Hey Jab,

Reckon you can do Kiss the Rain by Yiruma? I saw you did River Flows in You.

I'll check it out. Hopefully I can find sheets for it.

I believe, when posting piano videos, I have occasionally got questions on my singing - why don't I. I've been playing with the idea of recording something to put up as an exclusive audio link for you guys to judge. Hoping to get some good, honest feedback, and maybe gather the courage to start singing more. I've never really sang publicly, alone. I do sing quite a lot to myself though. Any thoughts on this?

I did just exactly that a few months ago, and probably struggled through the same things as you are. I had recorded/uploaded a few piano only things, then decided to do some singing too. Like you, I had never sung publicly (unless Singstar type games at parties count, heh). Anyway, it was kinda scary and took some courage at first, but whatevs it was fine I guess. I say go for it.

I even got some compliments from RL friends about the videos (since I was silly/courageous enough to post them on my Facebook) who had never heard me play or sing. That was nice.

I've occasionally recorded my singing, to hear what my voice actually sounds like, and I feel like I've improved a lot since first doing that. Some because of just singing more, but hearing my voice definitely also helped me improve on some things. I might record something with my guitar today and post. I might get cold feet. We'll see.

Okay, here goes nothing. Flame on.

http://soundcloud.com/testjk/record001

Some fold music for y'all. Dust Bowl Dance by Mumfrod & Sons.

Also, I'd really appreciate any feedback on the singing in the previous link.

Let Me Entertain You

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sam's Town

First tried playing this song yesterday. Quickly came up with a decent version, so I decided to record it. Hurts - Stay.

Happy International Women's Day!

Jabo,

I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but here's what I can offer.

You're familiarity with music seems to have transferred to your ability to sing mostly on pitch, and with enough musicality would put you in the same level of competency as a lot of established singers with far less playing ability.

As for the singing itself, I come from a classical background so listen for things like breath support, placement, and tone. You're missing all of those things. Even though you're technically on pitch, you're flat. It sounds like you're singing in the lowest part of your bottom register, and I'd guess you're doing that so that you can sing more than a 4 note range before you have to flip into falsetto. That's okay. Even untrained singers have at least an octave (except Rod Stewart), and you work with what you've got until you develop it into something more.

Thanks for sharing. It can be daunting, even for accomplished musicians. I knew a guy in my music hall days that was an extraordinary baritone. He was regularly tapped for performances inside and outside the college, and everyone assured him he had a promising career ahead of him. But he still waited until everyone left at night before he would go to the public music rooms and practice. He was afraid someone would hear him.

Also, I get a kick out of seeing you're additions to the stack of books on your left.

Thanks a lot. I've thought that I'm pretty much on pitch, but it still doesn't sound quite right. Your post clears that up a lot. I don't really have a falsetto (is that possible?), or don't know how to use it. I could upload something from the top range of my register, if you want to give it a listen?

cool licks, Jabo.

And Busto - you'rea classically trained singer??? I think that deserves an ask me thread

Well, recorded another song, a bit higher for me, especially the chorus. Would really appreciate feedback. Rise Against - But Tonight We Dance

http://soundcloud.com/testjk/but-tonight-we

Mad World

I always had more knowledge than talent. My teachers criticized me for obsessing over pedagogy instead of just letting go and performing.

NICE!!!

Had a small concert today in the conservatory. Had a bit of fun. I was playing Hello with a girl who was singing. Then the improvised instrumental part came, and I decided to start it with the melody from Skrillex's Scary Monsters. I think I heard a reaction from somebody, not sure. The reason I got the idea was because yesterday I found full sheet music for the song, and I'm definitely gonna learn to play it properly.