The effect of practice and musical structure on pianists’ eye-hand span and visual monitoring

This study examines short-term improvement of music performances and oculomotor behaviour during four successive executions a brief musical piece composed by Bartók, “Slovak Boys’ Dance”. Pianists (n=22) were allowed to practice for two minutes between each trial. Eye-tracking data collected as well MIDI information from pianists’ performances. Cognitive skills assessed spatial memory test reading span test. Principal component analysis (PCA) enabled us distinguish axes, one associated with anticipation the other dependence/independence on written code. The effect structure, determined emergence different sections in score, was observed all dependent variables selected PCA; we also number fixations, glances at keyboard (GAK) awareness span. Pianist expertise fewer fixations GAK, better capacities more effective strategies visual monitoring motor movements. significant correlations GAK duration highlight challenge working involvement reading.