Inesa Sinkevych on singing while you practice
The Manhattan School of Music pianist on rubato, contemplation and not repeating yourself.
Inesa Sinkevych teaches piano at the Manhattan School of Music in both its college and precollege divisions. She is a laureate of the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition and has won first prizes at other international competitions.
Here are seven of her best tips, taken from feedback she gave young pianists after live performances, with a link to each moment on video.
1. Sing while you practice
Try to sing it when you practice. Just sing it, and then follow your voice.
Inesa Sinkevych
2. Rubato means giving time back
Be considerate of rubato. Rubato is essentially taking time and compensating, meaning moving forward a little. If you only slow down and slow down, you break the form.
Inesa Sinkevych
3. Sing your chords too
In your chords, try to sing them more. Approach the forte sound a little differently: more noble and more rich.
Inesa Sinkevych
4. Not every moment should be busy
In some moments you could look for more contemplation. Not all moments have to sound so busy and exciting.
Inesa Sinkevych
5. Don’t repeat yourself exactly
These passages repeat five or six times. Try not to play them all exactly the same way, and try not to stop every time in the same place.
Inesa Sinkevych
6. Don’t stay at fortissimo too long
You were at a fortissimo level sometimes for too long. Try to start from softer so the coda can build.
Inesa Sinkevych
7. Ask what the story is
Create even more contrast. What is the story telling you, and what is the composer trying to express?
Inesa Sinkevych
Quotes are lightly edited for length and clarity. They come from Ms. Sinkevych’s comments as a judge at the 2022 Piano Star International Competition. You can watch the full performances and feedback on the Piano League YouTube channel.
Quick question
Do you sing while you practice?
Have a story tip or a correction? Tell us.