Many people like eating out, and many also enjoy going to live music events. However, not many think about doing both at the same time. Research suggests that more people should, as listening to music can make dining out a better experience.

Could music be the key to feeling healthier, happier and improving your relationship with food?

In a local restaurant / cafe, the live music and food experience creates a unique culinary event where customers savor freshly prepared meals while simultaneously enjoying live performances by musicians. This fusion results in a multisensory dining experience that heightens the overall enjoyment of both the food and entertainment.

LIVE MUSIC AND HEALTH

Even on its own, music can have significant positive effects on people's health and overall happiness. Attending live music events or places that have live music regularly can enhance both emotional and physical well-being, and it can also boost social life by providing ample opportunities to make new friends.

CREATING DESIRED ATMOSPHERE

Consider the restaurants you love and think about why you enjoy them. Is it just the food, or does the ambiance and staff play a role too? Chances are, if a place makes you feel uneasy, you probably won't go back, no matter how tasty the food or drinks are.

Feeling uncomfortable triggers a stress response, putting your body in fight or flight mode. Even if the food is delicious, you likely won't enjoy it if your mind is preoccupied with discomfort.

On the flip side, a positive social atmosphere can boost your mood. Engaging in friendly interactions, laughter, and enjoying live music all contribute to an atmosphere that enhances overall enjoyment.

A study found that music eliciting a positive emotional response, like giving you chills, causes your brain to release dopamine—the happiness chemical. This neurotransmitter is also released when you feel connected to others. Combine good food, live music, and a gathering of friends or family, and you create a delightful atmosphere filled with happy hormones.

Music can also affect the behavior of restaurant patrons. Slow, calming music has been shown to decrease stress levels and promote relaxation, leading to a more enjoyable dining experience. On the other hand, loud and fast-paced music can increase stress levels and lead to a more rushed dining experience. Additionally, the volume of music can impact the length of time customers stay in the restaurant. Lower volumes tend to encourage customers to linger, while louder volumes can lead to a quicker turnaround.

By understanding the psychology of music in restaurants, restaurant owners and managers can use music strategically to create a desired atmosphere. For example, a fine dining establishment may opt for classical music to create a more sophisticated atmosphere, while a casual restaurant may choose pop music to create a more relaxed and fun environment. Music can also be used to guide the dining experience. For example, slow and calming music during the appetizer course can create a more relaxed atmosphere, while faster music during the main course can encourage customers to eat at a quicker pace.

PAIRING MUSIC WITH FOOD

While a restaurant's main focus is providing good food, live music can add an extra layer of enjoyment. The spotlight, however, should always be on the quality of the food. Nevertheless, research shows that the type of music you listen to can impact how your food tastes. For instance, high-frequency sounds can enhance sweetness, while low-frequency sounds can bring out bitterness. This emphasizes the importance of restaurants carefully selecting their live music to enhance the overall dining experience and make it more enjoyable for patrons.

Numerous studies have shown that music can influence our appetite and food preferences. The tempo and volume of music can have a significant impact on how much we eat and how quickly we eat it. For example, fast-paced music can increase the speed of eating, while slower music can have the opposite effect.

Additionally, the genre of music can also play a role in food preferences. Classical music has been shown to increase the enjoyment of wine, while pop music has been linked to an increased preference for sweet foods.