Perception of Loudness and Musical Preference: Comparison of Musicians and Nonmusicians

Abstract

To estimate the relationship between musical preference and perceived loudness, 25 subjects, musicians and nonmusicians, were asked to match the loudness of a neutral stimulus to a given musical selection. Ten different types of music were used; each was rated for likability by the subject. Over-all analysis of loudness ratings indicated that nonmusicians were more accurate in matching loudness of a neutral stimulus with the musical selections. This finding suggests differences in loudness perception between musicians and nonmusicians. Both groups were most accurate on the selection which could be inferred as most familiar.