2012, 04:48:54 AM
If its not causing you problems, why stop?

I think its kind of fun actually, it shows you're enjoying yourself :)

If you're performing, it's the audience, not you, that should be doing the enjoying.
Title: Re: Vocalizing while playing - how to stop?
Post by: the89thkey on December 14, 2012, 08:52:18 PM: Very true... :)
but you should also be enjoying the music while performing.