[Harp-L] Audience reaction (was: relative major/Last Dance With Mary Jane)

[The Iceman]

I see an 80/20 rule in regards to keeping the audience engaged....


As they listen along, they internally predict what comes next subconsciously. If they are correct 80% of the time, it reinforces their engagement. However, they need to also be surprised 20% of the time or else they get bored eventually and turn off. If they are surprised more than 20% of the time, they lose that thread attachment to the music and get turned off also.


So, keep them engaged, but inject a surprise or two to keep them engaged.



-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Lehmann <gnarlyheman at xxxxx>
To: harp-l <harp-l at xxxxx>
Sent: Mon, Oct 16, 2017 1:45 pm
Subject: [Harp-L] Audience reaction (was: relative major/Last Dance With Mary Jane)

I deliver a relatively convincing Heart of Gold--people seem to enjoy
hearing the familiar patterns, but I stray from a slavish recreation by
following my ear.
It's polite to give the listener something to grab on to.
But not mandatory--play the room.