I could never do “study music”.

Believe me, I tried. I grew up in a household surrounded by music. I played in the band for a decade. Any style: classical, jazz, folk, rock… I can find something to love about almost anything.

And that’s the problem, really. I love it too much.

For me, music isn’t background noise, it’s something that deserves your full attention.

So when I turned on music while trying to study, my focus would gradually shift. Invariably I’d find myself deep in thought. Not about the assignment, but about a catchy syncopated rhythm or that amazing sax tone.

(Don’t talk to me about the benefits of Baroque music while studying. I’ve read the studies. But Bach wrote some amazing, intricate stuff. How can you not sit up and pay attention?)

As time passed, I had to adapt. I learned how to have music on while doing certain things. Driving probably deserves the most credit for that shift (literally — I learned to drive on a stick). These days, I can throw on some tunes while doing manual tasks, like making dinner or mowing the lawn.

But if it’s something that requires mental focus? Silence is golden.

I know there are people who can’t work without music. Some love a bit of soothing Ambient, while others thrive on Death Metal. As with most things, it’s a matter of taste, and this is a no-judgement zone.

But if you have any sure-fire picks for music to work by, I’m open to convincing. (This isn’t a cleverly disguised ploy to discover new music. Honest.)