Use Your Imagination

I noticed an interesting article in Friday’s Yorkshire Post regarding ‘imaginary piano-playing’.

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh studied brain activity in pianists who were watching their duet partner’s hands as they played. As the pianists ‘practised’ their partner’s playing, the most active part of their brains was that which controls automatic simulation of hand movements.

It seems that although pianists generally appear to be just listening to their duet partner – inside their heads, they are accurately replicating his part. This skill enables both players to take turns effectively.