Musical tempo and waiting perceptions

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Digital technology was used to isolate musical tempo from other musical variables, and experimental results in an undergraduate registration queue context confirmed the existence of a significant, positive relationship between background musical tempo variation and temporal perception (perceived minus actual wait duration). Findings also revealed how slow‐tempo music produced significantly enhanced affective response (satisfaction, positive disconfirmation of expectations, and relaxation) compared to fast‐tempo music. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</jats:p>