Abstract
Variability of Practice (VOP) refers to the acquisition of a particular target movement by practicing a range of varying targets rather than by focusing on fixed repetitions of the target only. VOP has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on transfer to a novel task and on skill consolidation. This study extends the line of research to musical practice. In a task resembling a barrier-knockdown paradigm, 36 music students trained to perform a wide left-hand interval leap on the piano. Performance at the target distance was tested before and after a 30-min standardized training session. The high-variability group (VAR) practiced four different intervals including the target. Another group (FIX) practiced the target interval only. A third group (SPA) performed spaced practice on the target only, interweaving with periods of not playing. Transfer was tested by introducing an interval novel to either group. After a 24-h period with no further exposure to the instrument, performance was retested. All groups performed at comparable error levels before training, after training, and after the retention (RET) interval. At transfer, however, the FIX group, unlike the other groups, committed significantly more errors than in the target task. After the RET period, the effect was washed out for the FIX group but then was present for VAR. Thus, the results provide only partial support for the VOP hypothesis for the given setting. Additional exploratory observations suggest tentative benefits of VOP regarding execution speed, loudness, and performance confidence. We derive specific hypotheses and specific recommendations regarding sample selection and intervention duration for future investigations. Furthermore, the proposed leap task measurement is shown to be (a) robust enough to serve as a standard framework for studies in the music domain, yet (b) versatile enough to allow for a wide range of designs not previously investigated for music on a standardized basis.
Highlights
Playing music is a complex motor skill orchestrated by sequences of goal-directed movements
EXPLORATORY RESULTS FROM SECONDARY VARIABLES Leap Execution Time (LET, Figure 4A) exhibited the following pattern: PRE-training, LET was similar for the variability group (VAR), fixed learners (FIX), and SPA groups
The goal time for a perfectly timed leap was 187.5 ms, re-confirming that the task was sufficiently challenging to be outside an artificial ceiling range, even after training
Summary
Playing music is a complex motor skill orchestrated by sequences of goal-directed movements. Given the overall difficulty of the skill and the volume of the pool of motor programs to be mastered, the efficiency of practice in the allocated practice time has to be optimized. In this respect, findings from motor learning research may be applicable to facilitate learning of musical instruments. Several concepts and parameters regarding the design of learning schedules have been introduced to research, variability (Schmidt, 1975) and distribution of practice (Adams and Reynolds, 1954). Introducing variability in practice is a key concept as it relates to the idea of generalization of movement patterns. Regarding the potential benefits of variability, two contrasting hypotheses have been proposed:
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
