What do you think influences what kind of music a person likes?

Question

Other than just "trying to be cool," which some younger people will do. Do you think it has something to do with life experiences? General personality? Intelligence? Anything else?

Also, do you think musical compatibility can be linked to other kinds of compatibility, such as friendship or romance?

Answer 1

Several different things can make a person choose to like or dislike different kinds of music.

Scientifically speaking sound waves vibrate molecules thus creating sound by its movement. This can be seen as a sort of molecular massage. Some sounds can irratate our nerves and some can relax us. When it comes to music, or a rythm of sound it could depend on the mood of the person( i.e. how tense or relaxed). Other terms are based in a psychological expectation of likes and dislikes.

Some people just like what other people like and like the way those people are around that music. This also helps explain why different people react similarly around the same music(like metal creating mosh pits and not country music).

Music compatibility can be linked to other kinds of compatibility due to the inherent nature of that like or dislike. If your partner likes similar music it can be said that other physical vibrations not related to music can also make both people feel the same way. This would help each partner understand the others' perspective of irratation and happiness.

This could also be used negatively, like knowing what buttons to push to irratate someone.

So there is a psychological and physical reaction to music. I am sure there are people with a greater or lesser range of tolerance in music and sounds in general connecting to the way that it makes them feel. Find someone who has very close similarities in your range you just might meet someone who can understand you better.

Never forget to add your human element into the equation. There are allways misunderstandings in understanding human nature in general. Some people may like a kind of music because it makes them feel differently than yourself.

I would not look too much into relating music with relationships, though this knowledge may help you understand why and how. It is your decision to mak on what it means to you.

Answer 2

Interesting question.

Musical training is a big factor.  People who've had musical training, on average, will listen to different types of music than people who've had no musical training.  All the music majors I know listen to much different music than my non-music major friends.  Also, the type of musical training can influence the type of music one listens to.  For example, a vocalist and a violinist will likely listen to different styles of music, and when they do listen to the same piece, they will probably notice different things.

Also, personality can influence it too, I think.  For example, open-mindedness.  Open minded people are more likely to sample different varieties of music from around the world and from different time periods.  Closed-minded people are more likely to stick to certain genres or timeframes.  For example, take my sister and me.  I am more open minded than she is (I'm not trying to be arrogant or anything; it's just the way we turned out.  Our mom agrees.)  She likes to listen to songs that are currently popular, especially from emo bands.  I listen to some popular songs if they peak my interest but I really enjoy music from all around the world and from a wide timeframe.  She thinks it's really weird that I listen to music in languages I don't understand.

I think musical compatibility can be linked to friendship or romance, because of the underlying personality factors.  My boyfriend and I met because of shared musical interests.

Answer 3

I listen to almost everything (Alicia Keys to Weezer) Most of my musical influences come from my mother and my older brother. The rest were introduce to me by my friends  and self discovery. I don't think muscial taste has anything to do with making friends. In some cases you may be sitting in class talking to someone and you might discover thats u like a certain band. I just think its what you feel comfortable with.  

Answer 4

Hey !

I think what influences music taste is lyrical meaning or if the beat is catchy or even things like the person's mood.

I think if you listen to another person taste in music listen to more than 4 songs and you have simlar tates then yes i think it can link to

friendship or romance.

xx  

Answer 5

where they come from and who they hang around with, also what ethinicity they are.

Answer 6

I think it can come from life experiences (good and bad), family and friends, emotions and just your general interests.

Answer 7

I listen to anything that sounds good in my opinion.  My parents were both musically inclined so I guess that is something from life experience.  I do partially agree with music compatibility but it really does depend on who the person is.