How different types of piano training help children improve their rhythm and performance skills over 16 weeks
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN14483487 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14483487 |
| Sponsor | Eun woo Lee (self sponsored) |
| Funder | Investigator initiated and funded |
- Submission date
- 24/02/2026
- Registration date
- 24/02/2026
- Last edited
- 24/02/2026
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Other
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
This study looked at how different types of piano training can help children improve their rhythm and performance skills. It compared a new approach called Music Execution Rhythm (MER) training with traditional piano lessons and an active control group. The aim was to understand whether MER-based training offers added value for young learners over a 16‑week period.
Who can participate?
Children aged 6 years who already had some basic exposure to music and were receiving piano instruction could take part. Children with neurological disorders, motor impairments, or other conditions that might affect rhythm or piano practice were not able to join.
What does the study involve?
Participants were randomly placed into one of three groups: MER‑based piano training, traditional piano instruction, or an active control group. They took part in regular piano practice over 16 weeks and completed performance assessments before and after the training period to measure rhythm accuracy and stability. Participation was voluntary, and children could stop at any time.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Possible benefits included improving rhythm, accuracy, and overall piano performance. The risks were minimal, as the study involved non‑invasive educational activities similar to normal piano lessons.
Where is the study run from?
The study was run in South Korea.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The first and final enrolment took place on 1 March 2024. The training programme ran for 16 weeks, and study completion was recorded on 1 July 2024.
Who is funding the study?
Investigator initiated and funded
Who is the main contact?
Eun Woo Lee, dldmsdn0901@gmail.com
Contact information
Principal investigator, Public, Scientific
Sangbang Jugong Apartments 6-gil, Nammae-ro
Gyeongsan
38638
Korea, South
| Phone | +82 10-4674-4466 |
|---|---|
| dldmsdn0901@gmail.com |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Allocation | Randomized controlled trial |
| Masking | Open (masking not used) |
| Control | Active |
| Assignment | Behavioural / Educational intervention |
| Purpose | Educational skill acquisition and performance improvement |
| Scientific title | Growth dynamics and added value of MER-based piano training: a 3-arm 16-week randomized controlled trial |
| Study acronym | MER-RCT |
| Study objectives | |
| Ethics approval(s) | Ethics approval not required |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Piano training |
| Intervention | This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a Music Execution Rhythm (MER)-based piano training program over a 16-week period. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: MER-based training, traditional piano instruction, or an active control condition. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three study arms using a computer-generated randomisation sequence with outcome assessors blinded to group assignment. MER-based training group: Participants received rhythm-centred piano training based on the MER framework, focusing on internal pulse regulation, bilateral coordination, and structured rhythmic pattern execution. Training was delivered over a 16-week period with regular supervised practice sessions. Traditional instruction group: Participants received conventional piano instruction emphasising note accuracy, repertoire-based practice, and teacher-led demonstrations, matched in duration and frequency to the MER-based training. Active control group: Participants engaged in standard music-related activities without structured rhythm-centred piano training, matched for contact time. |
| Intervention type | Behavioural |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
|
| Completion date | 01/07/2024 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | |
|---|---|
| Age group | Child |
| Lower age limit | 6 Years |
| Upper age limit | 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 90 |
| Total final enrolment | 90 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Learners receiving piano instruction with basic prior exposure to music 2. Ability to participate in regular piano practice sessions |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Neurological disorders 2. Motor impairments 3. Conditions that could interfere with rhythmic performance or piano practice |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/03/2024 |
| Date of final enrolment | 01/03/2024 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Korea, South
Study participating centres
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|
Editorial Notes
24/02/2026: Trial's existence confirmed by Geum Sook Kim.
