Appropriate background music inside a bank can instill a sense of trust, professionalism, and comfort. When used strategically, background music can enhance customer patience, reduce stress, and even influence financial decision-making.

But the music you play isn’t one-size-fits-all. 

Certain genres, such as classical and jazz, create perceptions of stability and sophistication. Alternatively, modern tunes can appeal to younger, more tech-savvy clients. 

Understanding which genres work best in which scenario can help your financial brand craft an environment that aligns with your clients and your goals.

Highlights:

• Top genres for financial institutions include classical, jazz, ambient, and more
• Learn how financial institutions can tailor music to different spaces and customer demographics
• Explore options for implementing background music in your bank

Top Genres for Each Bank Atmosphere and Brand

The most effective music genres banks and financial institutions play include:

• Classical
• Jazz and instrumental
• Downtempo electronic
• Acoustic and light indie

Classical Music – Trust & Sophistication

Classical music is often associated with sophistication, stability, and professionalism. North & Hargreaves found that businesses playing classical music were rated as more intelligent and trustworthy by customers compared to those with no music or other genres. So it’s an ideal choice for financial institutions looking to establish trust with clients. 

The structured, harmonious nature of classical compositions creates a calming atmosphere that promotes focus and patience — helpful emotional responses for banking environments where customers may be making important financial decisions.

To create an atmosphere of trust and sophistication, stream classical pieces overhead, such as:

• "Air on the G String" – Johann Sebastian Bach
• "Piano Sonata No. 14 'Moonlight Sonata'" – Ludwig van Beethoven
• "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• "Clair de Lune" – Claude Debussy
• "The Four Seasons: Spring" – Antonio Vivaldi
• "Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2" – Frédéric Chopin
• "Morning Mood" (Peer Gynt Suite No. 1) – Edvard Grieg
• "Waltz of the Flowers" (The Nutcracker) – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
• "Gymnopédie No. 1" – Erik Satie
• "Lullaby" (Wiegenlied, Op. 49, No. 4) – Johannes Brahms

Jazz & Soft Instrumentals – Comfort & Affluence

The mellow tones and gentle rhythms of smooth jazz can create a more luxurious bank atmosphere.

For higher-end, more affluent banking clientele and activities, jazz and soft instrumental music can build an ambiance that feels both relaxing and upscale. This auditory backdrop not only soothes clients’ minds. It reinforces a sense of exclusivity in premium financial services.

Consider integrating the following smooth jazz and soft instrumental tracks in your bank:

• "Breezin'" – George Benson
• "Morning Dance" – Spyro Gyra
• "Winelight" – Grover Washington Jr.
• "Songbird" – Kenny G
• "Feels So Good" – Chuck Mangione
• "Maputo" – Bob James and David Sanborn
• "After the Rain" – Jeff Oster
• "Chicago Song" – David Sanborn
• "Angela (Theme from 'Taxi')" – Bob James
• "Just the Two of Us" – Grover Washington Jr. featuring Bill Withers

Ambient & Downtempo Electronic – Modern & Forward-Thinking

Does your bank cater to a younger, more tech-savvy audience?

Ambient and downtempo electronic music can help financial institutions create more modern, forward-thinking atmospheres that cater to a younger generation. The subtle electronic beats and mellow tempos of these genres mirror these clients’ affinity for contemporary and innovative environments. 

For more modern, cutting-edge bank brands, consider downtempo electronic tracks like:

• "Weightless" – Marconi Union
• "Night Owl" – Galimatias
• "Sunset Lover" – Petit Biscuit
• "Cold Little Heart" – Michael Kiwanuka
• "First Fires" – Bonobo featuring Grey Reverend
• "Intro" – The xx
• "A Calf Born in Winter" – Khruangbin
• "Eyes Be Closed" – Washed Out
• "Weighing of the Heart" – Akasha System
• "Lilla" – Ólafur Arnalds

Acoustic & Light Indie – Warmth & Personal Connection

Do you operate a casual banking environment? Does your bank provide more routine financial services? In these institutions, the organic sounds and heartfelt melodies of acoustic and indie music are well suited.

Acoustic and indie tracks can create a sense of warmth and personal connection, making clients feel at ease during regular visits. This is particularly effective in community banks and credit unions that emphasize personalized service, as it reflects your commitment to building genuine, long-lasting relationships with your members. 

For an inviting ambiance, stream acoustic and light indie tracks such as:

• "Banana Pancakes" – Jack Johnson
• "Skinny Love" – Bon Iver
• "Heartbeats" – José González
• "Ho Hey" – The Lumineers
• "Budapest" – George Ezra
• "Bloom" – The Paper Kites
• "First Day of My Life" – Bright Eyes
• "Rivers and Roads" – The Head and the Heart
• "Cannonball" – Damien Rice
• "Home" – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

How to Choose Background Music for Your Bank

The music you play should reflect your bank’s values and the atmosphere you want to project to your clients, whether it's sophistication, trustworthiness, or a more casual and approachable vibe. 

Play Music by Zone

Banks should also consider streaming different music in each area of your institution. For example, music in high-traffic areas like teller stations should be upbeat and neutral, enough to mask proprietary information. Private consultation rooms, however, should stream more soothing or ambient music to help clients feel at ease. Customizing your music to suit these varying spaces ensures that the auditory experience is tailored to the specific needs of each area within your bank, maximizing its impact on the customer journey.

Stream Pandora CloudCover Stations

You can start to curate the perfect sounds for your bank’s brand using some of the songs above, or you can enlist help from a background music provider. 

Streaming services like Pandora CloudCover ensure a professional background music experience with the added benefit of copyright-compliance and fully licensed songs. Our stations are curated specifically for banks of various types by professional musicians and musicologists on staff. Try it free for yourself for 14 days. Terms and conditions apply.

References

Durham Undergraduate Research in Music & Science. (2018).