51��Ƶ

Beethoven on a cell phone?

You bet.

Selections from the German composer are among about 400 lessons, drills, and exercises on , an online “textbook” that blends traditional piano instruction with technology.

Developed by two music professors at the 51��Ƶ at Lafayette—Dr. Susanna Garcia and Dr. Chan Kiat Lim—the online curriculum can be accessed with a computer, laptop, tablet, or cell phone.

About 40 schools, from universities and community colleges to high schools and elementary schools, subscribe to , which is designed for beginner to intermediate pianists.

Students log on to eNovativePiano.com to refine their hand-eye coordination via video files, or hone their ability to pick up on melody, pitch or other musical elements with play-along audio tracks.

They also print scores and worksheets, and access assignments that can be delivered via “chat” features.

“It fits a need,” Lim explained. “We have this craving to get information online, to be connected. As one of our users said, ‘It’s almost like having a teacher in your pocket.’ ”

Garcia agrees, but adds that eNovativePiano isn’t meant to be a substitute for classroom instruction. “It’s a textbook. It isn’t designed to replace the teacher.”

In the piano lab in Angelle Hall, UL Lafayette students practice at stations equipped with two keyboards—a digital piano keyboard, and a computer keyboard.

They refine their skills outside of class.

“This allows them to benefit from being in class, and then go home and practice,” Garcia said.

UL Lafayette freshman Pete Folse, a vocal music education major from Abbeville, La., said he usually logs on from home soon after his classes end, between noon and 2 p.m.

He said modeling, or learning by observing the hand placement and movements of someone else, are among his favorite drills.

“Not everyone can crowd around (a teacher) in the classroom and watch their hands,” Folse explained.

Learn more at .