In the classical arena, visible body movements like swaying, nodding, or tapping are strongly discouraged. When it comes to folk, jazz, or traditional music, opinions vary.
Foot Tapping During Recording Sessions and Performances
Some musicians purposefully develop the ability to play an instrument and tap to the beat. There are times when percussive tapping is just the thing to liven up an acoustic tune. And there are times when tapping inhibits rather than enhances the music.
Microphones in recording studios, for example, pick up minute sounds in the room. Musicians unable to play without unconsciously tapping are in for long and frustrating recording sessions.
While performing, some wooden stages are notorious for carrying foot noise straight to the mikes. Also, watching a band with several tappers out of sync can cause audiences to forget the music altogether.
Jam Session Etiquette for Quebecois Podorythmie and Clogging
At jam sessions, it’s important to remember players are participating in a shared experience and should be considerate to the wishes of others. Loud foot tapping, no matter how well done, may be distracting.
Many jam sessions have a resident stamper. This is the player who means no ill will, but simply enjoys throwing his whole weight into the tune. Even if the stamper is dead on the beat, the noise can be frustrating to other players.
Off-beat tapping presents a common problem. Unfortunately, the knack of tapping while playing doesn’t turn musicians into human metronomes. Tapping is only an outward expression of a person’s perception of tempo. Everyone, and especially beginning musicians are prone to unconsciously speeding up or slowing down.
No one appreciates the musician who appoints himself keeper of the groups tempo by loudly stomping a foot to take over the rhythm. If a bass player or percussionist is present, keeping time is best left to them. If not, the guitars usually take up the responsibility. Other musicians may tap along to follow the beat, but not to highjack it.
Musicians may be excited about introducing a style of tapping such as Quebecois podorythmie or clogging at their local jam. They may even have acquired special shoes and a board for the job. As with any type of percussion at an acoustic session, it’s always a good idea to ask permission first. If tapping seems appreciated, musicians should throw it in for a set or two but avoid wearing out their welcome by adding percussion the entire night.
Foot Tapping Alternatives for Jams, Recording Sessions, and Performances
If a musician finds himself in a situation where foot tapping is unwelcome, there are alternatives. Most times, tapping a toe inside the shoe allows a player to feel the rhythm and avoid disturbing others. Other musicians plant the ball of their foot and bounce their heel without allowing it to touch the floor.
Music intended for dance has a driving pulse encouraging performers and listeners to move to the beat. The point of developing an ability to tap while playing is to get used to feeling the rhythm with the entire body and occasionally add some extra percussion to a tune. In situations where movement interferes with the music, players should be prepared to deliver a tune equally well by feeling the rhythm inwardly or expressing it in an unobtrusive way.
Readers can find related articles covering:
- Simple techniques to start foot tapping while playing an instrument,
- Tips for finding a tune’s downbeat and rhythm,
- And an introduction to Quebecois Podorythmie, the percussive foot tapping distinctive to French Canadian music.
Marcy Paulson - From the moment Marcy Paulson picked up a recorder in fourth grade music class, she was hooked. Since then, her passion for music has ...
