Autobiographical memory is believed to aid in the development of the self, social bonding, and in motivating behavior (Bluck, 2003; Pillemer, 2003). Long-term memories are reported most often from formative periods of one’s life. Because music is a pervasive part of most individuals’ lives (Sloboda & O’Neill, 2001) and has been connected to peak emotional experiences (Gabrielson, 2001), it is interesting to ask if memory for musical experience is similar to other autobiographical memories and whether it differs as a function of musical expertise.

Our study examines memory for musical experiences among adults associated with a symphony orchestra either professionally, as an amateur member of a civic orchestra, or as a member of the audience in order to explore the content and function of autobiographical memories.

To date we have tested twenty full-time symphony musicians, sixteen adult members of a civic orchestra, and fifty-eight adult members of a concert audience. We are currently testing undergraduates. Each of these individuals wrote short descriptions of three types of musical experiences- a first or early experience, a very strong or memorable experience, and a meaningful experience associated with practicing an instrument. Audience members skipped this last section if they had never played an instrument. After writing their descriptions, each participant was asked how old they were at the time of the remembered event and a series of questions about their emotional/motivational responses, about the social context, and whether this was a memory that they either reflected on themselves or sometimes shared with others. All participants were asked to indicate the age at which they first studied a musical instrument and what instruments they had played.

Our initial results indicate that memories for early and for strong musical experiences differ for adults who choose musical performance as a career or an avocation from adults who continue to enjoy orchestral music but no longer perform. These findings are consistent with Pillemer’s (2003) claim that autobiographical memory serves a directive, motivational function.