Developmental changes in pitch discrimination ability during childhood

DOI Web Site
  • KITAMURA Yuzuki
    Graduate School of Education, Tokyo Gakugei University Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP)
  • KITA Yosuke
    Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP)
  • OKUMURA Yasuko
    Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP) University of Tokyo, Center for Research and Development on Transition from Secondary to Higher Education, Division for Admissions Follow-up Assessment
  • INAGAKI Masumi
    Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP)
  • OKUZUMI Hideyuki
    Faculty of Education, Tokyo Gakugei University
  • ISHIKAWA Yuji
    Faculty of Education, Tokyo Gakugei University

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 小児期における音高弁別能力の発達的変化
  • ショウニキ ニ オケル オンコウ ベンベツ ノウリョク ノ ハッタツテキ ヘンカ

Search this article

Abstract

Pitch discrimination is the ability to distinguish differences in pitch and it is important for playing musical instruments and listening to music. However, owing to the limited verbal abilities of young children, not much is known about developmental changes in pitch discrimination during childhood. Therefore, the present study examined pitch discrimination abilities in preschool and early elementary school children using non-verbal responses. It was found that an ability to recognize the same pitch improved among preschoolers (4-5 years) and kindergarteners (5-6 years), while high-low pitch discrimination improved between first- and second-graders. In addition, musical experience improved pitch discrimination performance, but only among second-graders. These results suggest that the development of pitch discrimination during childhood involves both gradual natural acquisition and continuous musical experiences.

Journal

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top