Developing games that can create real heroes on real guitars: Using acoustic musical instruments and the human voice as controllers

Games, one of the most popular forms of entertainment for young people today, exhibit a number of promising traits for pedagogical practice. Game-based learning theory identifies elements of game play that encourage engagement and increased motivation. The acquisition of musical skills on a new instrument can be a slow and laborious process, requiring sustained effort and commitment. A strong alignment between many of the properties of game-based learning and the practice of learning to play a new instrument, especially at the early stages, is identified. After laying out the theoretical connection, a collection of new game design prototypes are described, designed with the goal of augmenting conventional skill-acquisition practice and increasing student motivation and engagement. Copyright © 2012 ETC Press.