Effect of virtual reality exposure and aural stimuli on eye contact, directional focus, and focus of attention of novice wind band conductors

Abstract

This study examined the effects of virtual reality immersion with audio on eye contact, directional focus and focus of attention for novice wind band conductors. Participants ( N = 34) included a control group ( n = 12) and two virtual reality groups with ( n = 10) and without ( n = 12) head tracking. Participants completed conducting/score study sessions twice a week for four weeks. Individual videotaped conducting sessions of a live ensemble before and after treatment served as pre and posttest measures. No significant ( p > 0.05) changes due to virtual reality immersion were found. Further analyses with a larger dataset ( N = 68) showed those working with audio ( n = 34) significantly increased ( p < 0.05) eye contact for the fast portion of the musical selection. Findings indicate (a) a sense of reality is created during virtual reality immersion and (b) the use of sound during score study may be beneficial for increasing conductor eye contact.