George Boyle
Playing the keyboard at a wedding can be a daunting task, especially considering the pressure of performing at such an important event. While you may not be the centrepiece of attention, you are still an important part of the couple's big day. This article will provide an introduction to playing the wedding song on a keyboard, covering topics such as song selection, performance etiquette, and technical considerations, to help you confidently deliver a memorable performance that enhances the wedding celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Role | Supporting artist |
| Attention | Not the centrepiece of attention; the newlyweds-to-be are |
| Tempo | Should be altered to match the pace of the bride |
| Climax | Should be brought to coincide with the bride's entrance |
| Cadence | Should be added to fit with the music when the bride stops |
| Repertoire | Wagner's Bridal Chorus, Mendelssohn's Wedding March, and Prince of Denmark's March are common choices |
| Practice | Should be well-rehearsed, but able to adjust to unexpected events |
| Instrument | Should be tried out in advance to account for any quirks |
| Volume | Should not be increased to compete with guest chatter |
| Sheet music | Should be in the order required and easily accessible |
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What You'll Learn
You are not the centrepiece of attention
If you are playing the keyboard at a wedding, it is important to remember that you are not the centrepiece of attention—the newlyweds-to-be are. While you might only be a supporting artist, good music can enhance the wedding no end, and you get to be an important part of the couple's big day.
This means that you should not mess up. While nobody is going to stand up at the back of the room and yell, "He's playing it all wrong!", this is still the most important day of the couple's life, and you should respect that. You should also be aware that the wedding party may not be paying you their full attention. Some will be trying to listen to you intently, but others won't even know you're there. Don't be tempted to keep increasing the volume to compete unless you can't hear yourself—they haven't come to listen to you.
It is also important to be able to alter the tempo of the piece and still make it sound good. The bride isn't keeping step with the music, you're keeping pace with her. Try and bring the climax in the music to the moment the bride enters, or as close to it as possible. Be able to add a cadence that fits with the music wherever you are when she stops.
Finally, make sure you try out the actual instrument at least once before the big day. Each one is different, and you need to know of any quirks before they trip you up. Are all the stops in tune? Is there a dodgy pedal? How loud is 'full organ' going to sound? Is there a long reverb in the building that you need to account for? If you're using sheet music, have it to hand in the order that you will need it.
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Be able to alter the tempo of the piece
Playing the wedding song on a keyboard requires you to be able to alter the tempo of the piece and still make it sound good. The bride isn't keeping step with the music, you're keeping pace with her. This means that you should be able to adjust the tempo of the song to match the bride's walking pace.
Tempo changes in songs can be challenging to get right. One way to make a tempo change sound natural is to use arpegiated scales, which create a smooth transition. For example, when playing an arpegiated scale up, slowing down as you go can sound good. Similarly, speeding up as you descend can sound effective. Playing with the relative major and minor keys can also help, as major keys are typically played quicker and more upbeat, while minor keys are played slower and more sullen.
Additionally, you can experiment with different subdivisions to create a sense of variation while maintaining the same overall tempo. For example, playing with double time or half time can create an interesting effect without drastically altering the pace of the song.
Practicing with tempo-changing software can also help you get a feel for how tempo changes affect the overall sound of a piece. There are web services available that allow you to adjust the tempo of any audio file while maintaining its pitch. This can be a useful tool to help you understand how tempo changes can be effectively incorporated into your playing.
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Be prepared for the wedding party to enter at the wrong time
Playing the keyboard at a wedding can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to be prepared for any eventuality, especially if you are accompanying the wedding party's entrance. While you are not the centrepiece of attention, you are an important part of the couple's big day.
Firstly, it is crucial to remember that the wedding party's entrance may not always go according to plan. The couple may enter at the wrong time or to the wrong piece of music. In such cases, it is important to remain calm and flexible. Adjust the music to accommodate their entrance, perhaps by creating a vamp section or timing their arrival with the ending of the piece.
To prepare for such scenarios, it is advisable to practise the wedding song(s) extensively beforehand. This includes being able to alter the tempo of the piece while still making it sound good. The bride isn't keeping step with the music; you're keeping pace with her. Try to bring the climax of the music to the moment the bride enters, or as close to it as possible. Additionally, ensure you are familiar with the instrument you will be using. If it is an organ, try it out beforehand to account for any quirks, such as the volume of 'full organ' or any dodgy pedals.
It is also a good idea to have your sheet music organised and easily accessible, especially if there is little time between the end of the processional and the first hymn. Practise the transition between these two parts to ensure a smooth flow.
Remember, while you want to avoid messing up, don't be too hard on yourself. The wedding party's entrance is just one part of the celebration, and the most important thing is to enjoy the day and enhance it with your musical talents.
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Try out the organ before the wedding day
Playing the keyboard at a wedding can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the instrument. It is important to remember that you are not the centrepiece of attention—the newlyweds are. However, good music can enhance the wedding experience for everyone involved. Here are some tips to help you prepare for playing the organ before the big day:
Firstly, ensure that you try out the actual organ you will be using. Each organ is unique, and familiarising yourself with its quirks is essential. Check if all the stops are in tune, inspect the pedals for any issues, and be aware of how loud the 'full organ' will sound in the venue. Consider the acoustics of the building, as a long reverb may impact your performance.
Secondly, be prepared for distractions and unexpected events. Guests may chat during your performance, and that's okay! Don't be tempted to increase the volume to compete with the noise level unless you genuinely can't hear yourself play. Remember, you are providing background music for the wedding, not putting on a solo concert.
Thirdly, have your sheet music organised and ready. If you are using sheet music, ensure it is in the order you will need it, and if possible, have a page-turner assist you during your performance. Practise the transition between songs, especially between the end of the processional and the first hymn, as there is usually very little time between these two moments.
Lastly, be ready to adapt to unexpected changes. Sometimes, things may not go according to plan, and you might need to adjust on the spot. For example, the wedding party may enter on the wrong piece of music, or there may be slight changes to the timing of events. Remain calm, don't frown, and avoid showing any signs of frustration. Your ability to adapt and maintain a pleasant demeanour will ensure that you seamlessly become a part of the couple's special day.
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Clarify with the bride what she wants
When it comes to playing the wedding song on a keyboard, it's important to remember that you're not the centrepiece of attention – the bride and groom are. This means that you should be flexible and adapt to their needs and any changes that may arise. Clarifying with the bride what she wants is crucial to ensuring a smooth and memorable performance. Here are some detailed instructions to help you navigate this process:
Firstly, meet with the bride and discuss her vision for the wedding song. Does she have a specific song in mind, or would she like your suggestions? Offer a range of options that fit the mood and theme of the wedding. For example, if the bride is looking for something fun and upbeat, suggest songs like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell or "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. If she's looking for something more mellow and sentimental, recommend songs like "We Found Love" by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris or "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z.
Secondly, ask the bride about the timing of her entrance. The music should build up to the moment she enters the room, with the climax of the song coinciding with her arrival. Discuss any specific cues she wants you to follow, such as adjusting the tempo or adding a cadence to match her pace. Remember, you need to keep pace with her, not the other way around!
Thirdly, find out if there are any special requests or instructions. For instance, will there be a choreographed dance that requires specific timing or cues from the music? Will there be other performers or a wedding DJ that you need to coordinate with? Understanding the bigger picture will help you create a seamless and cohesive performance.
Additionally, don't be afraid to ask about the instrument you'll be using. If it's an organ, make sure to try it out beforehand to familiarise yourself with its quirks and volume. Check if all the stops are in tune, and be aware of any dodgy pedals or long reverb in the venue that may impact your performance. Having this knowledge in advance will help you feel more confident and prepared.
Lastly, offer to play a sample of the song for the bride, so she can get a feel for how it will sound on her special day. This will also give her an opportunity to provide any final feedback or adjustments she may want. Remember to be flexible and accommodating throughout the entire process, as it's ultimately about creating a magical experience for the bride and making her vision come to life.
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Frequently asked questions
Wagner's Bridal Chorus, also known as "Here Comes the Bride", is often played when the bride walks up the aisle. Mendelssohn's Wedding March is usually played as the recessional, after the couple is married. The Prince of Denmark's March, which is in D major, can be played instead of Wagner's, which is in Bb.
The transition between the two songs is usually choreographed during the rehearsal.
It is recommended to not transpose or spice up the songs as they are iconic in their original keys.
Remember, you are not the centrepiece of attention—the newlyweds-to-be are. Be able to alter the tempo of the piece and bring the climax in the music as close to the moment the bride enters as possible.
Make sure you try out the actual instrument before the wedding to account for any quirks and practice the transition between the end of the processional and the first hymn.
