FAQs: Pianovers Meetup Mini-Recital New Format

What is the Pianovers Meetup Mini-Recital New Format about?

Through our weekly meetups at Urban Park @ URA Centre, known as Pianovers Meetup, we have provided a platform for ordinary piano lovers, known as Pianovers, who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to know like-minded piano enthusiasts, share their knowledge and experiences, build their own performing profiles, and showcase their talents. This outdoor event also doubles as an activity hub where people connect and bond and reinforce their relationship with one another.

Closely followed by 10,000 piano lovers on our Facebook Page, we have conducted 148 Pianovers Meetup to date, showcased a total of 3,355 public performances, comprising 1,940 unique pieces played by 516 Pianovers, and clocking a whopping total performance time of 478,374 seconds.

Pianovers Meetup has seen what the piano can achieve as a solo instrument. Now, it is time to explore the versatility of the piano with additional instruments, and Pianovers Meetup will take on a new format with the addition of Ensemble Performances. Pianovers can invite their fellow music-loving friends to perform as vocalists, violinists, or be part of an ensemble or band, together with Pianovers.

What is an Ensemble Performance in Pianovers Meetup Mini-Recital New Format?

An Ensemble Performance in Pianovers Meetup New Format comprises (i) the piano, AND (ii) other instruments, including vocals.

While we explore the versatility of the piano with additional instruments, the piano must be included in each ensemble performance.

Piano Duet and Piano Duo are not considered as ensemble performances, since only the pianos are used.

Can I still perform piano solo?

Yes, absolutely!

Pianovers Meetup has its roots in piano solo performances, and will continue to retain this identity. In fact, we will still strongly support piano solo performances, while we explore the versatility of the piano with additional instruments.

The number of such ensemble performances will be capped in each Pianovers Meetup.

How many ensemble performances are allowed in a Pianovers Meetup?

Pianovers Meetup has seen showcasing live piano solo performances by pianists and piano lovers, since Meetup #1 through #100, and thus has its roots in piano solo performances, and will continue to retain this identity.

While we explore the versatility of the piano with additional instruments, the number of such ensemble performances will be capped in each Pianovers Meetup as follows:

  1. The total number of ensemble performances must not exceed four. We will continue to review this cap limit every four Meetups to keep the number of piano solo performances healthy.
     
  2. There can only be a maximum of one ensemble performance involving a vocalist. This counts towards the maximum of ensemble performances.
     

Note: The ensemble performance must include the use of the piano.

Also, the registration of the ensemble performance is on a first-come-first-serve basis. For example, if an ensemble performance involving a vocalist has already been registered in the queue, then any other such performance registered after it, will not be included in the Mini-Recital, because the maximum of such performance is currently capped at one.

How big can an ensemble performance be?

While we encourage Pianovers to invite their fellow music-loving friends to perform as vocalists, violinists, or be part of an ensemble or band, together with Pianovers; we are mindful of the (i) venue constraints and (ii) technical constraints we have. 

We will keep this number open currently, and continue to review it every Pianovers Meetup.

Thus, a possible ensemble performance can comprise the pianist, drummer, violinists, and flutists.

Note: The ensemble performance must include the use of the piano.

Can an ensemble performance exclude the piano?

Pianovers Meetup has its roots in piano solo performances, and will continue to retain this identity. While we explore the versatility of the piano with additional instruments, the piano must be included in each ensemble performance.

How will an ensemble performance be recorded?

Piano solo performances from Meetup #1 through #100 have been recorded with (i) a video camera directed at the pianist playing, and (ii) a separate microphone placed behind the piano. Post processing includes synchronising the video and the external audio source from the microphone to deliver the optimal recording within our best efforts.

One of the most ideal setups is to record each instrument separately in its own track, and later mix these individual tracks appropriately with the video to deliver the final recording. 

However, as Pianovers Meetup is a free platform, we are currently limited by resources.

An ensemble performance at Pianovers Meetup will be recorded with (i) a video camera directed at the whole ensemble playing, (ii) a separate microphone placed behind the piano, and (iii) a separate microphone placed in front of the ensemble. 

The piano has its own separate microphone, because most of its sound comes from the back of the instrument. The piano, however, can have its top lid open to allow more sound to come through this channel.

Because there is only one microphone placed in front of the ensemble to capture the entire sound output from all involved instruments, the players might have to (i) adjust the volume of their instruments if possible (e.g. electric guitar), and/or (ii) adjust their distance to the microphone. 

What equipment will be provided for an ensemble performance?

An ensemble performance at Pianovers Meetup will be recorded with (i) a video camera directed at the whole ensemble playing, (ii) a separate microphone placed behind the piano, and (iii) a separate microphone placed in front of the ensemble.

No other microphones and external speakers will be provided. If your instrument requires the use of external speakers, you have to bring your own set of such speakers. 

Two electric socket points will be provided. If your instrument and/or equipment the use of electricity, they can be plugged into these points. Bring your own multi-plug or converter, if necessary.

Can I perform with a backing track?

Pianovers Meetup has seen showcasing live piano solo performances by pianists and piano lovers, since Meetup #1 through #100. 

In the new format, from Meetup #101 onwards, Pianovers can invite their fellow music-loving friends to perform as vocalists, violinists, or be part of an ensemble or band, together with Pianovers.

However, all performances, no matter piano solo or ensemble, must be "live" and no backing track(s) must be used.