The sniffing is a problem for many string players, unlike wind players
and singers we are never taught to breathe and many players hold their
breath at moments of greatest concentration or emotional intensity.  I
was lucky being for a while married to an actress who was appalled by
my breathing and helped me learn to breathe normally whilst playing.

As for noises; many conductors and pianists go in for a lot of grunting
and 'singing'.  Perhaps it is the frustration of not being able to create
a true legato (pianists) or any sound at all (conductors).

Paul Silverthorne
Principal Viola - London Symphony Orchestra
Principal Viola - London Sinfonietta
Professor of Viola - Royal Academy of Music - London

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