Previous research on digital music education has often relied on single-factor perspectives or linear models, which limits the ability to capture complex causal relationships in shaping students' noncognitive outcomes. This study addresses this limitation by adopting a set-theoretic approach that combines Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). Drawing on survey data from 329 undergraduates in China, the analysis first shows that no single course design dimension constitutes a necessary condition for high self-esteem (SE) or an internal locus of control (IE). Instead, the results identify multiple equifinal and asymmetric pathways that jointly account for strong noncognitive outcomes. For SE, affective-activation bundles that emphasize instructional attractiveness, interaction design, and community functions are more common. For IE, ability-enabling bundles that stress content quality and resource continuity are more prominent. These findings extend the literature by demonstrating that digital music education should be understood as the outcome of conjunctural causation rather than isolated levers, and they highlight the need for construct-sensitive instructional design. Practically, the study suggests designing for bundles rather than parts, building sustained resource ecosystems, and structuring inclusive interaction to support both self-beliefs and self-regulation. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and reliance on self-reports, which future research can address through longitudinal and behavioral approaches.

Introduction: This study investigates the effects of preferences for Chinese and Western classical music on three key psychological constructs in adults: cognitive emotion regulation, self-esteem, and psychological resilience. Guided by the World Health Organization’s principles of mental health, the research aims to explore how preferences for these distinct musical traditions relate to individual psychological well-being.Methods: The study analyzed data from 604 valid responses collected through questionnaires, supplemented by behavioral observations, to examine the impact of classical music preferences on the targeted psychological outcomes.Results: Findings indicate that a preference for classical music (both Chinese and Western) significantly enhances cognitive emotion regulation, self-esteem, and psychological resilience, with the strongest effect observed on psychological resilience. Among moderating factors, age and educational attainment significantly influenced the relationship between music preference and the three psychological aspects, whereas gender had no significant moderating effect. Additionally, preference for Western classical music was found to be more effective than preference for Chinese classical music across all three dimensions, potentially attributed to its complex harmonic structure and rich emotional expression.Discussion: These results provide empirical evidence for the link between classical music preference and psychological well-being, offering new insights for the development of music therapy strategies and mental health interventions.