I listen to music sometimes when I write, but it's all orchestral stuff. No lyrics to bother me.

I find it helpful to turn on some music I'm familiar with when I need to concentrate-- it seems to run along the barely conscious track of my mind so that it doesn't interrupt the primary track.

bon bon, thank you for explaining to me how come music helps me concentrate! I never could properly explain it, but what you said makes perfect sense.

For two weeks now, and for another week to come, most practicing Orthodox Jews don't listen to music (as a sign of mourning, since Jerusalem was defeated and the temple was destroyed on those dates, almost 2000 years ago). It's so very difficult to concentrate, especially on stuff like grading. Cleaning without being able to dance with the broom to the sounds of music is quite difficult, as well.

I listen to music all the time. If I need to really-trulio concentrate on something hardcore, I'll switch to something without lyrics like Explosions in the Sky.

If I couldn't bring my iPod to work, I would probably go mad.

Oh, and more importantly...

Happy Birthday, Juliana!

I can't listen when I'm reading. I tend not to notice people talking to me. They find it amusing. Or frustrating.

Music is good when I'm working on stuff because it replaces the earworms that are otherwise in my head, and I tune out the music, but it takes up enough brain to help me focus. Or something. I don't tend to notice what music is on, if I'm focused.

Edit: And Happy Birthday, juliana!

Did we know about this, Farscape fans? [link]

Squee!

Yup.

I can't listen when I'm reading. I tend not to notice people talking to me. They find it amusing. Or frustrating.

The result of growing up with four making-lots-of-noise younger siblings is that I can concentrate in what I'm doing and filter out all the conversations and images around me, if I have to. But if somebody says my name, even in a whisper, I'll immediately hear it and respond. Very useful.

Interesting. I find it helpful to turn on some music I'm familiar with when I need to concentrate-- it seems to run along the barely conscious track of my mind so that it doesn't interrupt the primary track.

Me too. I pretty much tone out the music, but having it there stops my mind from wandering, which makes it easier for me to focus on what I am reading or working on.

Cleaning without being able to dance with the broom to the sounds of music is quite difficult, as well.

I love the image of Nilly sweeping and dancing.

I have my iPod on at work when I need to zone everything else out. It is the only way I can concentrate on what I am doing without distraction.