The author, who prefers precise control over audio settings, outlines a solution to play background music on Zoom without sharing the screen. They introduce two tools: Loopback, an audio mixing board that allows them to combine multiple audio sources into a single device, and SoundSource, which adjusts the output-to-ears volume of individual apps. By setting up a virtual audio device with Loopback and using SoundSource to balance the levels, they can create a flexible audio chain. To achieve this, they configure Zoom settings to disable auto-volume adjustment, suppress background noise, enable original sound, and use high-fidelity music mode when possible. With these tools and settings in place, users can enjoy a better listening experience on Zoom calls, including adjusting the volume levels to suit their preferences.