The relationship between musical training and musical empathizing and systemizing traits

Although individual differences in engagement with and response to music are well documented, little is known about variations in musical empathizing and systemizing (E-S) traits and their relation to musical sophistication, including musical training. The current study examines the relationship between musical and general (non-musical) E-S traits and how musical sophistication and specific aspects of musical training are related to musical E-S traits. A total of 81 respondents reported on their level of musical sophistication and training (e.g., musical abilities, formal training, and engagement in musical activities) and endorsement of musical and general E-S traits. Participants were asked to complete the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index (musical sophistication and training), the Empathizing and Systemizing quotients (general, non-musical E-S traits), and the Musical Empathizing and Systemizing inventory (musical E-S traits). Results suggest that general E-S traits are related to musical E-S traits and that musical sophistication, including but not limited to formal training, is positively associated with musical E-S traits. Furthermore, greater music training, as measured by the number of instruments played and years of formal instrumental and theory training, is related to greater endorsement of E-S traits. This study provides grounds for assessing the link between musical sophistication and training and musical E-S traits within clinical populations that have atypicalities in empathizing (e.g., autism spectrum disorder).