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Abstract

The effects of several different listening instructions on music appreciation were examined with two types of music and among subjects with different cognitive styles—right versus left hemisphere preference. Before listening to a selection of programmatic music, 60 subjects were divided into three instructional groups: pay attention, form free mental images, or follow a story program. With a selection of absolute music, 48 subjects were divided into four instructional groups: pay attention, form free mental images, follow an abstract verbal program, or follow a concrete analytical program. Following the music, subjects rated their attention, enjoyment, and understanding of the music. A recognition test of both selections was conducted one week later. Imagery instructions were found to lead to greatest enjoyment of both selections, while the story program led to greatest understanding of the programmatic music; the abstract and concrete analytical programs did not improve any aspect of appreciation of the absolute music. Cognitive style interacted with instructions. Imagery was more beneficial for right hemisphere subjects and the analytical program benefited left hemisphere subjects more. The results indicate that no single type of program or instruction can enhance all aspects of music appreciation in all people.

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The Effects of Listening Instructions and Cognitive Style on Music Appreciation

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