ViVo: Piano Learning Through Visualizing Vocalizations on a Lighted Keyboard

Maya Caren

Image credit: Maya Caren

• Format: poster
• Session: posters-2
• Paper PDF link
• Presence: remote
• Duration: 5
• Type: short

Abstract:

Vocalization and visualization are recognized as two powerful methods for internalizing music that are effective with beginner and skilled musicians alike. Despite the well-researched benefits of each practice, integrated visualization of vocalizations for instrument learning has seen little attention in the music technology community. This paper introduces the design and implementation of ViVo, a piano learning tool that connects the embodied sense of pitch offered by vocalization with the spatial intuition provided by in situ visualization. ViVo offers two modes: a real-time mode that hears live user vocalizations to concurrently illuminate the corresponding piano keys, and a practice mode that visualizes recorded vocalizations for repeated practice. By providing an integrated system to foster and visualize vocalizations, ViVo aims to leverage the noted benefits of both practices to make learning piano more effective, intuitive, and engaging.