Improving Piano Sight-Reading in Beginners: An Audio-Visual Free App for Self-Practice

Abstract

Conducted on beginner piano students at a state-run institution in the Argentine capital, this research explores to which extent using a mobile application can optimize young learners’ achievement of basic goals in traditional piano music reading and impact on their motivation. During four sessions, data were collected through tests given by a free app: Virtual Piano Trainer. Software values were combined with qualitative analysis consisting of piano sight-reading tests and oral co-assessment questioning. Despite the limited sample (n=8), improvements in efficacy and speed at identifying notes in treble and bass clefs as well as significant evidence of autonomy, motivation and confidence when reading piano music, may raise interest in the use of software tools for instrument teaching and some of the constraints in their specific development in our region.