How to Adjust Keyboards Levels While Playing

Volume is a big challenge for the keyboard player. As a backup musician in a sea of sound, he has to figure out how to stay audible without overpowering other musicians. Changing volume while playing can be frustrating, and if you don't have a plan, you may not be able to do the necessary multi-tasking. Here are some ways to handle the volume situation when you're up on stage.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Mark your dials. If you're not familiar with the instrument, use red tape or other clues to mark controls you'll be using during a gig. You need to be able to access volume controls in a short period of time.

2. Plan to adjust volume in periods where you're hardly playing at all. Look at the musical landscape of a song and determine when you're best able to mess around with volume.

3. Use beat rests to access volume. If you do need to adjust while playing a continuous support groove, try an adept rest, omitting one beat on your keys to quickly change the volume and continue playing. Depending on the tempo of the song, you may be able to make it work.

4. Change in small increments. When it comes to sound mixing during an actual song performance, less is better than more. If you need to, you can amp up your sound in a series of increments until you get it where you want it.

5. Anticipate sound changes in the song. A dynamic song may have louder and softer sections. Don't think you have to constantly adjust the volume. Work out changes with other musicians in practice.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to include your band members when possible. If you just need a little volume boost. Beware of turning yourself up noticeably without warning. Impromptu volume changing can lead to a volume war as any and all players turn themselves up, negating the effect of any one volume change.