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Virginia Tech

A cross-sectional study of preference for music using recorded acoustic timbre versus music using sound sampled timbre

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if a preference exists for recorded acoustic music or music using sound sampled timbre, and if that preference is influenced by age or gender. Participants were divided into two groups, 10 to 15 year olds (n=97), and 50-91 year olds (n=99). Each participant listened to a CD which presented 17 pairs of excerpts from classical music. Each pair contained both a recorded acoustic and sound sampled example of the following timbres: trumpet, flute, trombone, oboe, and tuba. A survey form was used to record the participants’ preferences. Results indicated that preference exists for both music using recorded acoustic timbre and music using sound sampled timbre, with youths preferring recorded acoustic and adults preferring sound sampled. A 2x2 factorial design disclosed that there was a significant difference between the age groups. Gender demonstrated no significant effect nor was there significant interaction between age and gender. Conclusions pointed to the influence of music heard in the public school environment. With increased availability and exposure to sound sampling, consumption of music using this timbre will increase. Music educators need to recognize that the presentation of timbre used in the classroom may reinforce preferences for acoustic music.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Arts
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Curriculum and Instruction
Department dc:contributor.department
Curriculum and Instruction
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1996

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Chang, E. Christina
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Burnsed, C. Vernon
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Burton, John K.
  • Fenton, Kevin A.

Subjects

dc:subject × 3

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-09162005-115045
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/44781

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Chang, E. Christina. A cross-sectional study of preference for music using recorded acoustic timbre versus music using sound sampled timbre. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/44781