Research by Bob Marsdon, 2021

Main subject: Classical Piano

Research supervisor: Anna Scott

Main subject teacher: Slava Poprugin

Abstract

This research examines multiple facets of quality practice and subsequently explores ways to use the literature available to design an online platform that helps a musician to structure and improve their practice sessions. The goal is to let a platform guide and optimise the more tedious parts of practice to free up more time and headspace for artistic thinking. I will guide you through the design process of this platform and share my personal experiences with the app and development of my practice through this research.

I have broken down the information on quality practice into three chapters, in which the first is related to a more abstract layer of necessary attributes for learning, the second is more about the actual organisation of study sessions, and the third goes more deeply into what happens (or could happen) when actually practicing. For me, these three categories seemed to turn out equally useful to reflect on and improve.

In the designed platform some of the information found is more explicitly visible than others. The biggest challenge was fitting this into the platform, while still making it dynamic enough to allow different types of musicians to use it in their own preferred way. Ultimately, I think that the platform is a great tool for those seriously committed to successful study.

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