Abstract

Music consumption has been transformed by technological changes during the last three decades; the introduction of streaming technologies and the expansion of the global music market have changed the way people in various countries engage with music in daily life. Previous research on music consumption points to the uses and gratifications often sought by audiences, as well as the motives that drive their consumption habits. While most studies have centered on audiences from the developing world, this study focuses particularly on music consumption in the Dominican Republic. The data was collected through an online survey that inquired about the platforms used by people in the Dominican Republic to consume music, the gratifications sought when engaging with various music genres, and the motivations behind their choice of streaming services. Findings show that people in the Dominican Republic rely mainly on free streaming services such as Spotify when consuming music, and tend to listen to music in specific locations (such as their cars) and at particular times during the day (such as mornings and evenings). The study found a significant correlation between an engagement with particular genres and specific gratifications (such as listening to soft music as a form of therapy and mood management). The main gratifications identified in relationship to music consumption were pleasure, relaxation, and diversion.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Music trade--Dominican Republic; Consumers--Dominican Republic--Psychology; Consumer behavior--Dominican Republic; Motivation (Psychology)

Publication Date

5-10-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Communication and Media Technologies (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Communication (CLA)

Advisor

Claudia Bucciferro

Advisor/Committee Member

Tracy Worrell

Advisor/Committee Member

Andrea Hickerson

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

COMMTCH-MS

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