9 answers
Jesus
Student
Elmhurst, NY
2
Questions
Asked
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Exercises for vocal and piano improvement ?
What after some exercises that will help me get better vocally as in clearer notes or any tips , and exercises to improve hand coordination and independence?
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9 answers
Juan Emilio Villacres Lara
Music Producer & Sound / Audio Engineer
5
Answers
Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador
Updated
Juan Emilio’s Answer
IImproving vocal clarity and hand coordination are great goals, whether you’re singing, playing an instrument, or doing both. Here are some exercises and tips to help you develop in these areas:
### For Vocal Clarity:
1. **Breathing Exercises:**
- **Diaphragmatic Breathing:** Practice breathing deeply into your diaphragm (just below your rib cage) rather than shallow chest breathing. This supports stronger and more stable vocal output.
- **Sss Exercise:** Take a deep breath and then hiss out slowly with a steady stream of air. This helps control breath pressure, which is crucial for clear notes.
2. **Vocal Warm-ups:**
- **Lip Trills:** These help relax the lips and facial muscles, promoting better tone and pitch control.
- **Scales and Arpeggios:** Singing scales and arpeggios gently will help warm up your voice and improve pitch accuracy and clarity.
3. **Articulation Drills:**
- **Tongue Twisters:** These are excellent for improving articulation. The clearer your articulation, the clearer your vocal notes will be.
4. **Resonance Exercises:**
- **Humming:** Start by humming a comfortable note and feel for vibrations in the face, chest, and neck. This helps you find your natural resonance, which enhances vocal tone.
### For Hand Coordination and Independence:
1. **Basic Coordination Exercises:**
- **Independent Finger Taps:** Place your hands flat on a table. Lift each finger individually while keeping the others flat. This builds independent control.
2. **Piano-Specific Drills (if applicable):**
- **Hanon Exercises:** These are designed to improve finger agility, strength, and independence on the piano.
- **Czerny Exercises:** Focus on technical skills and are also great for developing hand coordination.
3. **Drumming Exercises (for rhythmic coordination):**
- **Rudiments:** Practice drumming rudiments like single strokes, double strokes, and paradiddles. Even on a practice pad, these can help develop rhythm and hand independence.
4. **String Instrument Techniques (if applicable):**
- **Scales and Arpeggios:** Play scales and arpeggios slowly, focusing on smooth bowing or plucking, and accurate finger placement.
### General Tips:
- **Consistent Practice:** Regular, focused practice is key to improvement in both vocals and instrument playing.
- **Slow Down:** Practice slowly to ensure accuracy before speeding up.
- **Record and Analyze:** Record your practice sessions to identify areas for improvement and track progress.
- **Stay Relaxed:** Tension can hinder both vocal clarity and hand movement. Regularly check and relax any unnecessary tension in your body.
Incorporating these exercises and tips into your routine can help enhance both your vocal clarity and hand coordination over time.
### For Vocal Clarity:
1. **Breathing Exercises:**
- **Diaphragmatic Breathing:** Practice breathing deeply into your diaphragm (just below your rib cage) rather than shallow chest breathing. This supports stronger and more stable vocal output.
- **Sss Exercise:** Take a deep breath and then hiss out slowly with a steady stream of air. This helps control breath pressure, which is crucial for clear notes.
2. **Vocal Warm-ups:**
- **Lip Trills:** These help relax the lips and facial muscles, promoting better tone and pitch control.
- **Scales and Arpeggios:** Singing scales and arpeggios gently will help warm up your voice and improve pitch accuracy and clarity.
3. **Articulation Drills:**
- **Tongue Twisters:** These are excellent for improving articulation. The clearer your articulation, the clearer your vocal notes will be.
4. **Resonance Exercises:**
- **Humming:** Start by humming a comfortable note and feel for vibrations in the face, chest, and neck. This helps you find your natural resonance, which enhances vocal tone.
### For Hand Coordination and Independence:
1. **Basic Coordination Exercises:**
- **Independent Finger Taps:** Place your hands flat on a table. Lift each finger individually while keeping the others flat. This builds independent control.
2. **Piano-Specific Drills (if applicable):**
- **Hanon Exercises:** These are designed to improve finger agility, strength, and independence on the piano.
- **Czerny Exercises:** Focus on technical skills and are also great for developing hand coordination.
3. **Drumming Exercises (for rhythmic coordination):**
- **Rudiments:** Practice drumming rudiments like single strokes, double strokes, and paradiddles. Even on a practice pad, these can help develop rhythm and hand independence.
4. **String Instrument Techniques (if applicable):**
- **Scales and Arpeggios:** Play scales and arpeggios slowly, focusing on smooth bowing or plucking, and accurate finger placement.
### General Tips:
- **Consistent Practice:** Regular, focused practice is key to improvement in both vocals and instrument playing.
- **Slow Down:** Practice slowly to ensure accuracy before speeding up.
- **Record and Analyze:** Record your practice sessions to identify areas for improvement and track progress.
- **Stay Relaxed:** Tension can hinder both vocal clarity and hand movement. Regularly check and relax any unnecessary tension in your body.
Incorporating these exercises and tips into your routine can help enhance both your vocal clarity and hand coordination over time.
George F Spicka
Compose Music \ Play Jazz Piano \ Curator of Paleontology
18
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
George F’s Answer
Find the lowest note you can comfortably sing, and let that become the root note of the scale you will use.
Sing up and down an octave. If you can easily go higher, do that, but don't strain. Vocal cords are the finest muscles in the body.
I'd first concentrate on pitch accuracy, which would include focusing on single notes on the scale.
As you practice the scale, become aware of the corresponding pitch numbers. For example in the scale of C Major -
c = 1
d = 2
e = 3
f = 4
g = 5
a = 6
b = 7
c = 8
d = 9
e = 1O
f = 11
g = 12
a = 13
b = 14
c = 15
As you get better, work at various speeds [a metronome will help].
Then practice them in groups: c -d, d - e, e - f, f - g, etc. <or> c-d-e, d-e-f, e-f-g, f-g-a <or> 3rds: c-e-g-b, d-f-a-c, e-g-b-d.
Another one is to start at the root note and do intervals: c-g [perfect 5th], c-b [major 7th], c-e [major 3rd], etc.
Sing up and down an octave. If you can easily go higher, do that, but don't strain. Vocal cords are the finest muscles in the body.
I'd first concentrate on pitch accuracy, which would include focusing on single notes on the scale.
As you practice the scale, become aware of the corresponding pitch numbers. For example in the scale of C Major -
c = 1
d = 2
e = 3
f = 4
g = 5
a = 6
b = 7
c = 8
d = 9
e = 1O
f = 11
g = 12
a = 13
b = 14
c = 15
As you get better, work at various speeds [a metronome will help].
Then practice them in groups: c -d, d - e, e - f, f - g, etc. <or> c-d-e, d-e-f, e-f-g, f-g-a <or> 3rds: c-e-g-b, d-f-a-c, e-g-b-d.
Another one is to start at the root note and do intervals: c-g [perfect 5th], c-b [major 7th], c-e [major 3rd], etc.
John Graham
Music Producer
55
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Jesus!
For piano the best I can recommend is Hanon. I still use the original version with 60 exercises. Start slow and then increase your speed gradually. It's US $8.95 on Amazon. It's called, "Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist In Sixty Exercises For The Piano"
For piano the best I can recommend is Hanon. I still use the original version with 60 exercises. Start slow and then increase your speed gradually. It's US $8.95 on Amazon. It's called, "Hanon: The Virtuoso Pianist In Sixty Exercises For The Piano"
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
350
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Always practice piano one hand at a time, every piece, every time you sit down to practice, before you play hands together.
And look up the Healthy Vocal Technique channel on YouTube.
And look up the Healthy Vocal Technique channel on YouTube.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Musician Jesus !
One thing that would enhance your talent skills would be to take professional level lessons for singing and to explore the hand exercises for piano playing. The exercises for hands do not even have to be from a musical instrument perspective, any hand exercises will create strength in your fingers, hands and wrists for piano playing. I have left a list below of exercises from videos on You Tube that could greatly help you with dexterity, speed and control for playing the piano.
There is a wonderful You Tube Channel for singing vocal exercises which I left the link for below. If you haven't taken a beginning voice course in person yet, let me tell you these exercises are the same ones I had when I took singing Voice in college. They are very effective and a great help. If you want to discover your resonance in your singing voice, I have left a link to a website which will be very helpful for that. The website also offers warm ups and an online course for singers.
Another way that you can think about going about advancing your skills would be to video yourself performing. Watch the video and critique yourself - sometimes we are the best ones to make decisions about our own skill. Review your performance and see what the strong qualities are and which ones you may need to work on.
At some point, you will need on site, in person feedback from instructors that will be honest with you and recognize things that you can improve on. My advice is to take any singing related courses at your high school or if you've graduated already, take a Voice (singing) course at a local community college. You will be sure to hear yourself, obtain feedback and get lots of practice with all elements that go into singing, including range. You will also meet some cool, fun students that will be a bonus and may be good friendships and contacts for your career.
I hope that this is of help and I wish you all the best !
FINGER EXERCISES FOR PIANISTS (VIDEOS) https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=finger+exercises+for+pianists
JACOBS VOCAL ACADEMY VOCAL EXERCISES https://www.youtube.com/@Jacobsvocalacademy
DISCOVER AND DEVELOP YOUR RESONANCE https://johnhenny.com/simple-exercises-for-finding-singing-resonance/
One thing that would enhance your talent skills would be to take professional level lessons for singing and to explore the hand exercises for piano playing. The exercises for hands do not even have to be from a musical instrument perspective, any hand exercises will create strength in your fingers, hands and wrists for piano playing. I have left a list below of exercises from videos on You Tube that could greatly help you with dexterity, speed and control for playing the piano.
There is a wonderful You Tube Channel for singing vocal exercises which I left the link for below. If you haven't taken a beginning voice course in person yet, let me tell you these exercises are the same ones I had when I took singing Voice in college. They are very effective and a great help. If you want to discover your resonance in your singing voice, I have left a link to a website which will be very helpful for that. The website also offers warm ups and an online course for singers.
Another way that you can think about going about advancing your skills would be to video yourself performing. Watch the video and critique yourself - sometimes we are the best ones to make decisions about our own skill. Review your performance and see what the strong qualities are and which ones you may need to work on.
At some point, you will need on site, in person feedback from instructors that will be honest with you and recognize things that you can improve on. My advice is to take any singing related courses at your high school or if you've graduated already, take a Voice (singing) course at a local community college. You will be sure to hear yourself, obtain feedback and get lots of practice with all elements that go into singing, including range. You will also meet some cool, fun students that will be a bonus and may be good friendships and contacts for your career.
I hope that this is of help and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Tony Andriamanana
Musician
5
Answers
Antananarivo, Antananarivo Province, Madagascar
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi upcoming musician and performer Jesus!
Playing piano and singing at the same time is a difficult but it can be learned with some good practice.
So, apart from what have already been said, I will tell you what I did and what I still do right now. I would suggest to pick a simple song you like that has a piano and a vocal only. Pick one song that is short, let's say 2 mn 30 sec.
Then, you have those steps to do follow:
Step1- Slow down the tempo of the song if it's too fast. Do at a pace you are comfortable with first.
Step 2- learn the song playing only piano
Step3- learn the song singing only the vocals
Step4- Learn the song by playing both piano and singing for each section: e.g. learn to play first chorus for example. Then, learn the verse I, and continue like that until you master all the sections of the entire piece.
Step5- play the entire song with your piano and your singing
Step6- Try to play the song at normal speed now
PS: for this to be easier, pick really easy songs. Don't try to learn complicated song that need strong coordination for your hand and your singing. The secret is to start small
I hope it helped you!:)
Playing piano and singing at the same time is a difficult but it can be learned with some good practice.
So, apart from what have already been said, I will tell you what I did and what I still do right now. I would suggest to pick a simple song you like that has a piano and a vocal only. Pick one song that is short, let's say 2 mn 30 sec.
Then, you have those steps to do follow:
Step1- Slow down the tempo of the song if it's too fast. Do at a pace you are comfortable with first.
Step 2- learn the song playing only piano
Step3- learn the song singing only the vocals
Step4- Learn the song by playing both piano and singing for each section: e.g. learn to play first chorus for example. Then, learn the verse I, and continue like that until you master all the sections of the entire piece.
Step5- play the entire song with your piano and your singing
Step6- Try to play the song at normal speed now
PS: for this to be easier, pick really easy songs. Don't try to learn complicated song that need strong coordination for your hand and your singing. The secret is to start small
I hope it helped you!:)
Kristy Johnson
Vocalist/Entertainer
2
Answers
Heath, TX
Updated
Kristy’s Answer
Hi! The best thing to remember is that your voice is something that requires practice and effort in order to produce the best sound. Think of your voice as a muscle that needs to be exercised. If you wanted a buff body and went to the gym, it would take more than one workout to get results. Your voice is the same way. In order to strengthen your power and range, you'll need to work specific exercises to help you achieve maximum results. If it's not possible to work with a voice coach, then make sure you're singing every day. Remember to warm up first! There are tons of good warm-up videos on YouTube. Now get out there and sing!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Jesus,
Here's a detailed guide to boost your vocal and piano skills:
Vocal Enhancement Exercises:
1. Breathing Techniques: Mastering proper breathing is crucial for vocal precision and control. Strengthen your breath support by practicing diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
2. Vocal Warm-Ups: Kick-start your practice with vocal warm-ups. Lip trills, sirens, and scales are excellent for enhancing vocal flexibility and range.
3. Articulation Practices: Enhance your word clarity by practicing tongue twisters and consonant-vowel combinations. This will refine the clarity of your notes.
4. Pitch Accuracy Drills: Use a piano or a tuning app to perfect your pitch. Sing scales or simple tunes while concentrating on maintaining the correct pitch.
5. Resonance Practices: Explore different vowel shapes and placements to discover the best resonance for your voice. This can enhance the depth and projection of your sound.
Piano Enhancement Exercises:
1. Finger Independence Drills: Boost your finger agility and independence by practicing scales, arpeggios, and Hanon exercises. Begin at a slow pace and gradually increase speed as your coordination improves.
2. Hand Coordination Practices: Start by playing simple songs with one hand before combining both. Concentrate on synchronizing both hands by practicing slowly and steadily increasing the tempo.
3. Chord Progression Drills: Practice familiar chord progressions in various keys to enhance muscle memory and hand coordination during chord transitions.
4. Rhythm Practices: Improve your rhythmic accuracy by clapping to a metronome or playing along with drum tracks. This will refine your timing and overall musicality.
5. Sight-Reading Sessions: Regularly practice sight-reading new music to boost your reading skills and hand-eye coordination on the piano.
Remember, regular practice is the secret to improvement in both vocals and piano. Ensure to practice these exercises consistently and seek advice from a vocal coach or piano instructor if necessary.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
1. Berklee College of Music: Known for its exceptional music education programs and resources, Berklee provides valuable insights into vocal and piano techniques.
2. The Royal Conservatory: The Royal Conservatory offers comprehensive music education materials, including exercises for vocal and piano enhancement, based on proven pedagogical methods.
3. Juilliard School: Renowned for its excellence in performing arts education, Juilliard School’s resources provide advanced techniques for refining vocal clarity and piano skills.
GOD BLESS,
JC.
Here's a detailed guide to boost your vocal and piano skills:
Vocal Enhancement Exercises:
1. Breathing Techniques: Mastering proper breathing is crucial for vocal precision and control. Strengthen your breath support by practicing diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
2. Vocal Warm-Ups: Kick-start your practice with vocal warm-ups. Lip trills, sirens, and scales are excellent for enhancing vocal flexibility and range.
3. Articulation Practices: Enhance your word clarity by practicing tongue twisters and consonant-vowel combinations. This will refine the clarity of your notes.
4. Pitch Accuracy Drills: Use a piano or a tuning app to perfect your pitch. Sing scales or simple tunes while concentrating on maintaining the correct pitch.
5. Resonance Practices: Explore different vowel shapes and placements to discover the best resonance for your voice. This can enhance the depth and projection of your sound.
Piano Enhancement Exercises:
1. Finger Independence Drills: Boost your finger agility and independence by practicing scales, arpeggios, and Hanon exercises. Begin at a slow pace and gradually increase speed as your coordination improves.
2. Hand Coordination Practices: Start by playing simple songs with one hand before combining both. Concentrate on synchronizing both hands by practicing slowly and steadily increasing the tempo.
3. Chord Progression Drills: Practice familiar chord progressions in various keys to enhance muscle memory and hand coordination during chord transitions.
4. Rhythm Practices: Improve your rhythmic accuracy by clapping to a metronome or playing along with drum tracks. This will refine your timing and overall musicality.
5. Sight-Reading Sessions: Regularly practice sight-reading new music to boost your reading skills and hand-eye coordination on the piano.
Remember, regular practice is the secret to improvement in both vocals and piano. Ensure to practice these exercises consistently and seek advice from a vocal coach or piano instructor if necessary.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
1. Berklee College of Music: Known for its exceptional music education programs and resources, Berklee provides valuable insights into vocal and piano techniques.
2. The Royal Conservatory: The Royal Conservatory offers comprehensive music education materials, including exercises for vocal and piano enhancement, based on proven pedagogical methods.
3. Juilliard School: Renowned for its excellence in performing arts education, Juilliard School’s resources provide advanced techniques for refining vocal clarity and piano skills.
GOD BLESS,
JC.
Jessica Griffith
Student
22
Answers
Canton, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
My question is do you know notes really well ? I took both technical musicianship and music composition and theory 1&2. There are a lot of steps involved with playing the piano and hitting the right vocal notes. Just to try see if a local college has a program so you are able to fully understand piano playing . Good luck !!