Tips on playing a piano duet
Playing a piano duet can be an exciting way to share your talents and passion for the piano with someone else. However, learning how to duet with other pianists is something that might take time to get used to. Here are a few tips you can try out to kickstart your venture into duetting with other pianists:
Find the right piece
Before any playing happens, it’s important to make sure that you and your pianist friend are on the same page. Make sure that when you’re deciding the piece to play, you’re not only considering your tastes in music but also other important factors such as your grades on the piano and your practicing styles.
It’s important to choose a piece that is exciting and challenging for both of you, without making the mistake of choosing something that verges into the territory of being too complicated for either of you. This is especially true if you are planning to duet with a more or less experienced pianist.
Carefully practice your part
Once you and your duet partner have decided who plays what, you must remember to make time to practice your own part by yourself. It can be tempting to try and only practice your piece together but individual practice is just as important. Behind every successful duet there are hours of careful individual practice for both pianists.
If the person you are going to duet with is a less experienced pianist, make sure that they are also following this step and slowly, carefully learning their part. Only once you have both done the same, you can come together and really succeed at a piano duet.
Keep communicating
Like in most situations in life, the best way to work together is by learning how to communicate well with one another. If any issues arise or if you feel like you’re not on the same page, take time to stop playing and work things out. It might be that you are better suited to play the other part or maybe are not sure about something within the piece.
This is especially important when you are playing with someone at a different piano grade than you. Be open to helping out your partner in the same way that they should also be open to helping you out. Duets are all about working together.
Have fun
Ultimately, the most important thing about piano duets is to have fun together. That’s why it’s important that when you choose a piece, you select something that both of you are happy to focus your hours of practice on. If the piece is only liked by you or the other person, you are bound to get tired of it. Instead, focusing on a common goal can help you both stay motivated with your practice.
I hope that these tips inspire you to give piano duets a go, and who knows, they might become your new favourite way of performing. As always, if you feel lost on how to get started with anything new on the piano, don't be afraid to talk about it with your piano tutor and ask for support.
