How Attention Affects Piano Performance
Author Information
Author(s): Higuchi Marcia K. Kodama, Fornari José, Del Ben Cristina M., Graeff Frederico G., Leite João Pereira
Primary Institution: University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine at Ribeirao Preto
Hypothesis
The study aims to verify the influence of cognitive and affective attention in piano performances.
Conclusion
Attention to emotional aspects enhances expressiveness but constrains cognitive and motor skills in piano execution.
Supporting Evidence
- Affective performances showed more legato and dynamic variation compared to cognitive performances.
- Volunteers reported that focusing on emotion inhibited cognitive aspects of their playing.
- More pitch errors were made during affective performances than cognitive ones.
- Less articulation was observed in affective performances, suggesting more expressiveness.
- Significant differences in intensity and pulse clarity were found between performance types.
Takeaway
When pianists focus on feelings while playing, they sound more expressive but make more mistakes. When they focus on the notes, they play more accurately but sound less emotional.
Methodology
Nine pianists played the same piece focusing on either cognitive or affective aspects, and their performances were analyzed using computational models for musical features.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from the subjective nature of the pianists' comments and the presence of the researcher during performances.
Limitations
The study's reliance on subjective comments from pianists may introduce bias, and the use of a four-hands repertoire may have influenced results.
Participant Demographics
Pianists aged 20 to 36, with varying levels of expertise in music.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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