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opus
Learning a new instrument shouldn’t stop at childhood
March - May 2019
Opus executive summary
my role
Researcher, Concept Ideation, Interaction Designer
team
Daniel Kim, Dylan Jackson
challenge

Between hectic daily schedules, expensive tutors, and a lack of direction, adults find it difficult to introduce learning a new instrument into their daily lives.

solution

An inexpensive model paired with clear lesson plans provide guidance through the process of learning a new instrument for adult learners to easily incorporate into their daily schedules.

discover
secondary research key findings
Statista graph
A 2012 study showed that the number of  adults playing a musical instrument in the USA peaked at its youngest point, 18-24 at 20%, and proceeded to drop with nearly each jump in age groups.
Share of Adults Playing a Musical Instrument in the U.S. in 2012, by Age Group. Statista.
A recent Gallup poll showed that of the polled Americans who had never been involved in playing a musical instrument:
67% expressed an interest in learning to do so
82% wish they had learned to play a musical instrument
Share of Adults Playing a Musical Instrument in the U.S. in 2012, by Age Group. Statista.
The same study indicated that the benefits of music-making are not limited to school-age students. In regard to middle-aged adults and seniors, playing an instrument:

It also helps reduce job burnout, improves overall mood, and fosters a general sense of well-being.

Involvement in music, even as a solitary activity, can stave off depression and loneliness.

It reduces stress and lowers blood pressure levels. Even further, it can reverse stress at a molecular level.

Playing a musical instrument exercises the brain and helps to fight memory loss.

primary research questionnaire findings
73 Responses within our target age range
56 out of 73 respondents had attempted learning an instrument before
48 of 73 say they are interested in learning music
When asked "What currently inhibits you from learning music?"
64 said
17 said
16 said
Time was their biggest inhibitor
Cost was their biggest inhibitor
No Professional Help was their biggest inhibitor
When asked "Which issues with the learning process made you stop practicing?"
23 said
9 said
7 said
4 said
Time was their concluding issue
Interest Loss was their concluding issue
Difficulty was their concluding issue
Professional Help was their concluding issue
30 respondents were offered music tutoring growing up
‍
23 out of those 30 are still actively interested in learning music

primary research interviews
Iris Interview InfoMac Interview InfoRoy Interview InfoYeo Interview InfoEthan Interview InfoKyle Interview Info
primary insights

Practicing consistently is important, but many struggle to find the time to do so

Many show an interest in testing out different instruments before investing in one

Overthinking and self-doubt while practicing holds some adult learners back 

Lessons and equipment are too expensive for many adults who wish to learn an instrument

affinity diagram synthesis
Opus Affinity Diagram
Traditional & repetitive music learning methods can cause beginners to struggle early on
Many find tutors to be the best way to learn music
Time and money constraints make it hard for people to practice a new instrument
It is important to be able to see proper technique while learning a new instrument 
The development of the ear and voice are tied tightly to developing musical skills
People are willing to spend the time to practice music if they know they have the time
define
how might we

Allow users to recognize opportunities for practice in our their busy schedules?

Create an accessible, personal music tutor experience for users of all experience levels?

Allow users to match users with the instrument they are most interested in?

final design

Introducing Opus, a mobile and physical application that gives adult learners an opportunity to practice and perfect new instrument skills at any age. Many feel that in order to learn an instrument, you must start playing as a child. With Opus, anyone can experience the rewarding process of learning to play an instrument.

multiple instruments
A detachable touch board is compatible with each opus instrument design, creating an opportunity to test out different instruments at a low cost.
structured lessons
Combining interleaved practices with deliberate practices helps users retain more from each lesson, giving them a clearer sense of gratification.
perform or practice
Headphones mode gives users the option to practice in private, or showcase their new skills for a crowd.
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music theory
Difficulty increases with each lesson, subtly incorporating music theory lessons as users progress, helping improve their musical skills beyond their specific instrument.
key features
assisted lessons
Each lessons is features a link with helpful reminders for skills featured in your lesson.
Assisted Lessons prototype
scheduling
After the initial lesson, Opus helps users create a schedule and future reminders for their upcoming practices, in order to keep their skills fresh.
Scheduling prototype
varied exercises
Opus features lessons targeted at each of the necessary skills for a user's chosen instrument. For example, users are tested on their finger placement, chord accuracy, along with training their musical ear with Opus' guitar lessons.
Varied exercises protoype
explore more of the project
full process