My Progression

Oh the frustration of modern technology!  My plan to improve my
piano/keyboard playing has been thwarted by difficulties with my internet
signal.  Due to these struggles I've been practising some pieces that I
already know as well as teaching these to Jess.  I also decided to focus on
my singing (as this didn't need any type of electrical equipment). I have
been predominately taught to sing musical theatre and can usually hit the
high notes! Although in lectures it has been recognised my vocal range can
also go quite low. However  illness has meant I have been unable to hit
higher notes so I to look at songs that are usually sang by males as well as
straying away from musical theatre. Previously the challenge I would have
faced would be trying to sing these songs an octave higher but with my voice
physically unable to reach the higher notes I did not change the pitch. I
started by singing 'Skinny Love'. My usually choice would be to sing Birdy's
version whilst I play along on guitar but have decided to play Ed Sheeran's
version instead. The reason I have done this on guitar is so I can make the
piece my own and change parts that may be outside my range to make the song
comfortable for me to sing.

When your voice is your instrument you have to think about how to look after
it (which is particularly relevant to me right now).  I found information
that suggests you must keep your body hydrated to ensure the vocal folds are
moisturised, limber, protected and ready for action.  Whilst this obviously
includes water it is also essential that the salivary glands are stimulated
so that a lubricant is released on the vocal folds.  The good news is one
good way is with a fruity boiled sweet.  For once sugary foods are not in
the naughty list! If you are wanting to be good you can use dried fruit or
grapes instead.  One group of foods that is to be avoided is diary.  This
coats the throat in a thick, heavy phlegm (lovely) which can be damaging to
the voice. Citric juices can also have a similar effect and another culprit
is alcohol (oh no I hear you say, or is that just me!). Luckily drinking
enough water can help counter the effect.  The air produced from carbonated drinks are not good either.  Any way this is just a very small amount of the research that has been done in this area.  I think I will try out some of
the tips and see if they work for me.

Introduction

I have loved music all my life and have always been keen to pick up any instrument such as a guitar, piano, and even vocals. I taught myself to play songs sometimes using YouTube videos. I had some lessons on the keyboard and electric guitar but never really mastered either. I have always wanted to play the piano and to be able to sight read music;  I have decided that now is the right time to learn these skills! I can already identify notes and play a few songs but I would like tobe able to play any piece of music (to a degree) that is put in front of me.

 

My first step is to research some online tutors such aswww.onlinepianist.com and improve my keyboard skills so I can play a variety of different music.  I’m hoping that as I progress I will become quicker at identifying each note and therefore more able to play the piano with fluidity.