Classic Express Research project by Ilona Sie Dhian Ho

In a combined qualitative and quantitative research the influence of storytelling in concerts for children is analyzed. In a controlled setting, The Classic Express (mobile concert hall), groups of schoolchildren attend either a concert with or a concert without storytelling. The groups, similar in socio- economic background and age, are compared. In a quantitative research the involved listening, the felt emotional intensity, the interest in classical music and the interest in actively playing an instrument, will be measured. For quantification new grading systems are developed by scientists and musicians in a collaborative process. In a qualitative research on the influence of storytelling the focus is on children with severe learning disorders. The emotional responses of these children in concerts with and without storyelling, and in combination with participatory elements (moving, gestures) are observed by teachers and caretakers, They compare their observations in the concert to the normal behaviour of their pupils. Both Interviews with the teachers and their grading of arousal, attention and emotional levels in the concert will provide data that will be analyzed by the reserachers. This research is the first study of The Classic Expression Research Group, a group of researchers from the Royal Conservatoire and Leiden University, collaborating to provide new insights on the impact of presentation techniques in classical concerts.

Ilona Sie Dhian Ho

Latest Update 03.01.2022

The research question on attention was carried out by master student Laura Vilela. She decided to stop her master studies because of personal circumstances. Research leader Ilona Sie Dhian Ho has taken over this research question, assisted by the entire research team.

Even though three schools cancelled experimnets because of covid, we have been abel to have three research days in 2 schools. It was a challenging experience, but I am very proud of the research team. The detailed schedules, the pilot and all solid preparations have paid of.

The video fragments of the performances that will be coded are chosen in a meeting with Maksim, Ilja and myself.

These fragments reflect a mix of musical characters and are taken from the beginning, middle and the end of pieces. Also fragments from the beginning and end of the entire performance will be included to promote an understanding how the story influences attention at the very beginning of a performance, as well as after half an hour of listening.

After the fragments have been uploaded on the surfdrive by Maksim, the coders (Jule, Louise, Vivian and Theodora) will be coding some fragments to test their reliabilty. If they are found reliable, the chosen fragments for the research are coded. After this process we will start the analysis.

We have a new day for our weekly meeting: Fridays at 9am.

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