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filippoSH
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I always listen to music while doing work. I've found the most important thing for me is what type of music I listen to. I try to do lighter more relaxing music for work and instrumental music when studying.
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Write essays while listening to "Lose Yourself" makes you feel epic but reading the essay without music... not so much lol
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I can't write an essay when I hear music.
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I suppose that it depends on the type of essay. For GMAT preparation, I require absolute silence. And even if you prefer music while preparing for the GMAT, it might be better to do without distractions in order to mimic the actual test environment (which will be very quiet).

For school and application essays (and subsequent reviewing and editing), I also prefer minimal distractions. I'm not as strict about it, though.
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Music often distracts me, actually.
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I do not listen any type of music when i am writing an essay. But when i read different books then i listen some slow music.
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mandyh
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I have a hard time studying without music!
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williamcotton12
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Yes I'm the same way. I can't write without listening to music actually. I first think of what tone I want in my piece and then choose a playlist that has music with the same tone. It helps my writing become more authentic. The subconsciousness is definitely there. Because of all this I listen to all types of music. If I want my character to be mad or dangerous I'll listen to rap. If I want them down to earth and caring I'll listen to country. For a popular stuck up character I'll listen to LMFAO or party music. If I want a shy or depressed character I choose love songs, like john mayer.

essayservices(dot)org
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Reading or writing with vocal music (any music with lyrics) can be counterproductive to me because of the mental interference from hearing words. But I think instrumental music can really help. In college I swear listening to drum'n'bass while working on assignments at the last minute was why I was able to turn in as many on time as I did. 170-180bpm really gets your blood rushing and sharpens you up.

Of course, we've all heard that classical music can help you concentrate and think when you're working on stuff too.
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I love to listen music while I am reading books but when I am writing I don't like to listen music because I don't concentrate on my writing that's why I just avoid music while writing.
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I'm particularly fond of using music to concentrate.

At work I will often put in some ear buds and listen to music particularly if i am drafting documents or doing heavy excel work.

Without music I find it hard not to procrastinate and get distracted by everything else going on in the office - but that perhaps is the result of my personality type overloading in absorbing information.

So whether its writing essays, studying or whatever I'll try to make sure I've got access to music. However i do find it easier with personal music (headphones/earbuds) - I'm trying to remove as much outside noise as possible.
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Listening to music while writing often distracts me, but while working in general often motivates me. I usually listen to melodic techno or minimal music.
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Hi!
I can not write an essay when I hear music. Only classical music does not stop.
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I will never do that. You know why, when i write something it is compulsory that my surroundings should be calm and silent only then i can concentrate in writing. See the answer will differ from people to another because each are different.
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filippoSH
Hello!
Does music help you to concentrate on your studying or distract?
Look forward to hear from you
It definitely distract from studies, Well when ever i study i just put me away from such entertaining fun activities. :twisted:
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You know, I always used to have a tough time striking a balance finding music for working that walked the fine line between "concentration" and "distraction"... this article has a list of several sites that have background noise generators, like "rain" or "coffee shop".

I never understood why certain music was great for working, and other music wasn't...until I found an interesting explanation at a site called Focus At Will. They hypothesize that while we're tempted to listen to our favorite songs for working (to pump ourselves up! or to get in the zone!), those songs can elicit an emotional or sentimental response in us that is actually distracting, because energy that should be spent focusing on work is instead being diverted to our emotional or memory-processing centers.

Sorry for the nerdy explanation :P but I figure y'all are a group of smart, curious folks who might find this interesting!

I actually ended up signing up for the paid service at Focus At Will (I have zero connection to them; I'm just a huge fan). They develop the music themselves to strike that balance, and has all types of music (classical, fast-paced dance, "spa", etc.), water sounds, coffee shop sounds, etc. You can also change the tempo of the music to match your mood. The one downside of it is that it's only free for 15 days, and then you have to pay like $5/month :( I'm pretty cheap, but I do pay for it b/c it has helped me a lot, and I tell people about it IRL all the time, like once a week! :) I'm writing all. the. time. -- and it's been a life-saver!
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Yes, soft music can help me to concentrate, maybe some persons cannot bear any sound during study.
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