Is it bad to tap your foot to keep the beat?

[nickadams]

Is it a bad habit to tap your foot to help you keep the beat?

[keyboardclass]

Not at all esp. in Jazz, pop etc.  Classical - OK when practicing but bad form in performance.

[zezhyrule]

And since it is bad when performing classical music, it's probably best to not tap while practicing either. Wouldn't want to form a nasty habit 

Of course a lot of classical music doesn't really scream 'foot-tapping' to me anyway

[keyboardclass]

It's an invaluable aid to sight-reading so, chance the 'nasty habit'.

[ajspiano]

The only time I would consider this to be a negative is if your playing in some kind of ensemble and its likely to result in you following your own time rather than the conductors.

[j_menz]

I'm much to lazy to expend the extra effort required.

[cagal]

+1

[hfmadopter]

I'm thinking pedals. If you are busy tapping your foot what's working the pedals when you need them ? I was taught to count but not so great at following that instruction, so I just kind of thump the beat in my head rather than deliberate counting.. The risk is I will thump to my mistake. Eventually I work it out though.

[unholeee]

I do this sometimes as it's too hard to count in the head with everything else going on. I just assume its a different variation to swaying at the piano - bit more cumbersome since you need your feet for the pedals, etc.