Effects of Rhythmic and Melodic Alterations on Rhythmic Perception

The purpose of this study was to examine effects of rhythmic and melodic alterations on rhythmic perception. A 30-item Rhythmic Dissimilarities Evaluation was administered to undergraduate and graduate music students. For each item, a standard rhythmic pattern was paired with itself and with nine rhythmic alterations. Each rhythmic pattern was treated with three melodic alterations including monotony, M-shaped melody, and V-shaped melody. Results of the study demonstrated that various rhythmic alterations affect perception of rhythmic dissimilarity; that melody alters perception of rhythmic dissimilarity; that the simultaneous presentation of melody and rhythm may result in reduced attention to absolute rhythmic structures in music; and that a possible relationship exists between rhythmic alterations and the degree of perceived dissimilarity.