2. music
  3. 1029109263

Can you work hard while listening to music?

Could we please hear your recommendations for music that wouldn't ruin your productivity or concentration at work?

My general happiness in life is so improved by music that I would like to put a stereo in my office -- but some of my work can be very technical and I don't want to be too absorbed or distracted.

Of course, I am not talking about "elevator music" -- just trying to identify things (not just classical) that are rich and worthy of repeated listening/study, yet perhaps also have a soothing or meditative quality.

Perhaps this is extremely personal and also varies greatly depending on ones profession -- but if something works for you, perhaps you could remind us of what you do to pay for all of your expensive audio gear.

Thank you.
cwlondon
twl
3,251 posts
 
How could I have forgotten "I've been working on the railroad"?! Somebody slap me!
cwlondon OP
1,210 posts
 
TWL -- You also forgot Devo: Workin' in a Coal Mine.....but I meant this to be a serious thread.

Has anyone heard about research done on the effect of various composers on intellectual development? Or is the baby Mozart stuff just some hoax marketed to striving yuppie parents?

Also, I seem to recall a couple of things that were apparently composed for insommnia? I don't want to fall asleep at my desk, but at least this type of music might not agitate or distract me. Bach's Inventions?

I would also greatly appreciate any suggestions on softer meditative jazz especially performed by the great giants -- I might get sacked if anyone heard Kenny G wafting out of my office....
rives
953 posts
 
I find it depends on the environment. When I was in an office with a lot of noise and other people talking around me, the music helped keep me focussed on what was important. Phone conversations do not work with music--for obvious reasons, but some of the time I really did not want to be talking to the person and would prefer to be listening (or concetrating on the music) and would tune the person out. That's really not a very good idea. Frequently I can get so absorbed in a project, even mathmatical proofs--I'll stop for a second and say--gosh I wish I had listened to that last track. As to the baby mozart--there are studies that have shown increase intelligence (there are studies that show just about anything you want them too--if you give enough of just about anything to a rat it will eventually die of cancer too). That being said, our toddler loves those videos and actually interacts with them--talks, counts, etc. as opposed to almost any other video. So I personally think there is something to them (but I have absolutely no qualifications here other than being a Dad).
twl
3,251 posts
 
Okay, CW, sorry about the "working" songs. To your point, I have found that I like to listen to soothing music while working. Something that doesn't require much attention. The hard rock stuff, although I enjoy it, has an agitating effect on me, and I get short tempered. I have found that "smooth jazz" is about right for me while I'm working. As for babies, anything that you expose them to will have some kind of effect on them, just as it does on us. They will view it differently, though, since they have limited experiences to relate it to. And BTW, I thought of "Workin' in a Coal Mine", but I couldn't remember it was Devo. :^)
jgreenwood
20 posts
 
I love working to music. I'm surprised I don't drive my office neighbors crazy. The music can range from the Rolling Stones to Beethoven symphonies to (more frequently) chamber music and jazz.

I enjoy Mozart and Bach (especially by Glenn Gould - I swear he not only helps me think more clearly, he can cure my headaches). Classical guitar or lute is nice. I love the sound of the cello, e.g. the Beethoven and Brahms cello sonatas.

For jazz - the two artists I listen to most frequently are Bill Evans and The Modern Jazz Quartet.

For the most part, I cannot listen to vocal music while I am reading.
More to discover