A preference determination system allows a music provider, like a band or disc jockey, to determine the musical preferences of the members at a gathering. As many members of a gathering use electronic devices, like cellular telephones, that include music and video players, these devices include a corresponding play list that includes information about the music or video. When at a gathering the music provider, for example, interrogates the devices of the members of the group and uploads their respective play lists. The music provider then compiles information about the music into a data compilation. The information may include artist, song title, release date, genre, etc. The music provider then sorts the data compilation to select information that is popular to a significant number of members in the group. The music provider then selects and plays music to the group consistent with the selected information. For example, if 50 people are at a gathering, and 30 have digital music by the Tom Waits on their devices, the music provider may decide to play "Innocent When You Dream" for the group.