I can't listen to music when I write

Great hub! I am the opposite. I cannot focus in complete quiet. Even growing up, I always did my homework in front of the tv or with music playing or in the kitchen while grandma was making dinner. Now, when I write - whether it is for my novel, or curriculum and lesson plans, I tend to focus better with background noise. When it's too quiet, that's distracting to me. When I was in college and going to the library to study, if I didn't have my CD player with me or if my batteries died, there was no way I was able to get anything done.

I can't listen to music whern I write either.

I can listen to light classical or smooth jazz when I write.

Whether or not I can write when listening depends on a couple of factors. Like now, I'm writing and watching Kill Bill lol.

hi alekhouse... its same here even i can't listen to music when I write. great one enjoyed reading it:)

Interesting Hub! I like music when I'm studying and writing, but I vary the type of music. For study, I like Classic Rock or 50's beebop type music. I get good grades when I write to the online radio station Radio Rivendell. Awesome instrumentals there!

I like to listen to music BEFORE I write. It inspires me. But I like the quiet when I finally settle down to work.

Alehouse - I am a musician, also, so for most activities I cannot have music going. If music is playing, it demands my attention and I joyfully give it.

I'm the same way, although I've gotten better at it...I've learned to tune out the music when I have no control over it!

Some writers feel inspired by music when they write. I love some peace and quiet when I write, though I've to contend with noise from the TV from time to time.

As a singer and daughter of musicians I will pay attention to the music and sing along. I do occasionally have the type of nature music played at a spa while I write if it fits the type of writing I am doing-for example, a poem about nature. Otherwise, no music when I am writing. I do listen to music for much of the day, but then I set aside time for this and am not focusing on other things while I listen to music. I think it is precisely because you ARE a musician that you can't write to music.

Hi, Alek - well I am certainly no musician and know nothing about music but I can't write with music either. It's like people who read while they're watching TV. Music for me is great for cleaning and cooking. I need too much of my brain for music. And writing. There is only so much to go around, haha.

I find it depends on the music. I have trouble writing when the music has lyrics, especially if I am familiar with the song, but instrumental pieces will do the same if there are lyrics that I know.

I used to write all my term papers to classical music - Bach was always a fine companion for an "all-nighter." I still prefer classical music, but am very sensitive to the feel of the music - it has to fit with what I am writing, and it cannot be too slow or moody.

Silence works well, but I have also learned to write while the TV is on, as it most often is if my "kids" are home.

I am with you - I have absolutely no distractions in my office. I take music breaks though. It amazed me how my daughter listened to music constantly, when doing homework and studying. I couldn't even when I was a teenager... a life ago lol

It depends on my mood. If it is a CD with a few eighties songs I like, I can cook or write. If it is a video, I usually like to watch. Lately I just have movies playing on a loop in the background on my TV. It provides background noise, without distracting me too much. I know you like Aerosmith, I was wondering, do you like Duran Duran. They have made a come back of sorts, and I actually really like their new songs on the All You Need Is Now album. There is one really nice acoustic song they did recently.