In 2008 a study was conducted by Professor Adrian North, of the Heriot-Watt University. 36,518 people from across the globe were asked the type of music they listen to, and the personality traits they would ascribe to themselves.
It was found the two genres that share the most personality traits amongst their listeners are classical music, and heavy metal.
Listeners of both genres were found to have strong self esteem, with creative tendencies, but not outgoing. I have noted in previous posts on this blog that I listen to both of these genres, to one extent or another, and I am intrigued to see that I fit the personality traits mentioned in the study.
Elsewhere in my research it was mentioned that both classical and metal listeners are often influenced to pick up an instrument suited to their genre and learn to play, rather than just listening. I play classical music on piano, and in the years where I listened to a lot of rock music, I played guitar, bass guitar and drums in several amateur bands.
Professor North has published a book titled "The Social and Applied Psychology of Music" which I intend to read as soon as I can lay my hands on a copy.
Sources:
Music tastes link to personality - press release (accessed 28th Oct 2012)
Down with the muzak - Heriot-Watt University (accessed 28th Oct 2012)
Heavy metal and classical music - potential cousins? (accessed 28th Oct 2012)
Music tastes link to personality - BBC News (accessed 28th Oct 2012)
Heavy metal and classical music fans find common ground - The Telegraph (accessed 28th Oct 2012)
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