LO,HAO-CHANG
Department of Digital Content and Technology, National Taichung University of Education Professor
E-mail:simonlo@mail.ntcu.edu.tw
LIU,YU-JOU
Department of Digital Content and Technology, National Taichung University of Education Master student
E-mail:NIT104112@gm.ntcu.edu.tw
Abstract
This study investigates whether mobile applications, or apps, can assist elementary school students specialized in music in improving their pitch and rhythm while practicing orchestral pieces on their own.
This study first tests and compares 9 singing apps on the market that can visualize melodies, and “Joy Party” is chosen as the most ideal one based on 9 criteria. The app is then used to design practice routines targeting 12 elementary students studying the viola (three students) and the cello (nine students) over a course of 12 weeks. During the course, the routine and teaching content is constantly reflected on and adjusted. After the course ends, data are collected from students’ scores at pitch recognition tests and semester exams for quantitative analyses, while qualitative analyses are conducted through interviews with both students and instructors. The results are then used to explore how elementary students improve their willingness and effectiveness in practicing instruments.
Keywords :adaptive practice app, self-directed learning, the strategy of instrumental practice, deliberate practice