Music notation software as a visual-aural model in self-regulated practice

Violetta Ayderova

Abstract

Managing self-regulated strategies while learning a piece of music is a complex task for undergraduate music students—at various levels of experience playing instruments—studying applied music courses. This study investigates music notation software as a visual-aural model to students’ effective practice. Twenty students of stringed instruments at levels I, II, III, and IV of an applied music course offered by the music faculty of a Malaysian university participated in this quantitative study, which was implemented using a self-report questionnaire. The results reveal that regardless of the student’s level in the applied music course, music notation software has a positive effect on students’ self-regulation practice strategies aimed at improving their shortcomings (including matching intonations and using proper phrasings, rhythmic patterns, and tempo speeds). This study assessed one semester of study at the university. Future research examining the potential benefits of using music notation software in self-regulated practice of stringed instruments and other music instruments (including voice) should have students employ a self-reported diary to keep track of daily achievements and goals. Keywords: Visual-aural Model, Self-Regulated Learning, Music Notation Software

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