22 Feb Piano for the Vocalist: Making the Most out of Sheet Music
[sc name=”blog-post-hero-oval-horizontal”] Piano for the Vocalist is an creative way to help you learn to play your favorite songs, no matter your skill level. Piano Lessons, Boston MA [/sc]
Piano Lessons, Boston MA
As a vocalist, developing piano skills maximizes your music-making abilities. Unfortunately, many sheet music arrangements are difficult to read because they have overly-complicated rhythms and complex chords. These arrangements can make songs that seem easy to play and sing seem impossible.
If you have opened a pop music arrangement and quickly shut the book, do not fear! Music is a skill that can develop through practice, like muscle training. Piano for the Vocalist are piano arrangements that can help you learn how to read sheet music in a way that lets you enjoy your music, no matter your current ability.
How Does Piano for the Vocalist Work?
Piano for the Vocalist breaks pieces down to their fundamental skills and builds up in difficulty. You can choose the level that works for you and progress as you wish. Even the most basic piano reduction will let you play and sing your favorite songs!
Piano for the Vocalist lets you take charge of your learning! You can progress in your comfort. If you are ready to advance, there are gradual modifications to help add to the complexity of your work. However, if you are still at the beginning of your piano lessons and you only feel comfortable with the basics, you can still play through a song and learn to play the piano.
Piano for the Vocalist also includes principles of music theory, so as you learn to play songs, you can learn about music theory terms that will help you learn more about your music in a practical and applicable way.
How Many Levels are there for Piano for the Vocalist?
Each arrangement will have a unique number of levels based on the original song. In general, pieces will have around five levels of progression that you can explore.
Each song begins with simple, root position chords. As the piano arrangements advance, you may see chords in the first inversion, added eighth notes, both hands playing unique rhythms, optional ornaments and grace notes, and more to help add “flavor” to the piano piece.
How Does Piano for the Vocalist Help with Music Theory?
Throughout the arrangements, Piano for the Vocalist introduces music theory terms based on the real-world examples used in each piece. For example if your song uses parallel motion, the arrangement will point out how the arrangement uses it.
Music theory examples are featured in a different color to draw attention to the sample.
Similarly, many arrangements feature supplemental material with music theory examples like the scale used in the song and Roman Numeral analysis for the piece. This material allows students to take knowledge out of a theory textbook and put it to music they are learning to play and sing.
Who is Piano for the Vocalist For?
Piano for the vocalist is for beginner keyboard students through advanced performers. Everyone can begin on the first section, and as each student feels comfortable, they can advance to more difficult levels.
Piano for the Vocalist can also be helpful for teachers sharing voice lessons, as they can accompany their students with whatever keyboard skills they currently have. As the student progresses, the teacher can add more intricate rhythms to the accompaniment to help support each student’s growth.
Can You Learn to Play Piano Online with Piano for the Vocalist?
Piano for the Vocalist is designed to supplement voice lessons and piano lessons, no matter which method you use. If you take lessons online, in-person, or in a hybrid format, these piano arrangements are designed to help you develop your piano skills in real-world applications.
Piano for the Vocalist can be especially helpful for group piano classes, as each student can progress to their need and comfort, while all students work on the same song.
Who Writes the Piano for Vocalist Arrangements?
Arabella Berman developed the curriculum for the Piano for Vocalist arrangements. She saw a need for singers and students looking to learn to play piano to advance at a comfortable pace while playing the pieces they want to sing.
Arabella has worked with a team of arrangers to develop the pieces. Arrangers can use sites like arrangeme to publish their arrangements of each song, and music theory lessons help each student learn about the music fundamentals involved in each piece.
What Other Features Does Piano for the Vocalist Have?
Piano for the Vocalist includes several other helpful features, including:
- Chord names throughout the piece- the chord names are included throughout the arrangement, so you can play only from the chord names if you choose. This feature can also make it great and simple to collaborate with friends on other instruments if you want to.
- Sight reading tips- Piano for the Vocalist features sight reading tips to help you know what to watch for as you start any new piece. These tips can help you develop valuable piano skill of sight reading while you practice.
- Key- At the beginning of each arrangement, you will find what key the piece uses. This can be helpful if you ever want to transpose or if you are learning to identify key names from key signatures.
- Vocal Range- Each arrangement lists the vocal range at the top. This can help you know which pieces will fit within your voice. It can also be helpful for voice teachers to pick songs for their students.
Conclusion
Piano for the Vocalist is a groundbreaking way to help you learn to play your favorite songs on the piano. You can progress at your comfort and learn music theory, while you work through each song. No matter your current skill level, you can play through all of your favorite songs. As you develop, you can revisit the same arrangements and explore more difficult levels.
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