Relationship of Selected Musical Characteristics and Musical Preference (A Review of Literature)

Abstract

A review of the literature found that most published studies in musical preference tended to focus on liking for specific or broad categories of musical styles. Various researchers have proposed that musical characteristics are significant in contributing to one's musical preference (Fung, 1996; LeBlanc, 1982; Prince, 1972). This article provides an overview of the research on the relationship between selected musical characteristics and musical preference. Of the musical characteristics commonly cited in the preference literature, research on tempo, rhythm, pitch, melody, harmony, and timbre are selected for review. Research findings suggest that greater preference is shown towards instrumental music with fast and lively tempo, clear and defined rhythm, high pitch, clear and distinguishable melody, and consonant harmony. Implications for music educators on lesson delivery and curriculum design are highlighted.

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