Well, if we talk about professional pianists of today, especially female, I don't quite agree with that statement that they are not good looking, I would even say the contrary.
Actually, this constatation really stroke me and I got myself thinking deeply about how comes there is such a proportion of attractive concertists.
The first thing I thought is that they are pushed by record companies because of their attractiveness so that other pianists maybe more talented but less attractive are ignored.
But then I listened to those ladies like Hélène Grimaud, Naida Cole, Anna Gourari or my great favourite, Valentina Lisitsa and I came to the conclusion that they are absolutely outstanding performers with great musical sense and breathtaking technique, so my first conspiracy theory about attractive musicians pushed more than others seems totally irrelevant.
So I came to another theory : in our times, it's absolutely obvious that the physical image has taken an importance such bigger than what used to be even a few decades ago. And knowing oneself to be "sexy", "attractive" is really a great boost for confidence. That's why a lot of beautiful women are so successful, not only in arts but in a lot of domains (for example look at athletes like Maria Sharapova).
We all know how confidence makes the difference as far as professional-level piano playing is concerned.
Now for non-professional, maybe the thread-starter's statement is right.
Topic: Sexy Pianists?...