Play an Instrument as Though You’re Singing It

One of the best ways to get directly to the heart of playing music is to do so as if you’re singing the musical lines.  As you play a melody on the piano, bass or whatever instrument it is imagine that you’re the world’s best opera singer or pop star who is “singing” through the instrument.  You’ll likely discover that musical expression becomes more natural and easy.

Some great teachers recommend singing along with the melody in your head as you play it, which is a good idea.  However, keep listening honestly to the sounds you produce on your instrument– you don’t want to get “lost in your head!”

If you’re playing piano, you’d do well to take the time to sing along with each part individually–the melody, the bass line, inner harmonies– as you play them.  Spend the time to get very familiar and comfortable with each part, doing your best to be expressive.  It’s then a joy to put the music back together and play it as written.  This practice strategy works well for instruments which play a single part too.

Playing an instrument as though you’re singing it helps you perform with passion and expression!