Research Catalogue

an international database for artistic research

• 3. Internal publication Research published in this issue are only for internal circulation within the Royal Conservatoire, The Hague.
• 2. Royal Conservatoire Investigations Royal Conservatoire Investigations
• 1. Master Research Projects All research in KC

• Providing Materials for Piano Teachers: Exploring the Characteristics of Effective and Flexible Improvisation Exercises (2023) author(s): Sara Rashidian Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Many piano teachers acknowledge the advantages of improvisation in fostering creativity, expression, and understanding of musical grammar and syntax. However, it is often overlooked in lessons, with limited time spent on it or sometimes none at all. This lack of emphasis can be attributed to the need for more straightforward and practical examples of how to incorporate improvisation exercises across different skill levels, particularly for classically trained piano teachers. To address this problem, this study aimed to find ways for designing improvisation exercises that can be flexibly applied by piano teachers. Action and design research were chosen as the methodology, based on which two exercises were designed and tested through the cycles. The exercises were designed based on the concept of guided improvisation, which means improvising on a given structure, specific theme, harmony, or rhythm. The first exercise involved improvising in the right hand using simple melodies in the C major scale and playing the three main chords of the tonality in the left hand, the second involved improvising inspired by Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik theme, which called repertoire-based improvisation. The exercises were tested during three cycles by a target group of six piano teachers, including those with varying levels of experience in teaching improvisation. The feedback from the teachers helped to identify key design principles for creating effective improvisation exercises, which can be used to improve future improvisation materials for piano teachers. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the design of effective improvisation exercises and offers practical guidance for piano educators looking to incorporate improvisation into their lessons.
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  Learning to teach, teaching to Learn: Self-regulation and self-directed learning in older primary school piano students (2023) author(s): Carmen van Renssen Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  The aim of this research project is to learn how to teach older primary school piano students to become more self-regulated in their practicing and how to stimulate self-directed learning. I delve into how a teacher can stimulate the development of metacognitive skills in older primary school students, to learn how to guide students towards knowing and applying various learning strategies, and to learn how to enhance self-regulation in students through open reflective questions. The goal is not to achieve total self-regulation and self-directedness in students, but rather to find strategies that can help guide students in their development towards these goals. This research was conducted on two 9-year-old piano students during three action research cycles. I taught and filmed both students for six lessons each and observed the lessons afterwards using a self-developed observation sheet. Through these observation sheets I have gained insights into moving students from being other-regulated to more self-regulated. Some strategies that proved valuable in students’ development are: (1) asking students to reflect on their playing, choice and use of learning strategies, their goal setting, and their practice planning, (2) practicing in the lesson how to practice, and (3) asking specific open reflective questions and giving specific feedback and compliments.
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• In what way can the Universal Design for Learning framework contribute to inclusive music lessons in secondary special education that encourage the development of executive functions? (2023) author(s): Cynthia Martens Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Master Thesis
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• Preparing Michael in Luzifer's Tanz (2023) author(s): Chloë Abbott Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  How should a trumpeter prepare for a staged performance of Luzifer's Tanz? Throughout this research I will document my journey of learning the music and embodying the role of Michael in Oberlippentanz. For a staged performance of this piece one not only has to learn and understand the music but also has to act, incorporate movements and embody the character of Michael all whilst performing with and against a massive orchestra. I wish to create a document outlining my process of learning and preparation for this piece that I will perform at The Holland Festival 2019. I will describe problems that I encountered, alongside solutions; examples of exercises I created or were suggested by teachers to assist me and thought processes for developing the character.
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• Master Research Proposal Fernando Pérez Calvo (2023) author(s): Fernando Pérez Calvo Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Master research proposal.
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• Master Research Proposal (2023) author(s): Nicole Wolfsohn Limited publication. Only visible to members of the portal : KC Research Portal
  Master Research Proposal A B and C
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