In terms of hearing, do we prefer what we already know ?

Preferences for music are due to different music features like tempo, mode or arousal. It can also come from internal criteria like music that has been played during childhood or the aesthetic pleasure. Repeating the music can also lead to preference for this music. Origin of preferences seems hard to find. The aim of this study was to see if childhood musical experiences affect adulthood preferences. We used the lullaby “Brother John” and created three audios that has the same music features as it. We made four groups that listened to four sequences containing the four audios in different presentation orders. Results showed a higher percentage of « Brother John» choice in the first listening. This choice decreased after. This study helps to better understand how musical experiences during childhood could affect adulthood preferences and open a way of investigation about the impact of musical experiences during critical attachment phases.