Music Ensemble Participation: Personality Traits and Music Experience

Abstract

The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to examine the relationship between personality type and ensemble choice and (2) to examine the differences in personality across age and music experience in young adults. Participants ( N = 137; 68 instrumentalists, 69 vocalists) completed a demographic survey and the Big Five Personality Inventory. Results of a multivariate analysis of covariance show significantly higher levels of Extroversion by vocalists compared to instrumentalists, F(135) = 5.71, p = .02, d = 0.44. However, mean personality scores by section show high levels of Extroversion in percussionists, similar to vocalists, suggesting that extroverted individuals may be more likely to choose percussion or voice as their primary instrument. These data have many implications for structuring curriculum, establishing learning environments, and facilitating teacher-student communications.