• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.23-42
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• 2015

This study investigated the harmonic preference of children and adolescents depending on age and musical training. A total of 684 primary and secondary school students participated in this study. For this study, a four-measure melody was composed and constructed in four levels of harmonic complexity, determined by the rate of nonharmonic notes used and immediacy of harmonic resolution. Participants rated the degree of their perceived complexity and their preferences after listening to each musical stimulus. Ratings from the participants were analyzed in terms of the effect of age and the length of musical training. The results showed that younger students demonstrated little to no change in their preference regardless of the complexity level. Middle and high school students showed significantly decreased preference with increased harmonic complexity. High school students with more musical instrument training perceived changes in harmonic complexity more sensitively and showd higher level of optimal complexity. Younger students was affected by musical training relatively less than older students. This study presents the baseline data to be considered when determining the appropriate level of harmonic complexity for music appreciation of young population.