The Human and Business Secrets Behind Music Preferences

In our last discussion, we touched on how music, listening environments, and emotional resonance all contribute to a brand's long-term auditory identity—what we call a sound VI system. Today, let’s go a step further and explore why brands like Starbucks, Uniqlo, and Muji adopt distinct musical styles—jazz, electronic, and ethnic music respectively.

But more importantly, we’ll address three key questions:

l Why do people have music preferences?

l How can music choices help us understand ourselves?

l How are these preferences used in real life and business?

What Drives Our Music Preferences?

From an anthropological viewpoint, people experience satisfaction when their lifestyles align with universal meanings and personal needs. Our creativity and sense of beauty shape how we express ourselves, and music is one of the most direct ways we do that.

So yes, those offhand comments like “Your music taste is trash” or “That artist is overrated” are rooted in something deeper—because music taste is tied to identity.

When people experience deep concentration or a trance-like state while listening to music, they often describe a sense of pure joy or clarity. In psychological terms, our consciousness shifts across three states: waking, sleeping, and trance. Music allows us to safely access that third state.

That’s what makes music so unique—it provides both function and pleasure.

Unlike substances that carry risks, music lets people feel euphoric or high without danger. So if someone’s chasing a thrill, share this with them: why not turn to classical sheet music instead of harmful alternatives?

Imagine a boy picking a song like AC/DC’s Highway to Hell to play during a love confession. That choice says a lot—it adds humor, vulnerability, and intention all in one.

We often pursue music not just for its sound, but for the beauty it adds to life. Especially in our over-industrialized world, people crave artistic expression as a form of self-cultivation. For many, music is their entire experience of auditory aesthetics.

The Three Key Influences Behind Music Preferences

Let’s focus on genre-based preferences (rather than specific instruments). These preferences are shaped by three interconnected variables:

1. The Listener

2. The Music

3. The Environment

1. The Listener

North and Hargreaves’ 2008 review found that teenage boys often favor aggressive genres like rap or metal.

Age plays a big role in preference patterns:

l Babies respond to lullabies

l Children enjoy nursery rhymes

l Teens lean toward rap or rock

l Adults may turn to classical sheet music or jazz

Musical training also has an effect—those who study music are generally more open to complex forms. For example, someone engaged in piano online lessons may grow to prefer compositions with intricate rhythms or expressive piano notes.

So when a business sets up a music environment, it should consider its target audience’s age and musical background to create a harmonious setting.

2. The Music Itself

Berlyne’s “Arousal Potential” theory describes an inverted U-curve: people prefer music of moderate complexity and familiarity. Music that’s too simple or too complex doesn’t hold appeal—explaining why few enjoy overly abstract compositions or formulaic pop songs.

Martindale’s “Prototype Theory” adds that listeners tend to like music that matches their idea of a genre’s typical sound. A fan of classical sheet music is more likely to enjoy Mozart than Schoenberg, just as a metalhead might prefer Metallica over Anthrax.

This prototype-based listening means we each form clear internal “standards” for the music we like. That’s why forcing a Beyoncé fan to listen to experimental Chinese rock might cause more confusion than appreciation!

3. The Environment

Context matters. A teenager might blast pop music with friends but switch to easy sheet music or piano notes when practicing alone.

This is because people adapt their music to fit social roles and public situations. Whether it's background music in a café or a performance in a concert hall, the environment shapes what feels appropriate.

So when brands like Starbucks use jazz, or Muji opts for ethnic instrumentals, they’re not just picking music—they're shaping customer perception and comfort.

Final Thoughts

Our love for music isn’t just personal—it’s psychological, cultural, and social. Whether we’re listening to classical sheet music, learning through piano online lessons, or practicing with easy sheet music, we’re also expressing who we are.

Music creates a sense of comfort and identity. And those two emotions—feeling understood and at ease—are the foundation of good living, meaningful work, and effective branding.

FAQs

Q1: How can I use music preferences to improve my piano practice?
A: Choose pieces from genres you already enjoy. Starting with easy sheet music in your favorite style builds emotional connection and motivation during piano online lessons.

Q2: Why do I sometimes cry when hearing certain classical pieces?
A: Emotional reactions to classical sheet music are often triggered by the brain’s connection between music and memory. These pieces may access deeper emotional layers or induce trance-like states.

Q3: Can my music preferences change over time?
A: Absolutely. As you gain more experience, especially through piano online lessons or learning piano notes, your taste often expands to appreciate more complex or unfamiliar genres.