What Does Your Music Say About You?

Jazz is played and listened to by all people - in harmony together. Pigmentation differences have no place...as in genuine democracy, only performance counts. -- Norman Granz, Verve Records

Being an audiophile, music fills my day. From the moment I awake, to the time I go to sleep, there is always a song in the background. In fact, those who call my personal cell phone are greeted with music instead of an ordinary ring. Music’s notes whisper gently in my ears, keeping me centered, as I engage in activities throughout the day.

Jazz, Classical and Rock are my top three. Hip Hop is my least favorite, and Country  … well, it just doesn’t do it for me. Being a New Orleanian, Jazz flows through me like blood in my veins. My childhood memories are filled with Sunday afternoons in Jackson Square, listening to Harry Connick, Sr. lead a jazz band, while I played with Harry, Jr. in the park.

Does growing up in New Orleans mean I'm predestined to like Jazz? Possibly. According to an article in the October 2008 issue of Psychology Today, artistic preferences have a strong genetic component. In fact, the research decodes tastes and analyses people based on their preference in music. The findings are as follows:

Rock music: you’re a social person, but easily stressed out or depressed.

Country music: you’re athletic, reliable and focused. You are friendly, cheerful and don’t get stressed out or depressed very often.

Pop: you’re friendly and social, but not verbally gifted.

Rap, Funk or Electronic/Dance: you’re energetic and social.

Hip-Hop or Soul: you’re upbeat and conventional.

Classical: you’re reflective and complex. People describe you as quiet and thoughtful and you have a gift for language.

Jazz: you’re outgoing, social and verbally gifted.

As I read the article, I smiled and thought of friends, their musical choices and the accuracy of the research. Genres aside, we can all say, "I've got the music in me."