Ever wondered why most people are drawn to certain kinds of music, but absolutely can’t stand other types?
We all have that one friend who sticks fiercely to their favorite taste of music. From devout metal-heads to emo fans, to pop idol wannabes, it may seem like these opinions are purely based on whim. But a closer peek into the logic behind these attitudes can reveal hidden truths.
Our Emotions
It turns out (not surprisingly) that the experiences during our youth heavily impacts our selection of music. While we enter our teenage years where hormones begin to rampage, our minds give meaning to the songs we listen to by infusing them with our emotions.
Our Experiences
As we progress through adolescence, we begin to observe the wide world around us and process this new information for ourselves. Because no two lives are ever exactly identical, our experiences elicit different beliefs and perspectives from each of us.
We then grow attached to songs that correspond with our unique memories and outlook on life. For some of us, the sudden adrenaline rush of discovering the world around us may drive us to pursue a wilder style of music, while others who face more adversity or have a negative image of their surroundings may lean towards melancholic genres.
Research suggests that when we hit the age of 20, our opinions regarding music (and life in general) have fully formed and crystallized. Rarely do individuals change their minds regarding their tastes in music after this stage of life.
Crystallized Bias
At the end of our growing years, our preferences finally take their matured shape. Research suggests that when we hit the age of 20, our opinions regarding music (and life in general) have fully formed and crystallized. Rarely do individuals change their minds regarding their tastes in music after this stage of life. Perhaps this is why so many members of older generations insist that the music they loved in their youth is unparalleled compared to the tunes of today.
…realizing what lies behind our predispositions can help us understand how others can delight in musical genres we couldn’t even fathom of enjoying.
Finding Value in All of Music
All in all, our appetites for music are still largely subjective, but realizing what lies behind our predispositions can help us understand how others can delight in musical genres we couldn’t even fathom of enjoying. After all, music is a joy for everyone to share.
At Believer Music, you’ll never learn alone. Join us and learn alongside other growing individuals with a passion for song and laughter, gaining new perspectives as we train and empower you with this wonder called music.
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