Here’s Some Music to Help Your Writing…
By Michael StelznerA while back, I asked “What music helps you write?”
This time I am going to reveal the artists/albums I listen to when writing:
- Rahul Sharma (Indian, plays the Santoor), I like Kashmir, Sounds of the Valley
- Bach, Goldberg Variations: Aria with 30 Variations
- Yo-Yo Ma (Cello player): The Cello Suites, Inspired by Bach
You cannot go wrong with any of these albums.
If you want something with voice, I strongly recommend: Loreena McKennitt’s An Ancient Muse.
Share yours: I am particularly interested in non-vocal albums you might recommend.
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(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)


November 28th, 2007 at 6:11 am
When I listen to music while writing, it’s usually ambient music. For some reason or another, that gets me into a particular groove. I know it’s not for everyone, but it works for me.
Brian Eno’s “Music for Airports” is good, and some of Robert Fripp’s Soundscapes help.
I’ve come across a couple of other albums: The Marmalade Balloon and Aerodrome.
December 4th, 2007 at 8:45 am
Will Ackerman “Sound of the Wind Driven Rain“. (Especially a song on this album called, “Lion’s in the Sky”).
I also like to listen to the free New Age music on Magnatune.com. You can access it from this link:
http://www.magnatune.com/genres/newage/hifi_play
Enjoy,
Jonathan
December 4th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Thanks Scott and Jonathan!
December 4th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
I can’t write business copy to introspective music such as Yo Yo Ma. I simply have the radio on low in the background while working.
With my son in the house for years now, I’ve learned to write through TV, noise and other distractions.
December 5th, 2007 at 9:27 am
It depends on which stage of the writing game I’m in or what I’m writing. Generally speaking though, I’ll put on either Mozart or Duke Ellington (or Count Basie). All three have a lot of passion and can get the juices flowing. Plus the instrumental only nature of the music keeps me focused.
Sometimes I’ll pull out the Rachmanioff or maybe even some of the stuff that Metallica did with the classical guys on tour. I love the sturm und drang. Steve Vai and Joe Satriani perform the same function, if you like your instrumental rock/metal.
December 6th, 2007 at 2:11 am
For me it has to be classical and preferably without lyrics, so no opera otherwise I get too distracted.
Piano music like Chopin or Beethoven particularly help me by relaxing me and focusing my mind.
January 19th, 2008 at 1:08 am
I’m glad you found ‘Aerodrome’, Scott — and thanks for the plug!
ty
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