The process of writing is very complex as well as the science behind how a writer articulates ideas into a story. Understanding how the brain works when a writer is writing helps us to perceive how music affects and assists in concentration when writing. Numerous studies on brain functioning concerning music cite the ‘Mozart effect’ that suggests that by listening to particular music genres, notably Amadeus Wolfgang’s classical music, you boost your spatial-temporal reasoning, or the skill of creative thinking about long-term and conceptual solutions to cognitive problems that may come up.
Several studies on effects of music on the brain have concluded that certain types of music help writers and people in other occupations to concentrate while working. As a writer, you spend most of your time working on a computer, and indeed you use music to write by particularly when you are bored. As a result, you may have experienced the numerous benefits associated with concentration music for writing. Indeed, music that helps you write has numerous benefits that include:
Making Repetitive Actions and Processes More Enjoyable
Research suggests that music helps in maintaining concentration and focus on a task when it is increasingly immersive, demanding and repetitive. In your writing profession, you have to deal with stress and boredom generated from demanding writing projects that are often repetitive in nature. As a result, writing to music can help you chip away at that boredom. Research suggests that music to write by makes a repetitive task more enjoyable by making the worker happier through activation of pleasure centers in the brain.
More recent studies argue that music does not lead to more productivity but rather a mood boosting that consequently leads to higher productivity. Studies on how different types of music affect concentration and subsequent productivity have suggested that dissonant music does not have an impact on performance. However, major-mode music made workers produce more when it was played on the background.
Boosting the Thinking Process
Another study found that music for writing helped writers to complete their writing tasks faster than the writers who did not listen to music. Additionally, the writers who used music to write by generated better ideas than those who did not use music for writing. The difference in the performance was accredited to improved mood of the writer who used concentration music for writing. The next time you want to do some creative writing, a pair of headphones and some fresh, soft concentrating music for writing may be the best companion for you.
Different writers use different genres of music to boost concentration while writing. However, almost all the genres that have been demonstrated to boost concentration have been perceived as ambient noise. Research has shown that it is tough to concentrate in the presence of loud noise such as bellowing basses while moderate noise level has been proven to stimulate writing creativity. Additionally, lyrics have been proven to be destructive to concentration. This is because the brain tries to make sense of the words thus shifting attention away from writing. This can be likened to attempting to engage in a conversation while another person is talking to you while simultaneously strumming a guitar.
It is always convenient to listen to music you are familiar with if you choose to listen to music with lyrics when writing. With such music, your mind understands the songs and how the song goes. As a result, you can concentrate on your writing without shifting your focus to the song for details that you hear for the first time. Below are the music genres that have been considered as the best music for writing.
Classical Music (Baroque-period Music)
Many writers consider classical music as concentration music because it does not have lyrics. One study showed that Baroque-period tunes have a substantial effect on concentration and consequently on productivity. Although classical music presents the finest form of concentration music, not all forms of classical music stimulate the mind to a concentration mood. For instance, some D minor classical tunes may not suit the fineness required for concentration writing music. Therefore, the most recommended compositor is Johann Sebastian Bach, particularly his Brandenburg Concerto #3.
Electronic Music
This genre has a continuum of tunes, some that are ambient and others that are too obtrusive. For concentration writing, the ambient, unobtrusive style suits the purpose. Although the genre is somehow repetitive, the music soothes the mind in a good way and therefore enhances concentration when writing. The repeating tunes are not disruptive and, therefore, would be a good choice of music that helps you write.
Music at 60 Beats-per-minute
Some studies suggest that tunes that are played at 60 Beats-per-minute activate the brain to creativity and focus. When you listen to such music, you encounter easier and more creative thinking. As a result, you can concentrate on your writing and create new ideas in an easier way. The most recommended compositors of such genre are Telemann and Vivaldi.
Video Game Music
Many video game artists understand that the best music for concentration is the type that promotes the gaming experience while not distracting the player. Such music is ambient, enjoyable and can be used as music to write by because it relaxes the brain. While choosing the music to write by, you should always remember to choose a genre that promotes focus. The ambience is the element to look out for when you are deciding what kind of music you want for writing. You could go for any background noise such as waterfalls, rain, etc., as long as it is ambient. Additionally, test different tunes and genres to discover what works best for you as you engage in your writing occupation. Your ability to consistently produce great work is what should drive your choice, so give it a deep thought before you put on your headphones and listen to your playlist.
