What are those swoops connecting music notes so that you stop playing?

Those are called ties. They are used to connect two notes that are played legato. This means that the notes are played smoothly without any separation between them. The tie tells the player to hold the first note for the full length of the tie and then play the second note without lifting their finger from the instrument.

Ties can be used to create a variety of musical effects. They can be used to create a sense of legato playing, to emphasize certain notes, or to create a melodic line that flows smoothly from one note to the next.

Here are some examples of how ties can be used:

* In a melody, ties can be used to create a smooth, legato line.

* In a chord, ties can be used to create a fuller sound.

* In a solo, ties can be used to add emphasis to certain notes.

* In a syncopated rhythm, ties can be used to create an interesting and offbeat effect.

Ties are a versatile and useful musical notation. They can be used to create a wide variety of musical effects.