The experimental aesthetics of musical taste: the LeBlanc model, arousal, complexity, and prototypicality

Abstract

This thesis is a review of some of the published literature on the determinants of music preference, and an exploration of the nature of music preference among a sample of university students in Sydney, Australia. The review initially gives the reader a picture of a cross-section of the literature, followed by a focus on complexity as the single most important determinant of music preference. It is concluded that although complexity may be a relevant factor in shaping preferences, considered alone, it is most likely a minor issue. A range of other factors is also responsible for shaping our musical tastes. The empirical research is an exploratory study on the effects of training, age, and gender on patterns of preference for styles of music. Patterns of preference for 12 styles of music were examined, and the effects of gender, age, and training investigated. Subjects responded by indicating their preference on a ten-point rating scale, and information on gender, training, and age was collected. Analysis of variance revealed significant main effects for training and style. In addition, the style by training, style by age, and style by age and training interactions were all significant. Results broadly support findings in the mainstream literature regarding the effects of age and training on preference; however, the lack of effect of gender does not correspond to the popular perception regarding the importance of gender influences.