diff --git a/packages/frontend/src/components/PersistentMusicPlayer.tsx b/packages/frontend/src/components/PersistentMusicPlayer.tsx
index d21fe2f..c8da66a 100644
--- a/packages/frontend/src/components/PersistentMusicPlayer.tsx
+++ b/packages/frontend/src/components/PersistentMusicPlayer.tsx
@@ -22,7 +22,6 @@ import {
   FiX,
 } from 'react-icons/fi';
 import type { Song } from '../types/interfaces';
-import { formatDuration } from '../utils/formatters';
 
 interface PersistentMusicPlayerProps {
   currentSong: Song | null;
@@ -83,6 +82,8 @@ export const PersistentMusicPlayer: React.FC<PersistentMusicPlayerProps> = ({
           if (audioRef.current) {
             audioRef.current.play().then(() => {
               setIsPlaying(true);
+              // Prevent the audio element from stealing focus
+              audioRef.current?.blur();
             }).catch(error => {
               console.error('Error auto-playing:', error);
             });
@@ -209,6 +210,7 @@ export const PersistentMusicPlayer: React.FC<PersistentMusicPlayerProps> = ({
         onTimeUpdate={handleTimeUpdate}
         onLoadedMetadata={handleLoadedMetadata}
         onEnded={handleEnded}
+        tabIndex={-1}
         onError={(e) => {
           console.error('Audio error:', e);
           toast({
@@ -220,7 +222,15 @@ export const PersistentMusicPlayer: React.FC<PersistentMusicPlayerProps> = ({
           });
         }}
         onLoadStart={() => setIsLoading(true)}
-        onCanPlay={() => setIsLoading(false)}
+        onCanPlay={() => {
+          setIsLoading(false);
+          // Ensure the audio element never grabs focus during playback events
+          audioRef.current?.blur();
+        }}
+        onPlay={() => {
+          // Extra safeguard to avoid focus jump while playing
+          audioRef.current?.blur();
+        }}
       />
 
       <HStack spacing={4} align="center">