EC-Play Music Education System

Almost all school children begin music education through their school?s music program, but this education is often limited to general music education and learning only a handful of instruments (mostly percussion), since learning an instrument cannot be done with 30 children at the time. Moreover, over 75% of the children who learn an instrument quit within 5 years and will be unable to enjoy playing an instrument for the rest of their K-12 schooling time, and often beyond. Among the reasons for quitting are lack of support, availability of instruments, and not enough fun to practice music. In the current system, it seems up to teachers and parents to create ?magical moments? for children who want to continue on their instrument, in order for the child to be successful and stay with their craft. Our Solution We have developed the EC Play platform, a holistic approach to facilitate music learning to children (6-16 years old), by following a ?teach-practice-connect? approach. Teach - Using the EC Play Education System, teaching music is easier than ever before. Teach whole classrooms of students, simultaneously and across multiple instruments. Practice - Using exercises and songs inside the application, gamification tools will support to improve children's skills with a system called MNE: Morning, Noon and Evening. Connect ? Everyone can sign up or log in to our website, to play with each other (virtual Playing Rooms, like with video games) and offer a marketplace for music professionals and students to find each other. In 2016-2017, we have tested the EC Play Education System and MNE in schools in the Asker community, Norway, and have received very positive feedback from schools, teachers, scholars and parents. In September 2017, we will start the first commercial roll out in the Asker community to further learn about the stakeholders´ wishes and requirements. As such, EC Play is currently at a Technology Readiness Level of TRL6.