There are lots of ways a piano can help increase your practice efficacy. Here are ten:
- Use the piano to play your part in time with your singing.
- Use the piano to play first and last pitches in each phrase.
- Use the piano to play the full accompaniment as you sing.
- Use the piano to play the left hand of the accompaniment as you sing.
- Use the piano to play the bass part as you sing (unless you’re a bass).
- Use the piano to play the melody as you sing the harmony.
- Use the piano to outline the harmony as you sing the melody.
- Use the piano to play whichever part is closest and/or most dissonant to yours.
- Use the piano to play random distractions while you sing your part.
- Use the piano as a stand to hold your music while you sing a cappella.
Don’t fall into ruts in your practice – use the piano for all it’s worth!