Although individual differences in engagement with and response to music are well documented, little is known about variations in musical empathizing and systemizing (E-S) traits and their relation to musical sophistication, including musical training. The current study examines the relationship between musical and general (non-musical) E-S traits and how musical sophistication and specific aspects of musical training are related to musical E-S traits. A total of 81 respondents reported on their level of musical sophistication and training (e.g., musical abilities, formal training, and engagement in musical activities) and endorsement of musical and general E-S traits. Participants were asked to complete the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index (musical sophistication and training), the Empathizing and Systemizing quotients (general, non-musical E-S traits), and the Musical Empathizing and Systemizing inventory (musical E-S traits). Results suggest that general E-S traits are related to musical E-S traits and that musical sophistication, including but not limited to formal training, is positively associated with musical E-S traits. Furthermore, greater music training, as measured by the number of instruments played and years of formal instrumental and theory training, is related to greater endorsement of E-S traits. This study provides grounds for assessing the link between musical sophistication and training and musical E-S traits within clinical populations that have atypicalities in empathizing (e.g., autism spectrum disorder).
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