The goal of this thesis was to research how classical music has been used as background music in public spaces and find criteria for good background music. Additionally the aim was to reflect if classical music would meet these criteria.

According to existing research, the music one listens to significantly impacts them, regardless of being aware of it or not. This effect is frequently a result of the emotions that the music conveys and elicits. Music has even been found to have healing properties. However, not everyone is affected the same way, but cultural background and musical education influence the way one will experience music. There are also general musical cues that most people will associate with similar emotions, mode being of the most importance, followed by tempo and register.

The reasoning for the use of background music has usually been that it will fade out other, more irritating sounds and create a nice atmosphere. The choice of music is quite significant, and has been found, for example, to affect the time and amount of money spent in shops. Classical music has been used in public spaces to drive away lingerers and reduce crime. This kind of use has been criticized for reducing the dignity of classical music and creating invisible barriers between different socioeconomic groups. A more considerate and more frequent use of classical music could possibly decrease this stigma. Inside the genre of classical music there are very different types of music, including a lot of music suitable for playing in public spaces. Often classical music does not have any lyrics, and this makes it very convenient to be played as background music.

As a practical application of this thesis, three distinct playlists were created based on its theoretical foundation. The playlists consist of classical music suitable for public spaces. The goal of these playlists is to convey peaceful and relaxing atmosphere in a shopping center, a cafe and a medical center.