diff --git a/src/lib/sound.ts b/src/lib/sound.ts
index 6d8ed6f..fc8b01e 100644
--- a/src/lib/sound.ts
+++ b/src/lib/sound.ts
@@ -36,7 +36,9 @@ class SoundManager {
   private step = 0;
 
   sfxEnabled = loadBool(LS_SFX);
-  musicEnabled = loadBool(LS_MUSIC);
+  // Music is OFF by default — the default experience is sound effects only.
+  // Players can switch background music on in Profile → settings.
+  musicEnabled = loadBool(LS_MUSIC, false);
   musicTrack: MusicTrack =
     (typeof window !== "undefined" && (localStorage.getItem(LS_TRACK) as MusicTrack)) || "santoor";