Do you tap your foot when you play?

I started doing it for scales to reinforce various rhythms, then tried it on repertoire pieces as a substitute for the metronome. At first it was hard to keep the tap in sync with difficult rhythms, especially anything syncopated, but now I do it semi-consciously most of the time.

I think it helps with memory as well as rhythm, but I'm not sure why. In any case I seem to make fewer mistakes when I tap.

I'm right handed (and footed) so I tap with the left foot and pedal with the right.

Do other people tap? Is it a good/bad habit? What do you think?

I tap. I do it subconsciously, alternating feet as I get tired. Actually, the whole body tends to move.

I don't know if it's good or not, but there are drawbacks.

1. it makes recording painful unless your floor is rock solid
2. If you play in someone's house, and it's poorly built, the whole floor shakes ...

It has become a serious consideration when looking for a house. Can the floor stay put when you stomp?

My teacher thinks I ought to count out loud, but I can't seem to master playing and counting at the same time. I played clarinet for years, and always tapped my foot for counting (inside my shoe so it was not obvious). There is no counting out loud when you play a wind instrument! So when I need some rhythm work, I do tap my foot. But it is my right foot, so I can't pedal at the same time. Oh, well. I don't think my brain would handle that combination well at all.

Foot tapping wouldn't be possible with a few of the Einaudi pieces that I've learned to play since a few utilize the una corda pedal so both feet are kept busy.

I'd rather not get into foot tapping anyways.

It's easy to tap to the "Boogie-Woogie".

Take care,

Rick

One of my piano teachers used to tell me to tap my foot to keep time as I played.

It's an interesting topic this....

My Piano teacher,back when i was having lessons,told me not to tap my foot when i played the piano.Whilst learning a piece i had to count out loud and once i'd learnt it i had to play it and stay in tempo ,without tapping......

When i was learning guitar i was taught to tap my foot whilst i played from my very first lesson.

Guitar is normally practised at steady tempo, sometimes slowly, but almost always in good rhythm.

Beginning pianists do not make that effort nor do their teachers insist on it.

I have the same experience as treble clef regarding the guitar. I was also encouraged to use a metronome. I don't like tapping my foot while playing the piano, so lately I have started to use the built in metronome in my digital piano to get a sense of the rythm. I find this more reliable than counting in my head. After a while the rythm of the piece is internalized and comes naturally without tapping or using the metronome.

My goal is to to develop a natural sense of rythm so it will come naturally without any aid. I know some musicians strongly advice working on this and they often recommend the use of a metronome. Especially guitarists. In my view if you find a method that helps you - go for it.