Effect of musical pieces on recall of reference tones in a pitch acquisition feedback system based on the number of errors

抄録

Perception pitch is divided into absolute pitch and relative pitch. While absolute pitch is difficult to acquire, relative pitch is widely regarded as something anyone can acquire with training. Therefore, if the user could memorize the reference tone and distinguish other pitches using the ability of relative pitch, the user might be able to acquire something close to the ability of absolute pitch. We constructed a training system to realize this idea of pitch discrimination, and music pieces were used in this study to impress the user with reference tones. By linking the reference tones with the first note of the pieces of music, the user can naturally recall the reference tones. Furthermore, the training system had a feedback function to reflect the user’s error regarding the number of questions per music pitch. A comparing experiment was conducted to show the fundamental effects of using music pieces to memorize the reference tones with conditions with or without listening to music pieces before the experiment. Eleven students participated in the experiment. The experimental results showed that associating a reference pitch with music positively affected accuracy rates, and subjectively, users found it easier to distinguish pitch.