Effects of Planned and Unplanned Ancillary Movements on the Perception of Musical Performance

Although musicians use movements that are required to produce sound, they also demonstrate expressive movements that are unnecessary for sound production—gestures that are often referred to as “ancillary.” The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of planned and unplanned ancillary movements on observers’ perceptions of musical performances. Participants ( N = 142) were adult community musicians who regularly attended concerts. Participants observed a recording of a trumpet duo performing an etude while demonstrating one of three types of movement (planned ancillary movements, unplanned ancillary movements, and a static condition without ancillary movements). Participants provided ratings of technical accuracy, expressivity, performer communication, and enjoyment. There were no significant main effects for ratings of accuracy or expressivity. However, participants rated performer communication and enjoyment differently based on the type of movements displayed. We offer pedagogical recommendations about ways that music educators can encourage students to use ancillary movements.