Does the liking of some types of music come from a genetic trait or is it just something that cannot be explained?

[Jd47]

Is it generic?

[MarkRae]

There are only two types of music - music you like and music you don't.

And it's different for everybody.

[kia cat]

A lot of it must come from what you heard in early years. My folks were fans of the musicals, so I like them. Our Grandma [who lived with us] was very religious so there's a lot of hymns I love too [there's some I hate, as well]. My brother is four years older, so I like some of his stuff. Then when I hit my mid-teens I started to form my own opinions - some because of what I listened to and some in spite of what I heard!
So I reckon we all like different stuff, like fashion, works of art or the beauty of a partner. That way our world is diverse plus we're not all scrambling over each other to get the same stuff.

[MarkRae]

What you have described, though is "nurture", not "nature" - Google it...

[Khandro]

"Is it generic?" What, exactly do you mean?

[woofgang]

ermm Khandro, the OP said "genetic"

[erin-x]

Definitely nurture as opposed to nature. Most of the music I like has stemmed from what my parents have always played. It depends on what you are used to hearing. My Dad has an eclectic taste in music and that is something I feel I have gotten from him, not in a genetic sense though. I suppose certain music/songs will have different effects on the brain but most of this would come from memories of other, similar songs you have heard before, if you know what I mean.

[gen2]

Woofgang, The OP DID say geneRic in the question (the black bit) although geneTic did appear in the title (the red bit).

[Zhukov]

well,we like both kinds of music...Country & Western! ;0)

[erin-x]

Country music is probably the only genre that I hate listening to... simply because my Dad didn't like it so I never really heard it. Nurture again!

[missprim]

The liking of music comes from different influences.
My Mum listened to all types of music and I grew up liking most of them.
Then rock'n'roll came about and I loved that.Mum didn't take to that until Elvis recorded the Hawaiin songs then she took me to the pictures to watch Blue Hawwaii then he could do no wrong.
As my children grew up they listened to my music until they discovered more modern stuff, and now I'm catching up with the music of today, but not All of it.

[Khandro]

I believe there has never been a society like ours (what we might call "western society") that has had such a diversity of types of music, particularly during the 20th century. The main factor for this has been the enormous mixture of cultures gathered within the United States. I don't think genetics would play a part in what type an individual likes, in previous, more fixed societies I think you would inherit a liking for some kind of music because it would be almost all you ever would hear and be familiar with.

[heathfield]

It's said that there are certain sequences of musical notes that appeal to almost everyone. Composers realised this, and that's why you'll find similarities in the first few notes of the title music of many films, such as 'Star Wars', 'Born Free', and even in the Coke ad where they sing 'It's the Real Thing'. Also found in lots of the music of India. Seems it could well be genetic.

[wildwood]

My father loved opera and I hate it. My kids like boot thumping music(?) and I think it is stupid.

My mother was a good piano player. My sister was a good singer and string instrument player. I can't play one instrument and when I try to sing, my missus goes to the neighbours for a cuppa.

The genetic trait does seem to occur in famous entertainers..... but in fairness, I have heard many pub entertainers that are every bit as good as famous ones, they just don't know anyone in the show business.

As you can see, my comment is absolutely useless to you. I just wanted to add some balance.

[samuel23]

My grandparents loved country and western and I detest (most) of it, my parents played a lot of 50s rock n roll and 60s ballads some of which I like and some of which I find too twee. They also like 70s glam rock and Abba type music. Me? I like Dylan, the Stones, Neil Young and punk ~ there is no accounting for musical taste. If you like it you like it. My sister likes jazz and my brother likes heavy metal. There was free reign in our house to play whatever and sooner or later you decide what fits you. Also mood, circumstance and repetition all play a part in what you will like and dislike.