The processing of melodic and temporal information: Independent or unifieddimensions?

Authors
Citation
Mg. Boltz, The processing of melodic and temporal information: Independent or unifieddimensions?, J NEW M RES, 28(1), 1999, pp. 67-79
Citations number
27
Categorie Soggetti
Performing Arts
Journal title
JOURNAL OF NEW MUSIC RESEARCH
ISSN journal
09298215 → ACNP
Volume
28
Issue
1
Year of publication
1999
Pages
67 - 79
Database
ISI
SICI code
0929-8215(199903)28:1<67:TPOMAT>2.0.ZU;2-K
Abstract
One issue of theoretical debate that often arises within the field of music cognition concerns the relationship between a melody's pitch and temporal information. Some argue these are encoded as independent dimensions within the cognitive system while others claim they are encoded in a unified fashi on. This issue is assessed here by reviewing the results of three studies t hat systematically manipulated subjects' selective attending to the tempora l and/or pitch properties of melodies and then examined the subsequent reme mbering of these structural dimensions. In general, the results indicate th at pitch and temporal information can be encoded either in an independent o r unified fashion but depends on the inherent structure of a melody as well as an individual's degree of learning experience. This in turn has implica tions for both the perception and remembering of melodies as well as durati on judgments of a melody's total time span.