Age Group And Types Of Music

Music is known to be one of the most popular Arts in the world. A large number of people have grown up with it and majority of them are interested in learning an instrument as their hobby.

Music is written in notation form consisting of scales, pitch, elements and etc.

Now days, there are varieties of artist introduced around the globe every year. Each and every company/record has their own secrets in composing their songs.

All those songs come in huge quantities of different genre of music, but the most common ones we know would probably be hip-hop, rock, pop and jazz.

However, people have their own preferable genre that they’d like to listen to.

Music has become an important part of people’s daily life.

I have chosen this topic because myself, I am a musician and music is my passion. I have listened to all kinds of music and I have noticed that as I’m maturing, the style of music I listen to tend to change. Due to this reason, I became very curious and determined to observe / find out from people at different age group about the types of music they enjoy listening.

Predictably, teenagers are likely enticed to hip hop and rock music. On the other hand, elders can possibly be into softer or happy sort of music, for instant; jazz, blues, country, classical.

Anyhow, that was just my hypothesis.

The result will come to know after I have conducted surveys / interviews and all data is collected. The forecast can be proven wrong.

Methodology / Planning

In this project, I’ll carry out surveys and questionnaires with students, teachers and other people outside school to find out if ‘there is any correlation between age group and types of music they listen to.’

The information obtained can be different depending on people’s perspective. The research will be conducted in a way, where I will be interviewing 100 people from both male and female side. Afterwards, the result will be compared and present on graphs. For further calculation and sophisticated math method, I’ll be using box & whisker plot to determine the average answer of each questions and the Chi square test to find out if two factors are independent.

Sample questions to be asked:

The type of music different age group listen to

How many people tend to play instruments these days

When do people normally listen to music

Which technology do they use to listen to music

Which instrument do they like most

How often do they listen to music

And etc.

Moreover, people have different thoughts and feelings towards music. This data can be gathered as well.

Content

Introduction ——————————————————- 2

Methodology/Planning —————————————— 3

Questionnaire ————————————————— 5 – 6

Observation/Calculations ————————————– 7 – 18

Box and Whisker Plot ————————- 15

THE £2 TEST (chi square test) ————— 16 -18

Conclusion ——————————————————- 18 – 19

Acknowledgement ———————————————— 19

Bibliography ——————————————————— 19

Questionnaire

Name:

Age:

Sex:

What music genre do you listen to most?

Pop/Rock

Metal

Jazz/Blues/Country

Classical/Romantic/Acoustic

Hiphop/R&B

Techno/Electro

Do you play any musical instrument?

Yes

No

Which instrument do you prefer listening to?

Piano

Violin

Guitar

Drums

Woodwind (flute, trumpet, saxophone etc.)

Tabla

Sitar

Which (devices) technology do you use to listen to music?

Ipod/Itouch

Mp3 player

Mobile phone

Radio

CD player

Labtop

When do you normally listen to music?

Sad/Depressed

Happy/Hyper

Working

Nervous

Bored

How often do you listen to music?

Always

Most of the time

Sometimes

Rarely

What is your thought towards music?

Beautiful

Entertaining

Rubbish

Boring

Creative

Why do you listen to music?

Inspiration

Enjoyment

To fit in

Relaxation

Observations and Calculations

Q1.

10-15

16-20

21-28

29-35

36-Above

Pop/Rock

7

13

4

4

1

Metal

4

4

1

0

0

Jazz/Blues/Country

1

1

2

0

4

Classical/Romantic/Acoustic

1

1

2

5

10

Hiphop/R&B

2

12

6

2

1

Techno/Electro

4

4

2

3

0

As the graph shows that there are different preferences, among the different age groups. At 10-15 years of age, majority of people are into Pop/Rock because of the reason that this genre has a catchy melody with simple and understandable lyrics, which allows young teens to easily get in touch with the music. This type of music is typically known as guitar-based songs. At the age of 16-20, a large number of people still enjoy listening to Pop/rock.

However, the trend has changed over the past couple of years, where many teenagers are influenced and enticed to hip – hop and R&B. Many albums from various artists has released, producing unique kind of music, that can make people get on their feet and dance along. The music is created by using a program to innovate rhythm and beats, rather than using the instruments. The lyrics will require words rhyming and slangs, which you don’t see it often in other genre. This is why, it is ranked second. Eventually, hip-hop and R&B has become the most favorite types of music for the people between 21 – 28 years old.

As you get older, the style of music you listen to tend to change. Metal and Techno/Electro officially disappeared. Pop/Rock and Hip – hop is slowly fading on the graph. Elderly people mostly appreciate softer and happier sort of music such as romantic, jazz, blues and acoustic, where they will not be hearing unnecessary loud noises and the music is able to put them in the condition of relaxation.

Q2.

10-15

16-20

21-28

29-35

36-Above

Yes

12

19

6

3

6

No

7

16

11

11

10

These days, bands and musicians have produced great music that captures a lot of teen’s attention. This has persuaded and turned into a challenge to many teenagers, to learn an instrument and become like their idol and also to play/compose the music they like. This is why a huge quantity of people from 10 -20 years old is able to play an instrument.

Anyhow, there are very few people from age of 21 and above that has knowledge and ability to play an instrument. The reason being is that in the old time, to study an instrument means to chose their path and career as a musician, which was tough back then to become successful. So, not many people were interested to spend their money on any instrumental lessons just as a hobby.

Q3.

10-15

16-20

21-28

29-35

36-Above

Piano

3

10

5

4

6

Violin

1

3

2

1

3

Guitar

11

14

5

5

4

Drums

4

6

5

2

0

Woodwind

0

1

0

0

2

Tabla

0

0

0

2

1

Sitar

0

1

0

0

0

Within the age group of 10 – 20, the most common instrument that people likes listening to is guitar. Guitar comes in variety of shape and style, for instant, acoustic, classic, electric. They are able to fit in all genres, from soft music to hard rock. This is the blend that entertains people. Drums are another instrument that is heard in many songs. It is popular as a loud and noisy percussion but if you know how to play it properly, it is very essential in the band, as it is the instrument that keeps the beat in time.

According to the age group of 21 years and above, people desire to listen to more of classical instruments. Ranked in number one the graph, along side with guitar would be piano. Piano has become the most appealing instrument that produces an amazingly beautiful and peaceful sound. This is the preferable instrument for the elderly people, who enjoy pure music. Violins and woodwind instruments are also incredibly pleasing to hear for this age group.

Q4.

10-15

16-20

21-28

29-35

36-Above

Ipod/Itouch

15

18

7

1

1

Mp3 player

2

4

1

2

0

Mobile phone

1

5

7

2

2

Radio

0

2

0

4

3

CD player

1

0

0

4

9

Laptop

0

5

2

1

1

IPod/I-touch has been launched for several years and the feedbacks from customers were positive. IPod/I-touch comes in many different versions from classic, shuffle to nano and later on has developed to an I-touch, where you are capable of controlling it by touching the screen. The newest invention recently released is known as an I-Pad.

With their high quality products and standout design, IPod/I-touch is ranked as number one music player. People among the age group of 10 – 28 years consider it to be an uncomplicated and convenient device that they regularly use it to listen to music.

In the second position, it is recognized as the mobile phones. Currently mobile phones are not only used to call and message your friends or relatives, unfortunately it contains number of new functions, such as camera and music player. This made it favorable to people, where they will not have to spend their pocket money on a separate mp3 players or an IPod.

At the age group between 29 and above, people are not able to adapt to high-technology as they find it quite confusing to operate. So, their preference is the CD players, where they only have to purchase a music CD, and put it in the machine to let it run. Radio is another device that seems to be around with old generation people for many years.

Q5.

10-15

16-20

21-28

29-35

36-Above

Sad/Depressed

0

5

2

0

1

Happy/Hyper

9

11

5

5

8

Working

3

5

6

2

4

Nervous

0

0

1

0

0

Bored

7

14

3

7

3

The graph has shown that different age groups of people have similar choices and opinions of when they are likely to listen to music. A lot of them like listening to music, when they are happy or when they are free and bored.

The survey hasn’t portrayed the answer that elderly people only listens to music when they are free or lonely, which the predictions of people seems to head that way. It is stated that as long as they are in the mood of joyful they can be listening to music anytime, even when working.

Q6.

10-15

16-20

21-28

29-35

36-Above

Always

5

14

3

0

1

Most of the Time

8

18

6

1

6

Sometimes

5

3

8

12

6

Rarely

1

0

0

1

3

After the survey, I’ve found out that young teenagers from the age group of 10 – 20 tend to listen to music quite often due to the fact that they don’t have work overload and more free time. Presently, it has evolved into a fashion for them to keep update with new songs.

According to the answer of question two, teens that play a musical instrument will also listen to music most of the time, since they are attached to it.

On the other hand, starring at the age group of 21 and above, this is the age range that people will usually be busy with their work and prefer to rest and spend time with their family/friends. There is only a period of moment where they occasionally listen to music.

Q7.

10-15

16-20

21-28

29-35

36-Above

Beautiful

3

6

3

7

12

Entertaining

12

20

11

4

2

Rubbish

0

0

0

0

0

Boring

0

0

0

0

0

Creative

4

9

3

3

2

All the age group has their own particular positive thought towards music. However, I do think that age does affect in the way they interpreted the genre of music they listen to.

Young people from 10 to 28 years old find the types of music they listen to very entertaining and creative. Since their favorite genre is rock and hip – hop, the loud beats hits them and able get them moving. The creation of many instruments put together to produce one song it’s something very creative for time

On the other hand, the ways of people who are more mature have a different opinion about music. They find it very beautiful, the way music flow and the soft melody, running through the air to their ears. They view music this way is because the style they listen to is often soft and peaceful.

Q8.

10-15

16-20

21-28

29-35

36-Above

Inspiration

6

6

1

1

1

Enjoyment

12

17

9

5

6

To fit in

0

1

0

0

0

Relaxation

1

11

7

8

9

Among the age group between 10 – 20 years, a lot of them listen to music for enjoyment. The reason given is that, technically young people are more energetic. Their behavior and reaction appears to be more hyper when they hear any familiar and catchy sound. They feel more joyful and released from any issues in their head. Majority of them, loves to party and this is where music brings a lot of fun and new friends.

What so ever, there is a small group of young musicians that listens to music for inspiration. Music has inspired them and made the path for them to create their own music. They like to observe numerous artists and plenty styles of music for ideas to support their original innovation.

At the age group of 29 and above, these groups of people are more mature, where they rather listen to slow and gentle music for relaxation. This is to get rid of any stressed after work or any confidential problems and loosen themselves in a comfortable position. Fortunately, it brought back good memories they have had as well as refreshing their mind.

Box and Whisker Plot

11, 11, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 14, 15, 15, 15, 15, 15, 15, 15, 16, 16, 16, 17, 17, 17 ,17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 17, 18, 18, 18, 18, 18, 18, 18, 18, 18, 18, 18, 19, 19, 19, 20, 21, 21, 21, 21, 21, 21, 21, 22, 22, 22, 23, 23, 24, 24, 25, 28, 29, 29, 29, 29, 30, 30, 30, 30, 33, 34, 34, 35, 35, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 40, 40, 41, 41, 45, 45, 45, 45, 48, 48, 49, 49

Minimum Values: 11

Lower Quartile: (17 + 17) ÷ 2 = 17

Median: 18

Upper Quartile: (30 + 30) ÷ 2 = 30

Maximum Value: 49

Range: 49 – 11 = 38

Inter Quartile range: 30 – 17 = 13

Mode: 17

Mean: After adding up all the numbers ƒ  2370 ÷ 101 = 23.465 (3 d.p)

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2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50

THE £2 TEST (chi square test)

10-15

16-20

21-28

29-35

36-Above

Pop/Rock

7

13

4

4

1

Metal

4

4

1

0

0

Jazz/Blues/Country

1

1

2

0

4

Classical/Romantic/Acoustic

1

1

2

5

10

Hiphop/R&B

2

12

6

2

1

Techno/Electro

4

4

2

3

0

Ho is age group and types of music they listen are independent.

H1 is age group and types of music they listen to are dependent.

Degree of Freedom (df) = (r – 1) (c – 1) ƒ  (3 – 1) (3-1) = 2 x 2 = 4

Significance Level = 5% ƒ  9.49

If £2 > 9.49, we reject Ho

If £2 < 9.49, we accept Ho

10-15

16-20

21 and above

Sum

Pop / Rock

7

13

9

29

Metal / Jazz / Blues / Country

5

5

7

17

Classical / Romantic / Acoustic / Hip-hop / R&B / Techno / Electro

7

17

31

55

Sum

19

35

47

101

Observed Frequency table:

Expected Frequency table:

10-15

16-20

21 and above

Sum

Pop / Rock

5.5

10.0

13.5

29

Metal / Jazz / Blues / Country

3.2

5.9

7.9

17

Classical / Romantic / Acoustic / Hip-hop / R&B / Techno / Electro

10.3

19.1

25.6

55

Sum

19

35

47

101

(19 x 29) ÷ 101 = 5.5 (19 x 17) ÷ 101 = 3.2 (19 x 55) ÷ 101 = 10.3

(35 x 29) ÷ 101 = 10.0 (35 x 17) ÷ 101 = 5.9 (35 x 55) ÷ 101 = 19.1

(47 x 29) ÷ 101 = 13.5 (47 x 17) ÷ 101 = 7.9 (47 x 55) ÷ 101 = 25.6

The £2 Calculation:

fo

fe

fo – fe

(fo – fe) 2

(fo – fe) 2 ÷ fe

7

5.5

1.5

2.25

0.41

13

10.0

3

9

0.9

9

13.5

– 4.5

20.25

1.5

5

3.2

1.8

3.24

1.01

5

5.9

– 0.9

0.81

0.14

7

7.9

– 0.9

0.81

0.10

7

10.3

– 3.3

10.39

10.01

17

19.1

– 2.1

4.41

0.23

31

25.6

5.4

29.16

1.14

Total

15.44

œ£2 = 15.44

15.44 > 9.49

As £2 > 9.49, we reject Ho. So, the variables are not independent.

(Age group and types of music they listen to is dependent)

Conclusion

I have come to the conclusion that people at different age group do have different views towards music.

For teenagers, they prefer listening to pop/rock and hip-hop/R&B style of music, which they find it very entertaining. A great amount of them do have a talent of playing a musical instrument and they all have the same taste of instrument that they like listening to, which is the guitar.

As you know, teens now days are update with the trend of fashion and technology, so their commonly used device is an IPod/Itouch. With this convenient device they are able to listen to music most of the times and usually when they are happy and hyper, just for their enjoyment.

For elderly people, they are attracted to the genre of classical, romantic and acoustic, where they find the sound of it very beautiful and pleasing. However, not many of them play a musical instrument according to my survey, but they all love the melody of piano.

People at this age are still adapted to using a simplistic technology such as CD player and the old generation radio, when listening to music. With work overload and not enough free time, they are usually in a stressful condition, which is the exact reason why they listen to music for relaxation.

Acknowledgement

Shahnaz Butt – Mathematical Studies Teacher