Comparison of highly trained and less-trained pianists concerning utilization of auditory feedback

Abstract

To investigate the features of proficiency in musical performance, we focused on the role of auditory feedback in piano performance and measured its effects in both highly and less-trained pianist groups. In the first experiments, two groups played well-learned pieces under an auditory-feedback condition (performing with sound) as well as no-auditory-feedback condition (performing without sound). The availability of auditory feedback produced no significant differences. In the second experiment, the effectiveness of auditory feedback in the practice stage was investigated. The results revealed that in the practice stage, the less-trained group was more dependent on auditory feedback for controlling the dynamics and agogics than the highly trained group. These results suggest that some performance aspects improved by auditory feedback shifts based on performer skill levels.