Learning Piano in the Metaverse

Last month I presented a seminar at The Music and Drama Education Expo in London with Ben Sellers and Sophie Amstell.

The seminar:

Background: Last year, I took part in some research conducted by The Royal College Of Music in collaboration with music hubs around the UK. The research focused on the effects of using augmented reality in piano tuition. At the Expo, we discussed our findings and presented the technology:

The response at the expo was very engaging. We presented to a room consisting of mostly piano tutors with many asking some really important questions. The topics discussed were around the existential (is a tutor needed?), learning trajectory (progress and sensory/memory learning) and the infamous obstacle for every musician: sightreading.

From taking part in the research as a tutor, my main takeaway is that the technology can provide great benefits and inspiration for absolute beginner pianists with or without a tutor. The visuals are incredible, the user has the option to place themselves in a virtual concert hall on a grand piano. The cascade of colours on the grid seem inspired by the much loved guitar hero franchise. There is also a useful gamification aspect too; the user can connect the headset to their keyboard via usb, allowing the app to track the correct notes you hit, giving you a total score at the end.

That said, as a pianist progresses to more challenging pieces, the addition of a piano tutor using more formal methods is paramount. Aspects such as technique and dynamics aren't currently covered by the technology, and can only really be guided by a tutor. However, that's not to say in years to come the technology can't provide this aspect of piano tuition.

Watch this space!