The psychophysics of melodic interval: Definitions, techniques, theory and problems

Abstract

The phenomenon of melodic interval is described, is distinguished from pitch, and is associated with its physical correlate log frequency ratio. Techniques for measuring performance in tasks of perception of intervals and scales are examined, and a calibrated musical instrument, a melometer, is described. Methods of computation for the results of psychophysical experiments are provided. After a comparison of speech perception and melody perception, bringing out suggestive analogies, some problems for research are outlined. These include the degree and incidence of melody deafness (colloquially tone deafness), the development of melody perception in children and musicians, and inter-cultural comparisons of perceptual ability for intervals. The work introduced here was prompted by observations of persons who can not sing, hum or whistle the simplest or most familiar melody “in tune.” Cases where this is due to poor vocal control are of no interest in the present context. The relevant cases are those in which the deficiency is perceptual. Though there are colloquial expressions for the condition, such as “tone deafness,” “He can not carry a tune,” and “He has a tin ear,” there has been up to now no satisfactory technical term. The name “melody deafness” is used here.