Chewing gum

[donjuan]

I like to chew gum when I play piano.  It helps me stay calm and focussed on the music.  Do you think the adjudicator would mind if I chewed gum during my performance in music festivals or competitions?
donjuan

[amanfang]

Funny - I like to chew gum when I practice too.  Somehow it keeps me going longer.  But I certainly would NOT chew it in any kind of performance, even just an informal with my friends, much less a competition or festival!!

[Antnee]

It may be a bit distracting to some... I wouldn't take the risk but if if relaxes you a great deal then it's up to you to decide which course of action would be better. Just be sure not to smack loudly or have it fall out of your mouth during a fast passage. That would be embarassing!!

[donjuan]

you know, I just remembered something- In that Great Pianists of the Twentieth century video, in the opening piece (The Prelude to the Transcendental Etudes), the guy who played it was chewing on something, and making these huge mouth movements in all directions. --> you can see it in the reflection of the guy's face in the piano.

well, thanks for the input, I should probably not chew gum--> some will find it annoying, like wearing a hat while playing..But I dont mean anything by it- it just helps me concentrate.
donjuan

[Rach3]

I chew gum occasionally when practicing, usually I can practice longer than I can chew, but that's just me.

[DarkWind]

Its good for keeping rythm, although I prefer mentos.

[maxy]

I was told it was distracting.  I was chewing gum and it was not in tempo with my playing...

[Tash]

wow i've never tried chewing gum whilst playing. however i personally find people who chew gum (esp when they make it really obvious that they're chewing it cos it just looks revolting) really annoying cos half the people to it just chew it cos they think it makes them look cool when it in fact makes them look stupid. i had a friend who was modelling another friend's dress she made for their textiles class and in the fashion parade she was chewing gum and everyone commented on how unproffessional it looked. so if my opinion counts for anything, don't do it

[liezly]

Really?!?  Well, I haven't tried chewing a gum while performing.  I think it's very improper and annoying for the audience.  But, I heard from some performers who have tried it, that it really helps remove your tension in your performance.

Well, I'll give it a try in my next recital.....maybe.

[ahmedito]

In some percussion schools, performers are actually taught to chew gum while playing to learn how to syncronize different rythm. Some of the begginers would chew gum in public to help them out. It really helps!!! I played the Steve Reich sextet (4 percussion, 2 keyboard) and I was having a VERY hard time with the complex rythms, while they were for the most part in their element. They recommended that I started to chew gum (among other drills for developing rythm) and it got better in days.