EFFECTIVENESS OF ANDROID PIANO MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN DEVELOPING HANDS ON MUSICAL COMPETENCIES AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN OZUOBA, COMMUNITY IN OBIOAKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of Android piano mobile app lications in developing hands on musical skills among preschool pupils. It investigates how these applications support practical skill acquisition, including finger dexterity, hand eye coordination, rhythm accuracy, keyboard awareness, sound recognition, a nd engagement in musical play. Anchored in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Quality Education, the study responds to the limited empirical evidence on digital piano tools in early childhood music learning. Guided by Constructivist and Soc ial Constructivist theories, the research frames the Android piano app as an interactive tool that facilitates knowledge construction through exploration and teacher supported scaffolding. A mixed methods design combining cross sectional descriptive and qu asi experimental approaches was adopted. Participants included five music teachers and one hundred preschool pupils from five private schools in Ozuoba Community in Obio/AkporLocal Government Area in Rivers State. Findings showed that although all teachers were aware of Android piano applications, only 40% recommended them for home practice. The quasi experimental results revealed significant improvements in pupils’ hands on musical skills following the use of the application, underscoring its value as an effective instructional aid in early childhood music education. The study provides empirical evidence on the practical benefits of mobile piano applications in Nigerian preschool settings and offers implications for teachers, curriculum planners, and policymakers seeking to integrate digital tools to enhance hands on skill development.