Towards Passive Haptic Learning of piano songs

Abstract

Passive Haptic Learning (PHL) enables users to acquire motor skills by receiving tactile stimulation while no perceived attention is given to learning. Initial work used gloves with embedded vibration motors to passively teach users how to play simple, one-handed, one-note-at-a-time piano melodies. In an effort to create a practical system for learning full piano pieces, we have developed a method of passively teaching two-handed chorded skills, initially focusing on Braille typing. Here, we extend this effort to piano and show that passive stimulation is more effective at teaching piano pieces when presented on both hands simultaneously as opposed to training the left hand and then the right, as is common in many active teaching methods. We also demonstrate that accompanying audio is not needed for passive learning of piano melodies, which allows mobile PHL gloves to be used in more everyday situations.