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Having background music when I’m alone or working on something is extremely important in being productive. It's hard to find a consistent source of the right kind of music that I don't have to load or change every 30 or 40 minutes. As much as I like classic rock, and much of the contemporary music, it can get distracting, annoying or even depressing, except Bruce Springsteen because he's the "The Boss," and I find his music invariably uplifting. His music is my go-to for when I'm doing artwork or cleaning house.
But for when I'm studying or trying to put together a chapter of my book (which will be coming out hopefully sometime next year), it can be hard to find a consistent source of compatible music. That was until recently, when a series of jazz videos started appearing on my YouTube feed. The long-playing videos feature a cafe setting, or a steaming cup of coffee and provide just the background noise I need. The simple wordless tunes are pleasant but non-obtrusive, so I have that added needed stimuli without it being distracting. It's cheerful tone also adds to the mood of the setting, and that's very important.
Classical music also shows up on my Youtube feed., but it doesn't always serve me well when I'm trying to sit still and focus. That kind of music, like soft jazz, is wordless and rhythmic and pleasant to listen to, but it's dramatic rises and falls in music scales make me want to go skating. I can almost feel myself combining jumps and spins and footwork to the music. Classical music can be uplifting, but as a skater, it just makes me want to move.
Sometimes when I'm in a of rebellious mood, need to vent or work out frustration, heavy metal comes to the rescue. The more jarring and edgy, the better.
Then there is meditation music, which is supposed to produce sound waves that can actually promote healing and has a calming influence. Listen to any guided meditation and almost always there is that slow, dreamy music in the background.
Meditation music is created with the idea that certain sound waves can affect your limbic system and along with it, your blood pressure, heart rate, consciousness and mood. Meditation music is created to be conducive to quieting the mind, which can open the door to introspection or sleep.
Music can trigger rumination or help you distract from it. Old songs from a lost love ten years ago are apt to make you a little sad and maybe trigger other thoughts of unhappiness. Music can imbed messages in us and connect with values and experiences. Lyrics are powerful conveyers of mood and message. Listen to your thoughts when you listen to music; pay attention to where it leads your thoughts. Does it leave you feeling better or worse?
To completely avoid the dangers of rumination-triggering oldies, go for music without lyrics or a completely different genre than what you normally listen to. You might also try nature sounds, either from the t.v., or if it's nice out, open the window.
It's amazing, when you think about it, how much variety and power there is in music, and how rooted it is in culture, and the multitude of ways that music enhances our existence. Everybody has a different set of needs. The key to tapping into the power of music is to be open to a variety of music and conscious about what you're listening to.