Adaptive Visualisations Using Spatiotemporal and Heuristic Models to Support Piano Learning

Learning the piano is hard and many approaches including piano-roll visualisations have been explored in order to support novices and seasoned learners in this process. However, existing piano roll prototypes have not considered the spatiotemporal component (user’s ability to press on a moving target) when generating these visualisations and user modelling. In this PhD, we are going to look into two different approaches: (i) exploring whether existing techniques in single-target spatiotemporal modelling can be adapted to a multi-target scenario such as when learners use several fingers to press multiple moving targets when playing the piano, and (ii) exploring heuristics defined by experts marking various difficult parts of songs, and deciding on specific interventions needed for these marked parts. Using models and input from the experts we will design and build an adaptive piano roll training system. We will evaluate and compare these models in various user studies involving users trying to play piano pieces and develop their improvisation skills. We intend to uncover whether these adaptive visualisations will be helpful in the overall training of piano learners. Additionally, these models and adaptive visualisations will allow us to discover affordances that can potentially improve piano learning in general.