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The music
After almost two years at this gig, I believe the music that you play when Uber/Lyft driving is a crucial factor in your driving experience. I play the local classical, nonprofit, music station. The main reason is because I can’t stand listening to 15 minutes of advertising after every three songs. This, however, has produced some interesting observations on the American public, which I didn’t anticipate, which I’ll get to below.
That being said, I know that some of the drivers here have recommended playing something along the lines of jazz fusion/musak versions of Michael Jackson songs to garner the maximum in tips. I fully believe that that is so. But, playing different kinds of music and observing the passengers’ reactions is fun in itself, and perhaps worth the lessor amount in tip revenue.
I’ve had multiple passengers tell me that I’m the only Uber/Lyft driver they’ve ever encountered playing classical music. I’ve also noticed that it’s usually women who compliment me on my music selection.
Playing classical music will often stimulate conversation with passengers with which music is a central fixture in their life. It also seems to attract attention from the more high IQ/intelligentsia types, both good and bad. I think it’s because classical music, or long form music in general, is considered to be a higher art. I’ve had several passengers, upon hearing my music selection ask, “what instruments do you play?” When their companions asked, “How did you know he played an instrument?” They replied, “Because people who listen to classical music generally have experience in playing an instrument themselves.” This, from what I understand, is true. I played the bassoon, French horn, baritone, viola, and keyboard during my school years.
As I’m sure you’re aware, you can tell when your passenger is listening to the music that you’re playing in contrast to focusing on their smartphone. You can sense that they’re more aware and conscious in the back seat. I’ve had this happen a number of times, usually when a classical song is playing that may not be as well known such as the famous pieces like the Water Music, Four Seasons, Beethoven’s 5th, Canon in D, or the William Tell Overture and perhaps they are hearing for the first time in their lives.
The most striking experience of this sort happened about a year ago. I picked up a female business traveler from a local hotel. She was going to the nearby town center to meet with her coworkers for dinner. Right when I picked her up, this piece started on the radio: Vivaldi – Trio Sonata “La Follia” in D Minor RV63 (youtube.com)
As we drove, we were engaging in the usual chitchat about the weather and general topics. But, I could tell that she was distracted trying to listen to the music. About the seven or eight minute mark when the composition reached one of its climaxes, she actually trailed-off in the middle of a sentence and went quiet, focused on the music. I knew what was happening and turned-up the music and kept my mouth shut. We reached the restaurant a couple of minutes later right as the song was ending. As she got out of the car I noticed that her face was flushed and her eyes were moist. Yes, she tipped.
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