What is it about?
Skilled pianists can shape a note's timbre - the perceived weight, clarity, and brightness - via nuanced touch. With a high-resolution key-motion sensor, perception tests, and data science, we show that timing and acceleration features consistently change how tones are listened, evidence for motor origins of timbre.
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Photo by Ансплэш Степана on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This study reveals that pianists can shape piano timbre by precise key motions, proving that tone color is rooted in motor control. It opens new avenues for music performance science, showing how human movement creates sound quality and inspiring advances in music education, instrument design, and skill training.
Perspectives
Writing this paper was deeply rewarding because it brought long-held artistic intuition into the realm of science. Many pianists “know” that touch changes timbre, yet rigorous proof was missing. I am thrilled that our team could provide clear evidence together with the generous participation of outstanding pianists. Personally, I have always believed that piano tone is shaped by touch as a pianist myself, and it is gratifying to share quantitative proof that may inspire future music education and research for musicians.
Shinichi Furuya
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Motor origins of timbre in piano performance, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, September 2025, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2425073122.
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