Online learning to play the piano: perspectives and achievements / Aprender a tocar el piano en línea: perspectivas y logros

Abstract

High-quality training of future musicians requires systematic improvement of teaching approaches. Hence, the primary goal of this research was to determine the effectiveness of a piano training programme introducing new features and possibilities in the framework of distance learning. With this aim in view, the learning process presupposed the use of the Xiaoyezi AI Piano Tutor online platform for information and knowledge sharing, engagement in daily practice sessions under the Leimer-Gieseking method and development of technical skills through application technique. The findings suggested that strong knowledge is observed among 56% of students after the first semester and among 82% of students upon completion of the second semester. Student’s t-test showed that sufficient (1.03) and poor (1.08) knowledge indicators in the two semesters have almost the same values, because the tabulated number of degrees of freedom (2.571) is higher than the calculated value. The survey revealed that 35% of students improved their cognitive skills; the programme helped 11% of students learn to play other musical instruments. The SWOT analysis determined that the strengths of the online learning process within the developed programme outweigh its weaknesses.