Visual music : a study on the role of music in South African children's television programmes from 1976 − 1994

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is aimed at providing useful insights into the field of audiovisual perception and understanding in South African children's programmes, as well as demonstrating how the Congruence-Associationist framework can be of use when investigating these aspects. Music serves as an important element in children's television programmes, as it is often used to subconsciously stimulate the viewers' senses. The purpose of this study is to provide a more complete image of the role of music within the context of South African children's television programmes from 1976 − 1994, using ethnographic research with a focus on case studies. In the first part of the study, a base is formed for analysing music by addressing general roles of music in audiovisual context, as well as children's development of musical perception and a possible clarification of its origins. Its origins appear to be closely related to language and could explain why music fulfils such a significant role in a variety of interactive contexts. The Congruence-Associationist framework by Annabel Cohen is used as a suitable framework of analysis of music in children's television by adapting and expanding it into three sections: the observation phase, the interpretation phase and the results phase. In the second part of the study, case studies and scene analyses of six selected children's programmes are conducted, according to the three sections of the adapted framework of analysis. The findings indicate that music functions in multiple ways according to the focus of the programme, and that it fulfils an appealing and recognisable role in these programmes. It is argued that music serves to support the visuals on screen, influences the general interpretation of the viewer and ultimately provides understanding while facilitating learning. This information could be used in a variety of subjects, thus opening up endless possibilities for further research into the multiple roles of music.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University