A Method of Displaying a Model Performance to Motivate Elderly Novice People to Play the Keyboard Instrument

Abstract

We expect that even elderly people who are novice players will be willing to play a keyboard instrument if there are appropriate supports for them. We conducted experiments in which participants played a keyboard while watching a model performance video without a sheet music. Then, we got some requirements of a practice method to be lower threshold for elderly novice people. In response to the requirements, we presented a practice method in which a user plays the keyboard while setting his or her hands on hands of a CG (Computer Graphics) model performance using a half-mirror. This practice method allows even elderly novice people to easily hit the correct keys if the model performance is represented. Then, the elderly novice people might have some room to reflect on their performance independently. The ease of representing correct notes with the proper fingering and having the room to reflect on their performance can provide elderly novice people the motivation to play the keyboard. As a result, they can experience of accomplishment by continuously playing the keyboard.