Influence of Playing Musical Instruments on Geometrical Face Changes: 3D Evaluation Study

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Acoustics
• Music Performance Science

Background:

• Facial movements are integral to wind instrument performance.
• Quantifying these dynamic facial changes is crucial for understanding performance mechanics and potential interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively analyze changes in facial geometry during wind instrument playing.
• To identify stable and dynamic facial regions during musical performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D and 4D scanning technologies to capture facial geometry data.
• Recorded data from nine musicians playing high and low notes, and three musicians playing a melody.
• Employed 3D analysis software for data superimposition and deviation mapping.

Main Results:

• Significant variations in facial geometry were observed between high and low notes (median deviation 1.1 mm).
• The frontal facial region and dorsal nose remained relatively stable during performance.
• Color maps effectively visualized facial geometry deviations.

Conclusions:

• Wind instrument playing induces quantifiable alterations in facial structure.
• Specific facial areas demonstrate consistent stability during performance.
• This methodology offers valuable insights for evaluating facial dynamics in musicians.