Date of Graduation

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Computer Science and Computer Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Alejandro Martin Gomez

Committee Member

Matthew Patitz

Second Committee Member

Chase Jones

Abstract

Conducting pattern consistency is an essential skill for marching band drum

majors, yet developing this consistency through individual practice remains diffi-

cult without real-time feedback. This thesis investigates if the use of extended

reality technologies can be used to enhance the conducting skills of novice drum

majors. Using the Meta Quest 3’s passthrough capability, the system overlays vi-

sual feedback elements — including a 3D pattern guide, path visualization, tempo

cues, and a real-time score — onto the user’s physical environment. A within-

subjects study with seven participants evaluated eight combinations of three binary

feedback variables: pattern guide visibility, tempo visualization type, and gami-

fication. Beat accuracy was measured using the distance between participants’

hand positions and active target points in the conducting pattern sequence at the

end of each tempo period. Results indicated a significant trend between pattern

guide visibility and beat accuracy, with a partial guide condition outperforming

a full guide condition. Tempo visualization type showed a non-significant trend

favoring a growing sphere over a color-changing sphere, while gamification had

no significant effect on objective performance. Subjective assessments indicated

that participants found the system slightly easy to use with low perceived work-

load. Participants reported the system had good overall usability, suggesting that

the framework provides an accessible practice environment for novice conductors.

These findings suggest that focused, point-by-point visual cues may be more ef-

fective than full pattern visualization for developing conducting consistency, and

that XR technology holds promise as a tool for individual conducting practice.

Keywords

Extended Reality, Conducting, Music Education

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