Musicians often seem to be one with their instrument – but to reach this level of skill requires years of practice and training. The better this training is tailored to the individual needs of the respective musicians, the better the outcome.This is where the Research Studio Pervasive Computing Applications (PCA) of the RSA FG comes in: The studio uses innovative technologies such as eye tracking to investigate the interaction of musicians with their instruments. The distribution of their visual attention and mental effort (“cognitive load”) are recorded and modelled. – That way, the strengths and weaknesses of musicians in training can be precisely measured to make optimised, individualised training possible.

“In this use case, eye tracking enables us to model visual attention as well as the underlying cognitive load. This allows us to gain highly interesting insights into competencies in the areas of musicality and technical execution,” explains PCA studio manager Benedikt Gollan.

The underlying concept of this system is competence-based training and assessment (CBTA). The aim of this concept is to train competences rather than routine activities and thus produce “adaptive experts”.

Markus Tauber, Chief Scientific Director of the RSA FG, explains: “Competence-based training approaches allow us to support artists in developing their skills. The training is individually adapted to the strengths and weaknesses of each musician.”

Why the paradigm shift? Machines and robots will increasingly be able to take over routine and repetitive tasks in the future. However, human workers are still important thanks to their communication, decision-making and team working skills. Employees should be strengthened in these skills – as well as in their creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. Competency-based training and assessment can support this process.

The principles of CBTA can be transferred to different areas of application. In addition to music, the PCA Research Studio of the RSA FG is also researching an application for pilots. Other possible areas of application are medicine or industry.

Competence Based Training &
Assessment in Music and Art | Research Studios Austria