Differences between scale steps and absolute interval sizes : a new test for intervallic awareness

Abstract

Musical scales can be described as either an organization of scale-step degrees or as a pattern of absolute interval sizes. Even though experimental data show that these two melodic features might have different perceptual implications, not every music education method or psychology experiment separately accounts for them. The present study undertakes an investigation of scale steps, absolute interval sizes, and their cognitive role on melodic perception. The development and partial validation of a new psychometric instrument are reported, and the results are discussed in regard to its experimental and educational implications