A MENTAL MODEL OF MUSIC FAMILIARITY AND MUSIC PREFERENCE FOR MUSIC THERAPY PRACTICE

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review the researcher’s initial mental model of music familiarity and preference in music therapy and propose a revised mental model for the use of preferred and familiar music based on psychological and neurological constructs of music preference and familiarity. In order to collect exiting theories of related topics, the researcher identified several key words and then conducted searches in database and reference lists. Based on the psychological and neurological constructs of familiarity and preference, the researcher operationally defined familiar music and preferred music in music therapy context, explained the relationship between familiar and preferred music, and presented a revised mental model. Suggestions for music therapy education and research were made based on these findings.