Individual differences between the practising behaviours of six pianists: A challenge to Perceptual Learning Style theory

Abstract

Perceptual Learning Style theory (PLS) claims that the presentation of information in either a visual, auditory or kinaesthetic format will improve the learning of selected individuals due to the dominance of one or more modality in their information gathering. The modality dominance of six Western classical pianists in higher music education was explored through observing their practising in four different situations totalling 80 minutes, and conducting interviews with them in a stimulated-recall protocol after each observation. The observation and interview data were analysed to 1) identify patterns in individuals’ approaches to learning new musical material from scores, to 2) identify differences between the individuals, and to 3) relate these differences to the predictions of PLS. Thirteen behavioural categories were identified that differentiated the pianists, but these could not be convincingly linked to PLS. The findings of the study question the applicability of the theory to musical practising.