| Science
serving music
By Abigail Martinez
OTTAWA — When
it came to tickling the ivories, Beethoven
and Mozart never needed too much guidance. But
for the rest of us, learning to play the piano may not
come so naturally. In fact, roughly half of all people
who take up the instrument quit within a few months
of their first lesson. So what can be done to make these
lessons more effective?
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| Gilles Comeau is dedicated
to helping beginners master the piano. |
A new piano pedagogy research laboratory
being built at the University of Ottawa may have the
answer. Through statistical analysis and controlled
observation, researchers are hoping to improve the age-old
art of teaching piano.
The project is being led by Professor
Gilles Comeau, who has been doing research on piano
pedagogy for over twenty years.
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| Technology will play a large
role in the new piano pedagogy research laboratory.
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Set to begin operation in the summer of
2004, the research lab will rely on cutting edge equipment
to accomplish its goals. From intelligent pianos to
broadband connections, the latest forms of technology
will help music teachers see their art through a scientific
lens.
Listen to the documentary: Learning
Piano just got easier
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• acoustic
piano with built-in computer
• records notes played with
great precision
• measure pressure of fingers
on keys
• analyzes what factors have
influence on loudness and rhythm
• prints graphs and statistical
tables |
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1. Hindbrain/midbrain:
• make up the brain stem
• responsible for sensory and motor functions
like eye movements, coordination of visual and
auditory reflexes
2. Cerebellum:
• processes balance and accurate
timing of movements
• involved in learning of motor skills and
particularly important in musical performance
3. Basal Ganglia:
• regulates motor performance
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