The Influence of Music Genre, Style of Singing, and Gender of Singing Voice on Music Preference of Elementary School Children

Abstract

Hargreaves’ (1982, 1995) research on childrens’ development of music preference, which led to the hypothesis of “open-earedness”, has often been replicated and initiated empirical studies on different aspects. The presented study adds new perspectives with its longitudinal design and its systematically controlled variables style of singing and gender of singing voice. Results of the first measurement with N=313 first graders of five schools will be discussed. Participants indicated their liking of eleven music examples from six music genres on a five-point rating-scale. For each music genre (except World Music) male and female singers were presented as well as different styles of singing (Belcanto, not Belcanto / Jazz). The Jazz examples were recorded especially for the study and are based on the same song, thus, eliminating the possible influence of the musical structure of the song itself. Unexpectedly, children did not show broad acceptance for different music genres, as pop music was already preferred most. Furthermore, gender differences with regard to style of singing and gender of singing voice were detected. The impact of these findings on the hypothesis of “open-eardness” – more than 25 years after it was enunciated – will be discussed.