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A question for pianists

thewaxtadpolethewaxtadpole Posts: 50
edited March 2004 in Musicians and Gearheads
I'm in a band, and my keyboard player is having some problems. She's very good, but she's got a habit of never taking her eyes off the keys, and the result is that no one ever sees her face. She also does this while she's singing backing vocals, which kind of muffles them.

Anyone else have this habit, or any tips for how she can break it? It's irritating to everyone, but particularly to her, because she knows it's irritating.
I've noticed that our senators
have very funny names.
Like Lincoln, Zell, and Saxby.
What's wrong with things like "James"?
I think that this is crazy.
I think that it should stop.
I think this is the reason
They confirmed John Ashcroft.
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • who's_pearljam?who's_pearljam? Posts: 2,104
    That's the same deal with guitar players, too. It's great to learn to play by feel. Especially the regular chords while you're singing.
    When you're playing a lead, sometimes it's good to peek, especially if you can't hear yourself on stage. Nothing like looking down and finding that you've been playing a lead a half a step off!:eek:

    Try getting her to stop and think, "who are you playing the music for, or who are you singing to?"
    It takes a bit of practice, but if you force yourself to practice without looking, it comes. Maybe try some easier passages first without looking, then peek a bit when you change a major position. Maybe when you all are practicing, a gentle reminder, and letting her make mistakes while she breaks the habit will give her confidence.
    Tell her to watch Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder. They can't see at all, and look what they do!
    Be kind, man
    Don't be mankind. ~Captain Beefheart
    __________________________________
  • bambi girlbambi girl Posts: 406
    when i really get into a song i just close my eyes....but yeah i guess i look at the keys alot....depends how confident i am with the song....
  • goto_lgoto_l Posts: 1,189
    As a guitarist, Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead has the same problem, he never faces the crowd or looks up from his guitar, or variety of other instruments that he plays, so if it's ok for him, it really isn't a problem.
    You men eat your dinner
    Eat your pork and beans
    I eat more chicken
    Than any man ever seen




  • thewaxtadpolethewaxtadpole Posts: 50
    Originally posted by goto_l
    As a guitarist, Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead has the same problem, he never faces the crowd or looks up from his guitar, or variety of other instruments that he plays, so if it's ok for him, it really isn't a problem.

    We're a different kind of band from Radiohead, though...and this girl sings almost all our backing vocals, and in a few of our songs it's essential that people hear them. When she looks down, she's effectively singing to the floor, and no one can hear a word she says.

    And thanks lots to who's_pearljam and bambi.
    I've noticed that our senators
    have very funny names.
    Like Lincoln, Zell, and Saxby.
    What's wrong with things like "James"?
    I think that this is crazy.
    I think that it should stop.
    I think this is the reason
    They confirmed John Ashcroft.
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