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The ‘open-earedness’ hypothesis and the development of age-related aesthetic reactions to music in elementary school children

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 June 2008

Reinhard Kopiez  and
Marco Lehmann
Reinhard Kopiez
Affiliation:
Hanover University of Music and Drama, Institute for Research in Music Education, Emmichplatz 1, 30175 Hanover, Germanykopiez@hmt-hannover.de, marco.lehmann@hmt-hannover.de
Marco Lehmann
Affiliation:
Hanover University of Music and Drama, Institute for Research in Music Education, Emmichplatz 1, 30175 Hanover, Germanykopiez@hmt-hannover.de, marco.lehmann@hmt-hannover.de
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Abstract

This study investigates age-related changes in musical preference in elementary school children. The tolerance towards unconventional musical styles has been called ‘open-earedness’ (Hargreaves, 1982a), and it is assumed to decline with increasing age. Musical preferences of 186 students from grade 1 to 4 (age range: 6–10 years) were measured by using a 5-point iconographic rating scale. Eight sound examples were presented in a sound questionnaire. Results showed a decline of open-earedness for unconventional music (classical, ethnic and avant-garde music) from grade 1 to 2 (age: 7–8 years). However, this effect disappeared when classical music was excluded from data analysis. Only a few absolute rejections of unconventional musical styles were found, and the mean preference ratings did not exceed the neutral mean range. Future studies will have to consider additional factors of influence to make clear predictions about the point in time when this transition occurs.

Type
Research Article
Information
British Journal of Music Education , Volume 25 , Issue 2 , July 2008 , pp. 121 - 138
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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