Why Performers Never Sneeze: (And My Student’s SHOCKING Nose Disaster!)

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Welcome to LivingPianos.com, I’m Robert Estrin. Have you ever noticed how rarely performers sneeze during a performance? Whether it’s a solo piano recital or a lengthy musical piece, sneezes seem almost non-existent. But why is this the case?

The Power of Concentration

One reason might be the intense concentration that performers experience. When musicians are deeply focused on their performance, their awareness of physical sensations, including the urge to sneeze, seems to diminish. This level of focus can be so absorbing that it overrides many of their bodily functions.

A Fascinating Story from the Stage

To illustrate this point, let me share an intriguing anecdote about a former student of mine. While he was still a teenager, he gave a remarkable performance at a recital. In the middle of a particularly demanding Beethoven piece, something unexpected happened—he started to experience some nasal congestion.

As he continued to play, his nose began to run. Despite this discomfort, he had no choice but to continue performing. His dedication was evident as he played on with remarkable skill and composure, even though the long string from his nose had to be devastating for him!

Limits of Control

This experience highlights an interesting fact: even with immense concentration, some bodily responses are beyond our control. Though sneezing is a natural reflex, the ability to control it completely during high-stress situations like performances remains limited.

Have You Ever Seen a Performer Sneeze?

It’s worth asking: Have you ever witnessed a pianist or any instrumentalist sneeze while performing? It’s a rare occurrence, and for wind players, it could be quite problematic. Nonetheless, it underscores the remarkable focus and discipline required of performers.

Thanks for joining me in exploring this unusual aspect of performance. If you enjoyed this insight and want to see more content like this, consider subscribing to the channel. Your support helps bring more interesting and informative videos to a wider audience. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences—have you ever seen a performer sneeze during a recital? Let us know in the comments here at LivingPianos.com and on YouTube! I’m Robert Estrin here at LivingPianos.com, Your Online Piano Store.

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6 thoughts on “Why Performers Never Sneeze: (And My Student’s SHOCKING Nose Disaster!)”


 
 

  1. Very intersting lecture! I have an odd problem with a very runny nose once the weather requires that I keep the windows closed. No medicine helps and I can go through 1/2 a bod of kleenex every day! But it stops running as soon as I sit at the piano! Maybe I should spend the entire winter days at the piano!!

  2. I had a friend who played first in a group piano recital when she was little. She got so intense before ot started that right when she sat down to play–even before the first note–she threw up on the keyboard. Of course, the whole show was cancelled. She quit the piano — never played again.

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