Exercise IX - Visual Concentration

Visual Concentration according to the PTS II Manual is the ability to remember the location of pairs of targets that are hidden on various sized grids. This exercise requires visual spatial memory, spatial visualization, visual-motor accuracy, and simultaneous processing.
This exercise also helps the musicians to develop working memory and problem solving.

This traditional grid memory game is played against the computer.

Variables:
- Grid Size - number of boxes in the grid. It varies from six to forty boxes.
- Skill level of the computer opponent – average or above average.
- Targets – there are five targets. Pictures, upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers and symbols.

Goal:
The goal in order to advance levels is winning or tying 70% of the time.

Short Term Memory and Working Memory

Working Memory is the ability to retain information in our short-term memory (in our "buffers") while simultaneously processing other material.
The ability to transform a complex input into mechanical results is directly related to this kind of memory. However, short-term memory is never addressed in music lessons. Teachers only focus on the long-term memory, which is the kind of memory used on performances.
During s-r, it is actually good to have a small Eye Hand Span and a small Perceptual Span* because if the input is to far from the mechanical output, we run the risk of loosing the material read. Psychologists say that the brain (buffers) only process 7 chunks at a time.
Our buffers also have the purpose of rearranging information and “solve problems” (i.e., fingering)

Take a look at a study by Simon and Chase, 1973 that discusses the buffers of chess players which are similar to the musicians’ buffers).

Working memory and Short Term Memory are vital skills needed for s-r and easily improved with exercises.
The PTS II addresses short term memory and working memory on the following exercises: "Visual Concentration", Visual Span" and the "Tachistoscope".
Both Visual Span and Tachistoscope use distractors. The purpose of the distractors is to retain one information while simultaneously processing other task.

*I will discuss this subject of small eye hand span and perceptual span on my next post.