Links Between Musicality and Vocal Emotion Perception

Christine Nussbaum,Stefan R. Schweinberger

doi:10.1177/17540739211022803

Christine Nussbaum, Stefan R. Schweinberger

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/17540739211022803

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Journal: Emotion Review	Publication Date: Jul 1, 2021
Citations: 13	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Friedrich Schiller University Jena

Abstract

Links between musicality and vocal emotion perception skills have only recently emerged as a focus of study. Here we review current evidence for or against such links. Based on a systematic literature search, we identified 33 studies that addressed either (a) vocal emotion perception in musicians and nonmusicians, (b) vocal emotion perception in individuals with congenital amusia, (c) the role of individual differences (e.g., musical interests, psychoacoustic abilities), or (d) effects of musical training interventions on both the normal hearing population and cochlear implant users. Overall, the evidence supports a link between musicality and vocal emotion perception abilities. We discuss potential factors moderating the link between emotions and music, and possible directions for future research.

Highlights

Human social communication depends on the exchange and mutual representation of multiple social signals
The present review reveals that superior pitch processing capacities in people with high levels of musicality are tightly associated with vocal emotion perception
We systematically identified and discussed the current state of research on the link between musicality and vocal emotion perception

Summary

Introduction

Human social communication depends on the exchange and mutual representation of multiple social signals. While humans perceive emotions efficiently and often automatically, interindividual differences in vocal emotion perception skills have recently become a focus of scientific attention (Mill et al, 2009; Schirmer et al, 2005). Voices and music are both prominent means of auditory communication of emotions. Differences in vocal emotion perception skills could be associated with different levels of musicality. There is huge variation in terms of musical aptitude and musical training. We integrate the currently available research that assessed possible links between musicality—defined as sensitivity and/or talent regarding music in terms of both aptitude and training effects—and vocal emotion perception

Results

Discussion

Conclusion