The Music Education and Creativity Research Group (IEMC) attached to this Institute has completed the PLECTRUS research project “Design and validation of an educational solution for the training and evaluation of instrumental intonation using advanced online software.” The result has been a computer program that evaluates the tuning of different musical instruments in real time. This project has been funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation (PID2019-105762GB-I00) through aid from the State Research Agency as part of the “General Promotion of Knowledge” research program within the National Research Plan.
Intonation is a very important element in instrumental training, even more so in instruments such as brass wind instruments (horn, trumpet, trombone) and fretless string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass) where there are no fixed sound references, such as They could be the frets of a guitar. Furthermore, intonation is a complex skill that involves perceptual and productive aspects and the coordination of both. The objective of the research carried out has been the design and implementation of software for real-time training and evaluation of intonation in the aforementioned instruments. To do this, a research methodology based on design sciences has been followed using a variety of methods to extract data.
Plectrus is aimed at students in the initial stage of instrumental learning. To use it, you only need to create an account and a password. There are no special needs to use the program, just having a computer. It allows you to practice with exercises pre-designed by instrument teachers or create new exercises. The evaluation is saved on the server and students can access it whenever they see fit.
