The orchestra Q&A
The backing tracks
These tracks have been created by professional musicians who know how the orchestra works and how to create realistic high quality orchestral sound.
Why can't I play with a real orchestra?
It depends how much money you have! You would need to hire a suitable venue, hire the orchestra, the piano and conductor and pay for both the rehearsal time and the concert performance time. That's hardly practical, especially if your piece is only 3 minutes long!
This is a much better solution because not only do you have your own orchestra in your practice room at home, but you can rehearse with it as much as you want. You can play to friends and family, and if you go wrong you can simply have another go and nobody knows!
What is more, it's fun, makes practice more engaging and teaches you to listen. Practice doesn't need to be boring anymore!
How will I know where I am and when to come in?
You will get to know the music by listening to the complete version with piano. Most of the versions have several bars of orchestral introduction before the piano comes in. This is to set the scene and create the appropriate musical mood and character of the piece.
When you practice with the backing track there are musical clues and sounds to help you keep playing in time. You will need to get to know what these are and where they are in relation to your piano part. The best way to do this is by ear. Get used to the individual orchestral sounds and, if you wish, write any useful cues into your piano copy.
It is important that you understand that this is a learning process which will take time to get used to. However, if this is a first time for you, then the next piece you learn in this way will be easier.
Can I only practice the piece from beginning to end?
No. The practice pack materials provide tracked videos with the music, and audio files for you to practice different sections. Like any proper practice, you should concentrate on the bits which need work. Work on it in smaller sections and not simply play through.
Can I use a digital piano?
You can use any piano! It does not have to be a concert grand. However, it is important to bear in mind that your piano will need to be in tune. If it is an old instrument and/or one which has not been tuned for a long time, it may well not work, since the pitch could be flat and it may sound as if you are playing in the wrong key!
Do I have to play loudly?
You should play loudly and quietly and at all levels inbetween! You should set the volume of playback at a realistic level so that the orchestral track can be heard above the piano, but also that the piano can be heard and integrate with the sound and texture of the orchestra. You may well need to exaggerate the dynamic levels in your own playing. It is important that you get used to doing this so that your solo part can be effectively heard in performance.
For public performance or at school concerts, make sure you rehearse in the space and that the quality of the speakers is good enough. There is little point in practising with headphones, unless both your piano sound (assuming it is digital) and that of the backing track can be heard through the headphones.