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Music that is too enjoyable seems to take over the creative part of the brain. Try to do some deep focus work with your favorite music playing; impossible. Now,

by thomk 6y ago

Music that is too enjoyable seems to take over the creative part of the brain. Try to do some deep focus work with your favorite music playing; impossible. Now, if you are doing a repetitive task, then that type of music is perfect. Creative energy gets sapped by any music you enjoy too much. I've also heard that interpersonal intimate relations (lol, sorry) also will sap creative energy. I'd also agree with others that a constant noise is much better than random/surprising noises as far as being able to ignore it. People bursting out in laughter in the office is definitely surprising noise, so are phones ringing and someone knocking on the door.

jbay808 6y ago
I'm not sure "enjoyable" is the right variable here. Definitely for creative work you want music that won't attract your attention, but that doesn't have to mean unenjoyable. It could be repetitive (like say a Philip Glass composition, which many people would still find enjoyable), or for some people it could be something you've heard enough to memorize and can predict perfectly.
- bobbiechen 6y ago
  >for some people it could be something you've heard enough to memorize and can predict perfectly. Totally agree with this. For me there's a particular recording of an instrumental concert (Casiopea vs T-Square, if you're curious) that is incredibly enjoyable if I'm paying attention, but I have it basically memorized at this point. Listening to it helps me get into a working rhythm, and then I'll blink and realize I was deeply focused for over an hour (based on the point in the recording when I actively notice it again).
bradstewart 6y ago
You're right about the distraction, but music I really enjoy gives me energy. So I usually pick 3-5 songs a day I like and put them on repeat while working.
yboris 6y ago
Minimal techno, progressive house, and other non-vocal music works best for me. I'm shocked people are able to handle vocals in their music -- any words in music instantly drag my attention away.
- mgkimsal 6y ago
  I sometimes have trouble even with beats/pulsing - that can break my concentration at times. I use non-vocal jazz or electronica stuff, but mask with brown/grey noise on top, and that seems to be the best mix, but I find when beats are too noticeable... I notice them.

by thomk 6y ago

jbay808 6y ago

I'm not sure "enjoyable" is the right variable here. Definitely for creative work you want music that won't attract your attention, but that doesn't have to mean unenjoyable. It could be repetitive (like say a Philip Glass composition, which many people would still find enjoyable), or for some people it could be something you've heard enough to memorize and can predict perfectly.

bobbiechen 6y ago
>for some people it could be something you've heard enough to memorize and can predict perfectly. Totally agree with this. For me there's a particular recording of an instrumental concert (Casiopea vs T-Square, if you're curious) that is incredibly enjoyable if I'm paying attention, but I have it basically memorized at this point. Listening to it helps me get into a working rhythm, and then I'll blink and realize I was deeply focused for over an hour (based on the point in the recording when I actively notice it again).

bradstewart 6y ago

You're right about the distraction, but music I really enjoy gives me energy. So I usually pick 3-5 songs a day I like and put them on repeat while working.

yboris 6y ago

Minimal techno, progressive house, and other non-vocal music works best for me. I'm shocked people are able to handle vocals in their music -- any words in music instantly drag my attention away.

mgkimsal 6y ago
I sometimes have trouble even with beats/pulsing - that can break my concentration at times. I use non-vocal jazz or electronica stuff, but mask with brown/grey noise on top, and that seems to be the best mix, but I find when beats are too noticeable... I notice them.