Discovering Your Unique Voice as a Pianist

Finding your own way to play the piano is an exciting journey. It’s all about exploring who you are and how you want to express yourself. By looking at different playing styles and adding your personal touch, you can really improve your music. Here’s how you can start this journey.

1. Listen Closely

Listening to many different pianists is super important. Check out recordings from famous players like Horace Parlan, Martha Argerich, and Vladimir Horowitz. They each have their own style and feelings in their music. Pay attention to these things:

• Volume: Notice how they change how loud or soft they play. Do they play quietly to create a cozy feeling, or loudly to make things more dramatic?
• Timing: Watch how they play with the speed. Do they stretch out some notes or speed them up?
• Touch: Hear how they hit the keys—do they play lightly or heavily? Do they play notes sharply or smoothly?

2. Study Your Favorite Music

Pick a few pieces of music that you love and think about how different people play them. You can:

• Listen to different versions of the same song.
• Notice the changes in how the notes are played, the speed, and the feelings shown in the music.
• Find parts that really connect with you.

By looking closely at these different versions, you’ll learn what you like and how you might want to play it yourself.

3. Try Out New Techniques

Now that you have some ideas about different styles, it’s time to experiment:

• Practice Different Styles: Try playing the same piece in various ways—like classical, Romantic, or modern. This will help you learn and find what feels right for you.
• Make Your Own Changes: Play around with the melodies. Change the speed, volume, or how you play the notes to see what sounds good.

4. Think About Your Feelings

Your feelings are a big part of playing music, and they help you create your unique sound:

• Know Your Emotions: Before you play, think about what you want to express. What story are you telling with your music?
• Connect to Your Life: Relate the music to your own experiences. How do these moments shape how you feel when you play certain parts?

5. Perform and Listen to Others

Sharing your music with others can be exciting and a bit scary:

• Show Your Style: Play in front of people often, whether at local events or just with friends. This will help you build confidence in how you play.
• Ask for Feedback: Talk to listeners and other musicians to hear what they think. What did they notice? Their insights might help you see new things about your playing.

6. Enjoy the Journey

Remember, finding your unique sound takes time. It’s all about:

• Being Patient: Learning takes time, so don’t rush it.
• Being Open: Be ready to change and grow as you learn more.

As you keep exploring different styles and use what you learn, your unique voice will begin to come through in your playing. Always remember that every pianist is like a one-of-a-kind fingerprint made up of their own experiences and feelings. Embrace who you are, and let it shine in your music!