Exploring a Leaderboard Alternative in a Gamified Mobile App for Music Learning

Abstract

This paper describes the use of an Android app, PracticeCactus, to support independent piano practice in the context of one music teacher's private studio through a feature known as "Daily Practice Goal" (DPG) notifications. DPG notifications are positioned here as a type of alternative to a traditional leaderboard within a gamified learning environment. The DPG notifications were a means of gamifying independent practice, thereby facilitating social community support that is in contrast to the isolation and individualistic learning that is sometimes characteristic of independent musical instrument practice. Piano student participants, ages 10 through 15, made use of the mobile app for 20 weeks, and their usage patterns and experiences of the DPG notifications are explored here as a way of illuminating how social interactions may be supported and encouraged during independent practice between weekly lessons. [For the complete proceedings, see ED601100.]