The aim of this study was to evaluate emotional responses to musical excerpts from Western repertoire. Musicians and nonmusicians listened to each musical excerpt and linked it to emotional categories (Joy, Sadness, Serenity or Fear / Anger). The results indicated that each musical excerpt, in majority, was not associated to more than one emotional category, for both groups. In general, associations were similar between groups, although the responses of musicians have been more consistent. These results suggest a cognitive processing of emotional responses to music related to the cognitive structure of the event, to individual differences and to musical expertise.
Musical emotions; Music perception; Musical expertise