ERIC Number: EJ878594
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0190-4922
EISSN: N/A
Effect of Voice-Part Training and Music Complexity on Focus of Attention to Melody or Harmony
Williams, Lindsey R.
Contributions to Music Education, v36 n2 p45-57 2009
The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of choral voice-part training/experience and music complexity on focus of attention to melody or harmony. Participants (N = 150) were members of auditioned university choral ensembles divided by voice-part (sopranos, n = 44; altos, n = 33; tenors, n = 35; basses, n = 38). The music complexity variable consisted of four levels of melodic complexity and four levels of harmonic complexity each paired for a total of 16 possible combinations performed on solo jazz piano. An ANOVA with one between-subjects factor (voice-part) and two within-subjects factors (melodic complexity and harmonic complexity) showed significant differences between music training and focus of attention. Overall, data analysis showed that voice-part training/experience may effect focus of attention indicating that sopranos tended to listen to melodic elements more so than the other voice-parts.
Descriptors: Music Education, Music, Attention, Attention Control, Singing, Music Techniques, Musical Composition, Music Theory, Music Activities, Professional Training, Difficulty Level
Ohio Music Education Association. Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Avenue MU332, Cleveland, OH 44115. e-mail: member_services@omea-ohio.org; Web site: http://cme.webhop.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A