Sound like a singer who knows what they’re doing on the piano

If you’re reading this you can sing — and chances are you’re musical too.

But sit at the piano… it all goes out the window.

Your singing loses its sparkle. The piano playing is too heavy or hesitant. The rhythm is stop–start. The chords sound plonky and too basic.

Confidence isn’t exactly flowing at this point.

So… you give up.

But here’s the thing: doubting yourself at the piano isn’t a personality trait. It’s a skills problem.

You need: authentic-sounding style. You need coordination. You need flow and an understanding of how different styles actually work.

At 18, I had no idea how to play piano and sing.

Beyond reading notation to play classical repertoire and basic chord shapes from songs sheets, I knew next to nothing about chords, grooves or how to make an accompaniment sound convincing.

Fast forward many (many) years — and I can now play long solo piano–vocal gigs without written music, not repeat any songs, and make the entire set up on the spot

No deciding songs beforehand — sometimes I literally just open the piano lid, put my hands on the keys and see what comes out… and let that inspire the next song choice.

It’s wonderful for making music that fits the mood of the room (or even deciding to change the mood in the venue).

And even with a band — if the band are up for the musical challenge/adventure of “follow me!” — it makes a glorious change from playing a pre-decided set and fixed arrangements.

Am I a musical genius? Sadly not!

What has helped is playing and singing the music of others — and choosing freely from anything: classical repertoire, classic pop, funk (lots of this), swing, blues, Latin, world, show songs, rock… basically anything I like — and learning to bring those ideas into my own playing.

That's the thinking behind Piano for Singers.

Get beyond the obvious stuff. Discover the patterns, colours, dynamic shading, story telling lines, and singer supportive voicings that make playing piano and singing so enjoyable.

AND let you take charge of rehearsals, gigs and sessions.

Even if you don’t want to be a piano-singer — the piano (with its button-pressing all-the keys-laid-out-in-front-of-you logic) is brilliant for training your brain to absorb musical ideas and mirror them back.

Pair that with the melody-oriented, intuitive, very personal aspect of singing — and it’s a powerful combination.

And regardless of where you’re heading with your music and singing — the payoff is powerful.

Some of the things you’ll learn

— How to tell a story using both piano and singing that has style and impact - no matter how simple the song

— Not any old chords - how to play singer supportive chord shapes that colour the melody and showcase the singer

— How to play 2-handed patterns and groove that bring out the energy, mood and style of the song

— How to use the left hand to bring energy, groove and drive to the song performance

— Your personal dynamic and pattern choices — and why that’s so important

— Embellishments and fills — when to use, and what sits with the style and song

— Getting to grips with chord charts and lead sheets — how to bring them to life, know what to play and what to leave out

— How to sit at the piano so you don’t wreck your voice and still be able to engage with an audience, band or student

Who for

• Singers who are unconfident playing the piano and singing at the same time.

• Singers who are Singers who know better piano skills could make a big difference to their singing — but find it hard to get motivated to practise, or don’t know what to practise.

• Singers who struggle to coordinate the piano with the singing — and keep going.

• Singers who are lost on how to make a song sound special, authentic, or have that artistic something..

• Singers who watch those that play and sing like: D’Angelo, Olivia Dean, Alicia Keys, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Jon Batiste, Ray Charles, Sara Bareilles, Diana Krall, Taylor Swift — and think: I’d love to do some of that… but how?!

Not for

X Beginner singers who have yet to find their pitch, tone and rhythm
X Singers with no idea how to play the piano — unable to name notes or play basic chords
X Those specifically wanting to learn how to sing

FAQ

Q: How are these better than a straightforward piano workshops?

A: The end goal is about learning piano to support the singing. Which means patterns, tasteful chord voicings, embellishments and choice of dynamics. Pure piano workshops will be more focused on just the piano, with perhaps learning piano repertoire and the piano playing the melody. We also tackle techniques you are unlikely to do by yourself at home, like not stopping!

Q: Is this for complete beginners?

A: No. You need to feel reasonably comfortable singing in front of others (aside from the normal nerves we hit from time to time!), know names of notes on the piano and are okay playing hands together.

Q: Will these workshops teach me to sing?

A: The focus is on playing the piano and singing at the same time. Song interpretation and style will be covered. And perhaps some guidance over vocal technique if it comes up. But there won’t be singing technical work outs. If your main aim to improve your singing - dedicated singing lessons is a better choice.

Q: Will I have to play in front of others?

A: Yes - and this is a very good thing!

Q: I'm from a classical background, new to chords and popular song styles –will these workshops help me?

A: If you’re confident with classical repertoire, you’ll likely be strong with notation and melody reading. This will give you confidence. help you understand need the ‘other’ side - chords, grooves, style patterns, embellishments, improv. I went through this transformation - painfully! - but it’s so rewarding being able to do both. 

Q: Do you offer refunds?

A: Afraid not. With just 2 seats available refunds quickly gets messy. Once you sign up, you’re in!

I have another question.

Go for it! Drop a line to: hello@themagnificentsinger.com