Objective Rhythmic Performance Evaluation Tool (O.R.P.E.T.): A numerical method to evaluate the accuracy of a musical performance

Recent developments in Information Technologies (IT) have given many powerful tools to the field of musical education, which have in turn provided increased pedagogic services to the musical education professionals. This article presents the results of the development of a computer tool that using musical material in MIDI format and from that material extracts the discrete histogram of occurrence of the different note durations at low level. To evaluate these note length histograms, the authors have also developed a mathematical model to numerically evaluate the rhythmic ‘correctness’ of various performances of the same piano piece (which can be applied to all instrumental reproductions that generate MIDI format material) and compare it to a performance considered as the ‘correct performance’. This method can be used as an additional technological tool for self-learning for Music Schools and Conservatories to allow the students to check the rhythmic correctness of their own performances. It also could be used as an objective and official evaluation tool for different performances of a musical piece compared with a performance considered as the ‘correct performance’; for example in a test, exam, entrance exam or in public competitions. In general, the method presented in this article can be used as a technological tool that will support the learning process of piano students.