On the contributions of music to media productions

Does the use of musical accompaniment in instructional media heighten enjoyment, enhance motivation, or increase learning? After tracing music’s role in the development of motion pictures, this article discusses ways instructional message designers can increase the effectiveness of their productions through music. Studies reviewed in this article reveal that musical variables such as tempo, modality, rhythm, and harmony play an important part in determining the affective or emotional response of message receivers. If instructional media producers gain a more thorough understanding of the impact different variables have on audiences, they will be able to select appropriate music to help convey their message. Suggestions are made for future research.

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