Recognition of Intensity Contrasts in the Gestures of Beginning Conductors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether high and low contrasts of gestural intensity could be demonstrated by undergraduate beginning conductors and, furthermore, whether independent observers could recognize these contrasts. An investigator-developed stimulus videotape, illustrating beginning conductors in 1-minute demonstrations of intensity contrasts, was viewed by graduate and undergraduate music majors, undergraduate nonmusic majors, and high school music students. These subjects ( N = 320) labeled each 15-second interval according to perceived contrast of intensity and indicated an overall intensity rating for each conductor. Results indicated a 77% correct response rate. Analysis yielded a significant difference in mean correct response between the graduate group and all other subjects, no significant difference in mean intensity ratings among subjects, and a high degree of reliability among the four experimental groups on overall intensity ratings.