There is an ongoing debate about whether people with higher intelligence tend to prefer classical music compared to other genres. Some studies have found a correlation between IQ and classical music preference, while others have found no link. Here we review the evidence and theories around this question.
What is the stereotype?
There is a widespread stereotype that classical music is intellectually superior and appeals more to smart people compared to pop, rock, jazz and other genres. The stereotype suggests that liking classical music is a sign of high intelligence and education, while disliking it shows a lack of sophistication.
This belief stems from the perception that classical music is complex, nuanced and requires deep concentration and understanding to appreciate. In contrast, other music genres are seen as simpler and more accessible. There is an elitist assumption that the masses prefer popular music because they lack the intellectual capacity for higher art.
What does research say about the link between IQ and music preference?
Several studies have investigated whether there is any truth to the stereotype that smarter people tend to like classical music. However, the research findings are mixed.
Some studies have found a modest correlation between IQ and classical music preference:
- A 2007 study tested the musical preferences and IQ scores of over 1000 Chilean university students. It found a small but statistically significant correlation between higher IQ and a preference for complex, highbrow music genres including classical, opera and big band jazz.
- A 2010 study tested the musical likes of 160 Croatian high school students along with their academic test scores. Students with higher GPAs tended to prefer sophisticated music styles like blues, jazz, classic and opera.
- A 2016 study by psychologist David Greenberg found a weak correlation between IQ and liking classical music in a group of over 3000 British 15-year-olds. The smartest kids tended to rate classical music positively.
However, other studies have found no link between musical tastes and intelligence:
- A 2015 study led by psychologist Stuart Fischoff found no association between the musical preferences and SAT scores of over 1000 US college students.
- A 2018 study tested the musical likes, personality traits and fluid intelligence of over 3000 volunteers. It found no correlation between intelligence and preference for different music genres.
- A 1999 study by Susan Hallam tested the musical preferences and academic ability of over 3600 British school children age 11-12. It found no significant relationship between higher grades and liking classical music.
Overall the research evidence for a link between classical music preference and intelligence is weak. The existing studies have found at most only a very modest correlation. Musical taste does not seem to be a reliable indicator of IQ or academic performance.
Why is the evidence mixed?
There are several reasons why the research on this question has produced mixed results:
- Measuring musical taste is complex – There are challenges in quantifying a subjective preference like musical tastes. Self-report surveys may not always capture people’s preferences accurately.
- Multiple factors influence taste – Musical taste depends on many factors including personality, family background, peer influences and exposure. Intelligence is just one potential factor among many.
- Taste can change over time – Musical preferences evolve over our lifetimes. A correlation at one age may disappear at another age as tastes mature.
- IQ tests have limitations – IQ tests do not measure all aspects of intelligence. So links between IQ and other factors like musical taste may be missed.
- Weak correlations – Any correlations found between IQ and classical music preference tend to be small. Bigger sample sizes are needed to prove weak links.
- Self-fulfilling prophecy – The stereotype itself that smarter people like classical music may influence some high-IQ people to report liking classical more.
For these reasons, it is difficult for research studies to conclusively prove or disprove a link between musical taste and intelligence. The mixed findings suggest intelligence is just one small factor among many others influencing music preferences.
Are fans of complex music smarter?
Some research indicates it’s not classical music per se that correlates with IQ – rather, it’s preference for structurally complex music regardless of genre. So people who enjoy complex styles of classical, jazz, rock, metal and other challenging music tend to have marginally higher intelligence.
Studies finding a weak link between IQ and classical music actually indicate a broader correlation between intellectual ability and liking complex, sophisticated music. It’s not specific to classical genres:
- The 2007 study in Chile found preferences for complex music across classical, rock, jazz and other genres correlated with IQ.
- The 2010 study in Croatia linked higher test scores to liking intellectually demanding music including blues, jazz and rock.
- A 2006 study found a preference for avant-garde music correlated positively with verbal intelligence.
This suggests people who enjoy the mental challenge of complex, information-dense music tend to be more intelligent on average across the population. But intense music can be found in many genres – an intelligently-constructed jazz song may be far more complex than a simple classical minuet.
Theories on why smarter people may like complex music
There are several theories proposed by psychologists on why more intelligent people might prefer complex musical styles:
- Cognitive complexity – Higher IQ individuals are more capable of processing complex, informationally dense music. Simpler music may understimulate them.
- Openness to experience – Highly open people tend to seek novelty, variety and mental stimulation, so may prefer complex music.
- Tolerance of unpredictability – Smarter people may be more tolerant of unpredictable music with frequent changes.
- Active listening style – More intelligent people tend to have active, analytical listening styles best suited to complex music.
However, these are just theories and the causal links are unclear. For example, does a preference for complex music improve intelligence or vice versa? Or is there another underlying factor explaining both?
Do experts believe the stereotype?
The stereotype linking higher intelligence with classical music fandom is prevalent in popular culture. But most academic experts reject this stereotype as an over-generalization not supported by strong evidence.
In a 2012 survey, over 80% of surveyed music psychologists disagreed with the view that classical music fans are more intelligent. A study in Psychology of Music analyzed decades of previous research and concluded there is no solid evidence for the intellectual superiority of classical music fans.
Cognitive scientist Steven Pinker wrote: “The idea that music is a product of higher civilization rather than a basic human instinct is easily refuted by, well, the facts.” All human societies across history have made music, including complex polyphonic singing by hunter-gatherers.
While a small correlation may exist between preference for complex music and IQ, experts advise this is just one minor factor among many shaping musical tastes. There is wide variation within classical music fans and within popular music fans in terms of intellect, knowledge, education level and cultural sophistication.
Does early music education increase intelligence?
Parents often hope that starting their children early in classical music training will boost their academic performance and IQ. Many believe musical study improves crucial brain areas involved in mathematics, memory, literacy and spatial reasoning.
However, studies find learning an instrument only leads to marginal improvements in non-musical cognitive abilities. Reviews of the evidence report:
- Most studies find only small, temporary effects of music lessons on IQ in children.
- Learning music may slightly improve specific skills like spatial-temporal reasoning but has little influence on general intelligence.
- Academic benefits only persist as long as the child actively keeps learning music.
So classical music lessons will not dramatically increase your child’s IQ or academic performance according to experts. Modest benefits will require continuous active practice for years.
Conclusion
In summary, decades of research has failed to find strong evidence that smarter people tend to like classical music more than other genres. The stereotype is not supported by compelling data.
A very modest correlation may exist between preference for structurally complex music and higher intelligence. But musical complexity can be found across all genres, it is not unique to classical compositions.
Multiple factors shape musical tastes including personality, family background, education level and peer group. Intelligence appears to be just one minor influencing variable with a small effect, not a major determining factor.
While learning an instrument may have slight benefits for children’s cognitive development, classical music training will not dramatically raise IQ or grades. Substantial effects require years of continuous practice.
So next time you come across someone blasting heavy metal or hip hop, don’t assume they have below-average intelligence. Musical taste remains a subjective personal choice that can’t reliably predict intellect.
