Why do pianists sway

And not just technically. Audiences expect the expressions as part of the communication coming from a performer and may even disconnect emotionally if a soloist shows none of the intensity that these facial expressions suggest. But a lot of musicians do it as a side effect of intense concentration. Some people put these faces on for show. Some people myself included unconsciously make odd facial twitches when playing anything challenging or unfamiliar, or just naturally as we play.

Personally I know my mouth twitches when I'm playing something complicated that I don't have committed to muscle memory, but when I know something off by heart even if it's complicated my face is completely relaxed. On a side note, one of my favourite examples of someone with an extreme "guitar face" is Paul Gilbert. I can never tell if he's hamming it up or if he just naturally lets his face contort like that. Probably a mix of both to be honest but either way it's rather entertaining.

But also the flutists and clarinetists, aswell cellists, pianists sometimes are exaggerating, also singers classical and pop. It was looking so ridiculous and penibel to me that I preferred not showing a video to my school classes but only the audio version. I told the women sonsters and the children choirs to show emotion when singing, having contact to the public, keeping smiling.

So finally I can identify with the artists, especially the soloists and feel empathy with their expressions. I prefer a cautious expression of feelings articulating and underlining the dynamics of the music, relating to the necessary body movement to perform a piece with a natural contact, communication and interaction with the audience.

This is an inherent part of performance! Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Why do some musicians make such weird faces when they play?

Asked 2 years, 8 months ago. That means you may be jealous of Julie- your long-fingered friend , or feel superior to Martha because she has stubby, chubby fingers.

No guarantee you can play your magical compositions the next day though. When the piano is your religion, you become the missionaries of pianos. That means that every friend is a candidate to recruit to the pianist club. Do you have time to learn about pianos?

So readers, what do you think? Do you do these weird things too? Did we miss any weird habits? Let us know in the comments below! Whenever I listen to jazz music, especially the piano instrumental ones, I imagine the chords in my head.

And I invent new chords in my head to improve the composition. Let a friend borrow a book and it came back mangled; I was furious. Great list!! I personally am very guilty of the watching movies one, those actors are never playing what it shows on the screen!

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Joined: Oct Mount Vernon, Georgia Seems like an affectation to me. All the weaving about of body and head and distracting motions don't do anything for me. My teachers advocated repose and minimal body movements except where necessary for performing.

Some like the body motions and others don't. I see no need for it. Joined: Jul Nashville, TN. I had some young people tell me the reason they listen to hip hop and rap music is because they like the beat because they can move their head to the rhythm.

It certianly isn't for the melody, because some or most of that style of music doesn't have a melody. Music and head movement go together like peanut butter and jelly. BTW - if your chicken is giving you that many problems, eat it. Ocala, Florida. Last edited by M. Nancy Fanzlaw Seamstress for the Band www. Moderated by Ken Knapp , Piano World.

Print Thread Show Likes. Piano Concerts, Recitals, Competitions The Polling Booth Legal Issues. What's Hot!! Our Fall Free Newsletter is Out , see it here! Slurred staccatos in this Beethoven piece? Modern U where is the sample folder located? Is this music by handel available to buy in a book? Download Sheet Music.

Most Online 15, Mar 21st, Please Support Our Advertisers. Powered by UBB. Find a Professional. Who's Online Now. Previous Thread. Next Thread. Print Thread. Liszt is my favourite composer :P. Copy Link to Clipboard. Share Post on Facebook. Share Post on Twitter. Share Post on Reddit. Piano accessories and music gift items, digital piano dolly, music theme party goods, and more! Rickster Yikes! Originally Posted by Veganpilot My stupid music teacher said I have some slight movement but I don't!

As far as why someone moves their head when they play the piano, have you ever watched Ray Charles play? When you feel the music you are playing it prompts you to move with the feel or the flow of the rhythm. On the other hand, if you wish to remain still and stationary while you are playing the piano, there is nothing wrong with that either.

As for me, I prefer to move both my head and my body when I play it just feels good for some reason. Rick Piano enthusiast and amateur musician: "Treat others the way you would like to be treated". Hailun I think some people are having an orgasm! Originally Posted by MrMagic I think some people are having an orgasm! I should have thought of this one! VA Steve Cohen Yikes! Steve Cohen Yikes! Originally Posted by Veganpilot Oh, and my chicken keeps on attacking me when I play piano.

Your chicken lives inside? Maybe she would like you to play something different Show Likes. Our Most Popular Forums. Piano Forum. FAQ - Piano Forum. Piano Tuner-Technicians Forum. Adult Beginners Forum. Themed Recital Sub-Forum.