The Effects of Musical Genres on Emotion

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to establish a connection between a specific genre of music and the emotions they elicit in listeners. The study included seven genres, musical theater, African tribal, pop, jazz, Chinese folk, sitar, and classical. After listening to each piece participants were asked a series of questions including their emotions when listening to it, if they enjoyed it, and if they recognized it in hopes of answering the question “How do different genres of music affect people’s mood after listening?” The participants’ responses showed that in general, listening to music would elicit positive emotions no matter the genre. Additionally, pieces that elicited more powerful reactions from the listener correlated with how enjoyable the piece was. Overall, the results of this study highlight how individuals can potentially alter their mood by enjoying music from different genres and by being aware of the factors in music that go beyond just the genre.