Peculiarities of the Development of Students’ Musical Skills Under the Influence of Modern Software

Abstract

This study explored the impact of digital technologies on the development of musical skills among music students. A learning experiment was conducted with 66 students between the ages of 18 and 21 from China, France, Italy, and Spain. The study used the methods of a survey and online discussions. Participants verified that the present advancement of digital technologies allows artists to participate in a professional musical environment without formal schooling. Students in the experimental group had a more positive attitude toward learning and its significance for their personal and professional development. Most survey items were rated between 3 and 4 on a 4-point scale, indicating students’ overall satisfaction with the training. The results of the online discussion also indicated a high level of support for the use of digital technologies in music education, as well as highlighting the innovative nature of the training course and the advantages of traditional music education. Three quarters of participants supported the use of digital technologies in education. Students in the experimental group were able to acquire more advanced professional musical skills, which facilitated the creation of melodies (including the composition of musical fragments on specified themes, musical arrangements of varying complexity, and the development of principles for processing musical works) compared to students in the control group (focused on the development of musical ear and sense of rhythm), who were initially trained under the traditional system. The study’s findings support the effectiveness of an integrated strategy for nurturing musical creativity that involves collaboration between students, teachers, and cutting-edge technology.