Keyboard players are harder to capture than drummers. Because you often have to shoot from a lower standpoint, you don't see the keyboard or the fingers. The instrument itself is not very pretty, especially not with all the cables hanging out the back. A higher standpoint is an option, but then you should step back as far as possible and use the biggest lens you have. That way you diminish the angle of inclination, and you can get a shot of the hands and keyboard. If you shoot from above you will see the hands in all situations, lifted from the keyboard or on the keyboard. When you shoot from a side you shoot when the hand is lifted.
You can get the best shots from a little above and to one side of the keyboard. Above will give you the hands and keyboard, while the side will give you a nice profile of the player. Wait until the player moves his hands on the keyboard in your direction. Not only will you get a good shot of the hands, but also, and more important, his head will follow his hands and move in your direction as well.
The best moment to shoot is when the player lifts up his hands and is about to hit the keys again. That's the moment to press the button, as you will get a clear shot of the hands sticking over the side of the instrument. Especially with piano players, keep looking for that one moment when they stand up, wave, or show their hands in another way. Look for small things like a smile or a wink at another musician on stage; or a nice expression when the player hits a high note or looks at the skull that's a prop on stage; or when he climbs on the piano, the moment everybody has been waiting for.
When there is a stage with a catwalk, always try to get behind the piano. This will not only give the impression that you were on stage, but also you will get a follow spot (human-controlled spotlight) on your subject rather than the stage light. If there is enough smoke or fine dust in the air, these spots will give you beautiful light beams. In this photo of Lionel Richie, these elements came together and produced the ultimate attractive shot.
On the right page is a photo of a special concert: Sly Stone during one of his few public appearances of the last two decades. Here as well, I searched for a standpoint where I could capture his hands. I stood far back with a 200 mm lens.
Burt Bacharach is more a hero and a legend than a spectacular performer. I felt honored to have the opportunity to make this picture of the 81-year-old composer in action. Please note that the hands are lifted from the keyboard!
The shape and sound of the saxophone make it a beautiful instrument. If a jewel like this is held in the hands of a beautiful woman like Candy Dulfer, one of the greatest sax players around, you are guaranteed a wonderful shot.
You don't need brass instruments to make a great picture. Here Donald Fagen's harmonica makes the shot quite special, even when he starts singing with it resting on shoulder.