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Personality traits and musical preferences

By John Hockenberry, Adaora Udoji

Monday, September 8 2008

A recent study suggests that the kind of music we prefer may have less to do with taste ( or lack thereof) and more to do with our personalities. For example, being a fan of opera could indicate that you are a gentle soul, with high self esteem and a creative bent. Other genres have other implications, as Professor North has researched.

Adrian North, Professor of Applied Psychology at at Heriot Watt University. North spoke to us from Edinburgh, Scotland.
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I'm liking someone I discovered online... Sasha Dobson right now. Her music is a very soft samba inspired vocal jazz. I think a lot of my taste parrallells this-- fairly minimal music that has a lot that is very subtle going on but also some improvisation. Patricia Barber is a huge favorite. Curiously, so is Kraftwerk. I can imagine that musical taste is a function of personality. I like very simple but nonetheless sublte food. Really great french bread with fresh cream butter is a favorite. Serve the paella to someone else.

Posted by Eric, 9:26 a.m. Monday, September 8 2008 Permalink

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No single song defines my personality but I think my entire playlist may. Each song on there corresponds to a mood I identify with - and there are very many genres involved.

Posted by Libby, 11:50 a.m. Monday, September 8 2008 Permalink

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I agree, your personal playlist can say a lot about you. I have thought about what my theme song would be, but it is difficult to pick one. Depends on the time in your life, your mood, etc.

Posted by Jason, 8:39 p.m. Monday, September 8 2008 Permalink

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Not sure exactly what my playlist would say about me, but I'm pretty sure it could be found on Streisand's earliest and best (forgive the term, you young 'uns) "albums".

Posted by Evelyn C., 1:50 a.m. Tuesday, September 9 2008 Permalink

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go metal fans

Posted by lilit, 11:51 p.m. Monday, December 1 2008 Permalink

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