Cooking is often described as both an art and a science. It involves technique, timing, and creativity. But one variable that's often overlooked in the home kitchen is sound. More specifically, music.
We know music plays a role in restaurants, but what about during food preparation? Can music shape the way we cook? According to Oxford professor Charles Spence, the answer is yes. His 2015 paper Music from the Kitchen, published in Flavour, explores how music affects not only how we eat but also how we cook.
How Music Influences Cooking Behavior
Music Supports Coordination and Rhythm in the Kitchen
In his review, Spence outlines how auditory cues interact with motor coordination. Many cooks, both professional and at home, find themselves syncing to the tempo of background music without even realizing it. A steady rhythm can promote consistent chopping, stirring, and pacing. It functions similarly to how runners match their stride to a playlist.
Spence quotes chef Zakary Pelaccio, who described the natural rhythm of cooking this way: “Good cooks all have a natural groove. You can hear it in the way they chop.” Spence supports this observation by noting that rhythm-driven tasks in the kitchen benefit from consistent audio patterns. The right background music can help the cooking process feel less mechanical and more fluid.
Music Lowers Stress, Which Can Improve Focus and Creativity
Cooks often deal with pressure. Multiple pans, tight timing, and the need for constant multitasking are standard. Spence points to interviews he compiled with chefs who reported that music helped reduce anxiety in these situations. A quieter mental state allows for more thoughtful execution and creative flexibility.
One line cook in Spence’s review put it simply: “When it gets too hectic and overwhelming, I just turn on a tune. And I focus.” The idea isn’t that music removes distractions. It helps organize them. For home cooks, this results in better timing, fewer errors, and a more relaxed experience.
Sound May Subtly Influence How Food Tastes
This one might surprise you. The music you listen to while cooking could affect how your food tastes. Spence highlights a phenomenon called crossmodal correspondence, the way our senses interact and influence each other. For example, a song deemed “sweet” by the listener may enhance the overall sweetness of the dish, while a “sour” song may emphasize the bitterness of the meal.
While this effect is more noticeable during eating, Spence suggests it could also influence how we season and plate food during preparation. You may not realize it, but the song you're listening to might lead you to reach for more salt, spice, or lemon.
Music Can Improve Team Dynamics in the Kitchen
In group cooking environments, music can act as a cue for coordination. A shared rhythm helps teams keep pace and maintain consistency. Not every professional kitchen uses this approach. Some chefs have fully banned music in their kitchen, preferring full concentration. But Spence notes that many younger chefs now prefer a more dynamic environment. They see music as a tool that supports energy and morale rather than something that distracts from it.
Best Practices for Cooking with Music
- Use music with a steady rhythm.
It reinforces timing and coordination throughout the prep process. - Choose music that supports the mood you want.
Mellow tracks help with longer recipes. Upbeat songs help with quick meals or time-sensitive tasks. - Keep volume moderate.
You still need to hear your timer, stove, and anyone else in the kitchen. - Experiment with genre and mood.
Try pairing different styles of music with different dishes. Spence’s findings suggest that certain sounds may even shape how you season.
The Role of Audio Quality in the Kitchen
Not all sound helps. Poor audio quality can create fatigue or irritation, especially in busy kitchens where metal, water, and ambient noise are already present. Clarity matters.
Audioengine Home Music Systems are designed to handle real-world conditions like these. Their compact, high-fidelity designs provide detailed sound without overwhelming the room. Whether you’re listening to music or a recipe walkthrough, a high-quality system makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Conclusion: Sound Isn’t Just Background. It’s a Cooking Tool
Music influences how we move, how we feel, and how we taste. In the kitchen, those effects matter. The science is clear. Music supports rhythm, lowers stress, and may even help guide seasoning decisions. It isn't just background noise. It’s a tool.
As Spence’s 2015 review makes clear, music belongs in the kitchen just as much as sharp knives and fresh ingredients. Next time you cook, turn on the right track, and let the sound guide the process.
Source
Spence, C. Music from the kitchen. Flavour 4, 25 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13411-015-0035-z
