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Well, I guess we can't please them all!

Interesting. I'm sure motion sickness and dizziness can be signs of other problems. But no chance of hypochonria with me. I really feel certain that I will be very healthy through old age.

I'm generally the driver when travelling by car and have no problem when I'm driving. And I'm no longer in choir as I used to be...so no longer in front row with the piercing sounds from a soloist. Mischief managed.

A student of mine some years ago said that her dog would moan along when she played Chopin's D flat prelude. It seemed to be an emotional reaction rather than ear pain. However, she thought that he might be objecting to having to hear the piece over and over and over as she practiced for a recital.

One cat liked to lie near me while I played guitar or lute. Various ones have stayed nearby while I practiced piano. One liked to lie across my feet so that it was hard to pedal, which I think was a logical and effective way to make sure I couldn't ignore her.

The most mysterious cat reaction was the one that would climb up and pat at our mouths when my husband or I played the flute. We couldn't figure out if he was curious about it or if he was desperate to have us stop. If he'd simply hated it or it hurt his ears, he could have asked to go out, so it was probably that he was trying to figure out what was going on. He didn't show an interest in any other instruments.

A guinea pig-- that's a new one. Anyway, since the critters aren't running away or hiding under the beds, we must not be bothering them! I hope!

Elene

My dog sleeps near me when I play the piano... but as soon as I start to play Beethoven sonata Op 90... he wakes up and climbs onto my lap. Only that piece! It amuses me every time. I thought perhaps it was the high octaves at the beginning of the 1st movement - but even if I don't play those - he still wants to get on my lap!

Excuse me for dragging back this old thread. But I wanted to give an update.

Today I listened to the DVD of a student recital (my own teacher's studio). Beginners performed and my dog lay quietly (in the same room with me). When it got to intermediate performers he started whining. (I got a kick out of it.)

This showed me that his response is not that he wants attention. I think he objects to dissonance, and forte playing.

I'm grateful that he is quiet when I'm teaching. He seems to know when he can get away with howling.