Research Shorts: How Digital Technologies Can Shape Instrumental and Vocal Lessons

This week, I am speaking to Helen Hines about her doctoral project ‘Investigating how digital technologies shape teaching and learning in instrumental and vocal lessons’ at University of Edinburgh. Her research explores how instrumental and vocal teachers in the UK are using digital technologies in lessons, and what this means for teaching practices, relationships, and the future of music education.

I asked Helen what the key takeaways have been from her research so far:

‘The data collection is still in progress, but so far, teachers are divided. Some embrace digital tools and AI in creative ways, while others prefer to keep lessons screen-free. There are also emerging themes concerning the potential security risks of AI, raising wider questions about trust, safety, and professional responsibility. However, these concerns exist alongside clear benefits such as reduced administrative workload and increased student engagement.’

Helen is using a mixed-methods approach combining a nationwide survey, in-depth interviews with teachers, students, and parents, and lesson observations, to ensure she understands the entire picture. The study is being conducted with the full ethical approval of the University of Edinburgh, ensuring that participants’ experiences are treated with care, confidentiality, and respect throughout the process.

She explained that her research is relevant to instrumental and vocal teachers, music hubs, music schools, professional organisations, and policymakers. It shines a light on the largely unregulated and undocumented community of instrumental and vocal teachers, many of whom are self-taught and gather information from a patchwork of sources. This is a study which is first of its kind, and by revealing the realities of how digital technologies are used today, this work can inform better training, support, and policy to strengthen a vulnerable profession.

Helen is a violin teacher with many years of experience running a private studio, and has also taught in a variety of different school and music school settings. She is also an LCME examiner, and holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree in Instrumental Teaching. Her PhD brings these strands together to explore how she can support instrumental and vocal teachers in a rapidly changing digital world.

You can find more information about the research and sign up for updates at: https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/digitaltech

Instrumental and vocal teachers can take part in the nationwide survey that will remain open until the end of 2025: https://shorturl.at/z9lWm

Written by Kerry Bunkhall – Research Manager for Music Mark