Musical mystery: Researchers examine science behind performer movements
The findings are important because a clearer appreciation of how musicians silently work together -- across tempo changes, phrasing and musical dynamics -- will improve our understanding of nonverbal communication. That could lead to better techniques to reach those with conditions such as autism or dementia, say researchers. Using sophisticated technology, which included infrared markers, motion capture sensors and mathematical modelling, scientists examined the movements of musicians from two professional string quartets. They found they could predict from the body sway of one musician, what another would do next. While some assumed the role as leaders, and others followers, researchers found the leaders were far more influential in the ensemble . They also found the degree of body sway communication among the musicians was connected to their perceptions of how well they performed together. "Although we are often not consciously aware of it, non-verbal communications b...