Muzak

The term Muzak refers to programmed music. Programmed music deliberately reaches the ears of millions of people throughout the world. The largest companies in the world use Muzak. Muzak involves pre-recorded music for commercial, business and industrial purposes. It is also known as background music. One research found that by starting off with bland music and then gradually increasing to more stimulating music, this would evoke a positive psychological response in workers. This would enable them to work more efficiently. That arrangement of music would give them a sense of progression or feelings of moving forward.

Fascinatingly, the arrangement of music is determined by four factors, which include: tempo, rhythm, instrumentation and orchestra size. After taking these factors into consideration, Muzak comes up with a number called the “Stimulus Quotient” for each arrangement of music. For example, a waltz has a low stimulus number than rhythmic, fast-paced Latin music. Secondly, string instruments will have a less stimulus affect than percussion instruments. Thirdly, a big orchestra of 32 will have a higher “Stimulus Quotient” than a small orchestra of 10 or 12.

Corporations can pick and choose which sequences to play in order to evoke a specific response. Muzak in malls tend to promote consumer buying because it causes feelings of relaxation and comfort. In an article, “The Condition of Muzak”, the author Nick Groom describes Muzak as being an “illusion of music.” It evokes feelings of relaxation as if in a dream like state. According to Marshal McLuhan, “Muzak programs the environment.” It establishes city spaces, creates architecture and has “engineered cities of sound.” The idea of silence is incomprehensible, especially in industrial areas where Muzak is common or prevalent.

Works Cited:

Groom, Nick. “The Condition of Muzak.” Popular Music and Society 20:3 (1996): 1-17.

Macleod, Bruce. “Facing the Muzak.” Popular Music and Society 7:1 (1979): 18-31.