Space

One common redundant audio struggle occurs while mixing a vocal take being in the same range as the lead piano part. Aargh! Songwriters/piano players, open up your hands!!! Pianos cover the whole orchestral range, make use of it, don’t clutter and fight yourself. Stay clear of lead vocal range (mid-section of the piano). It’ll help you sing better, with more control, and less fatigue, while your instrument gains girth and breadth.

Dynamics

Although stringed, the piano is an instrument working on percussive principles. Which means it’s too darn easy to pound the poor thing until all turns into mush, fingertips included. When recording, you may have microphones both inches away from the hammer, as well as at the other end of the concert hall. Guess what, if you’re Neanderthalizing the keyboard, distance won’t matter, it’ll still suck!

I’m bringing this up because most aren’t familiar with a ‘real’ piano’s touch, a vast majority of people have to deal with gnarly uprights, or electric keyboards. The later skews the physical relationship of cause and effect regarding natural sounds. If you have an upcoming session involving a baby or Grand piano, I urge you to contact studio and nicely ask if there’s any time where you could weather yourself on it. Get a feel for the beast. Come prepared.

Sense

Tuning. Can’t stress enough the value of this. Imagine a well tuned piano (regardless of its temperament) as a jigsaw puzzle, each key being its own delicate and unique piece, fitting with all others. Screw the tuning, you have a giant paperweight. Long story short.