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The power of melodic tunes to enhance focus and creativity during the essay writing process.

Essay writing music

When it comes to the realm of crafty penmanship, the significance of tune harmonizing with writing is often underestimated. However, by unlocking the potential of a melodious backdrop, authors can tap into a wholly different level of creativity. The amalgamation of mind-wandering melodies and thought-provoking words provides an unparalleled medium for unleashing one’s inner writer.

By marrying the artistry of music with the finesse of essay composition, a symphony of inspiration is born. As the rhythm flows from ear to mind, it ignites a fire within, setting ablaze the dormant embers of imagination. The harmonious duet of music and writing has the uncanny ability to transport us to seemingly distant realms, where ideas unfurl like unfathomable constellations, waiting to be explored.

Music has the incredible capability to influence our mood, thoughts, and emotions. With every beat, a gateway to new possibilities is unveiled. A propelling anthem can uplift the spirits and propel the writer forward on a wave of determination. Conversely, a gentle melody can provide solace and serenity, setting the stage for introspection and bringing forth the depths of one’s introspective musings.

The Science Behind the Connection: How Music Affects the Brain

Understanding how music affects the brain is a fascinating area of study that delves into the intricate workings of our minds. The connection between music and the brain has been explored by scientists for decades, revealing the profound impact that music can have on our emotions, cognitive abilities, and overall well-being.

When we listen to music, our brains are activated in various ways. Neurologists have discovered that different regions of the brain are engaged, depending on the type of music being listened to. For instance, upbeat and fast-paced music stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This explains why listening to energetic music can make us feel more invigorated and motivated to take action.

Moreover, studies have shown that music has the power to evoke strong emotions and memories. Certain melodies or lyrics can trigger a flood of emotions, reminding us of past experiences or even transporting us to a different time and place. This emotional connection to music is facilitated by the limbic system, a part of the brain that controls emotions and memory. By activating this system, music has the ability to evoke powerful feelings and create lasting memories.

Additionally, music has a profound impact on our cognitive abilities. Research has demonstrated that listening to certain types of music can enhance our focus, concentration, and creativity. Classical music, in particular, has been found to stimulate brain activity and improve cognitive performance. This phenomenon, known as the “Mozart effect,” suggests that music can enhance our cognitive abilities, making us more alert and receptive to information.

Furthermore, the therapeutic benefits of music cannot be overlooked. Studies have shown that music therapy can be beneficial for individuals suffering from various mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. Listening to calming and soothing music has been found to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation. The rhythmic and melodic elements of music have a profound effect on our physiological state, helping to regulate our emotions and promote overall well-being.

In conclusion, the science behind the connection between music and the brain is a captivating field of research that highlights the profound impact of music on our emotions, cognitive abilities, and overall well-being. By understanding how music affects the brain, we can harness its power to boost productivity and enhance our essay writing experience.

Finding the Right Genre for Focus and Creativity

Exploring different genres of music can be a powerful way to enhance focus and creativity while writing. By selecting the right genre, you can create an atmosphere that nurtures concentration and stimulates your cognitive processes. The right choice of genre can inspire imagination, boost productivity, and help you tap into your creative potential.

Genre for Focus:

When it comes to finding a genre that promotes focus, instrumental music often takes the lead. With its absence of lyrics, instrumental genres such as classical, ambient, or electronic music can provide a background that minimizes distractions. The soothing melodies and repetitive patterns can help you maintain concentration for extended periods, allowing you to immerse yourself in the writing process.

Alternatively, you might find that low-tempo genres, like downtempo or chill-hop, can also facilitate a focus-oriented mindset. The relaxed beats and atmospheric textures often associated with these genres can create a tranquil ambiance, fostering a sense of calmness and enabling you to concentrate on the task at hand.

Genre for Creativity:

If your goal is to enhance your creative thinking and encourage inspiration, exploring diverse genres can be beneficial. Upbeat and energetic music, like pop, rock, or hip-hop, can elicit strong emotions and make you feel more motivated and enthusiastic. This genre choice can help break through writer’s block and generate fresh ideas.

On the other hand, genres that focus on introspection and introspection, like folk, indie, or singer-songwriter, can evoke a sense of introspection and deep thought. The raw emotions and personal narratives found in these genres can lead to a reflective and introspective state of mind, allowing you to explore and express your thoughts and emotions in a more profound and meaningful way.

Experimenting with Different Genres:

Everyone’s preferences and writing processes are unique, so it’s essential to experiment with different genres to find what works best for you. Depending on the task at hand, you may find that a combination of genres or even genre-specific playlists can be more effective in enhancing your focus and creativity.

Remember, the aim is to find the right balance that helps you stay engaged, motivated, and inspired. By exploring a variety of genres, you can create a personalized soundtrack that harnesses the power of music to enhance your essay writing and boost productivity.

Using Music as a Motivational Tool: Creating a Playlist that Energizes

Using Music as a Motivational Tool: Creating a Playlist that Energizes

When it comes to finding the perfect playlist to boost motivation and productivity, music can be a powerful tool. The right selection of songs can energize and inspire, helping you to stay focused and motivated while writing your essay. However, creating a playlist that truly energizes and motivates is not as simple as adding a few upbeat tracks. It requires careful consideration of the tempo, lyrics, and overall mood of the music.

To start off, consider the tempo of the songs you choose for your playlist. Upbeat and fast-paced songs with a high tempo can help increase your energy levels and keep you engaged. Look for tracks with a strong rhythm and lively beat that will get your heart rate up and your feet tapping. These types of songs can help you maintain a steady pace while writing, preventing any potential lulls in your productivity.

Lyrics also play an important role in creating a motivational playlist. Look for songs with inspiring and positive lyrics that resonate with you personally. The right lyrics can help instill a sense of confidence and determination as you tackle your essay. Whether it’s motivational anthems or personal empowerment songs, find tracks that make you feel uplifted and ready to conquer any challenges that come your way.

In addition to the tempo and lyrics, consider the overall mood of the music. While fast-paced and upbeat songs can be beneficial for maintaining energy levels, it’s also important to include moments of relaxation and calm. Including a variety of musical genres and styles in your playlist can help create a balanced atmosphere that keeps you engaged without overwhelming your senses. From uplifting pop songs to soothing instrumental tracks, a mix of different moods can help you stay focused and motivated throughout your writing process.

Remember that creating a motivational playlist is a personal endeavor. Experiment with different songs and genres to find what works best for you. Pay attention to how certain songs make you feel and make adjustments as needed. The power of music lies in its ability to evoke emotions and enhance your mood, so choose songs that align with your personal preferences and goals.

In conclusion, music can serve as a powerful motivator when it comes to essay writing. By creating a playlist that energizes and inspires, you can boost your productivity and stay focused throughout the writing process. Consider the tempo, lyrics, and overall mood of the music to create a playlist that resonates with you personally. Harness the power of music and let it fuel your essay writing journey!

The Impact of Lyrics on Writing: Choosing Songs with Inspiring Words

The Impact of Lyrics on Writing: Choosing Songs with Inspiring Words

When it comes to the influence of music on our writing, we often think about melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. However, the impact of lyrics should not be underestimated. The words in a song can have a profound effect on our creative output and productivity. By carefully selecting songs with inspiring and meaningful lyrics, we can enhance our writing experience and tap into new ideas and perspectives.

Words have the power to evoke emotions, stimulate our imagination, and convey complex thoughts and ideas. When we listen to songs with lyrics that resonate with us, it can trigger a range of emotions that can fuel our writing process. Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad that touches our soul or an empowering anthem that fills us with motivation, the right lyrics can provide the emotional backdrop we need to dive deep into our writing and express ourselves fully.

In addition to emotional impact, lyrics can also influence the way we think and inspire us to explore different topics and themes in our writing. Songs with thought-provoking lyrics can challenge our perspectives and push us beyond our comfort zones. They can introduce us to new ideas and expand our horizons, allowing us to approach our writing from fresh and unique angles. By actively seeking out songs with inspiring words, we can invite a broader range of thoughts and concepts into our writing and enrich our overall message.

It’s important to note that the impact of lyrics on writing is a highly personal experience. What resonates with one writer may not have the same effect on another. It’s essential to be in tune with our own preferences and emotions when choosing the songs we write to. Some writers may find solace in introspective and introspective lyrics, while others may thrive on uplifting and motivational messages. By curating a personalized playlist of songs with lyrics that align with our writing intentions, we can create an atmosphere of inspiration and creativity that supports our unique style and voice.

In conclusion, lyrics play a significant role in the impact of music on our writing. By selecting songs with inspiring words, we can tap into the emotional, intellectual, and creative aspects of our writing process. The right lyrics have the power to fuel our imagination, challenge our thinking, and elevate our writing to new heights.

Creating a Distraction-Free Environment: Tips for Using Music Effectively

When it comes to essay writing, having a distraction-free environment is essential for focusing and improving productivity. Music can be a powerful tool in creating such an environment, helping to boost concentration and inspire creativity. By carefully selecting the right music and following a few key tips, you can maximize the benefits of using music while minimizing potential distractions.

  • Choose instrumental music: Instead of lyrics that may compete for your attention, opt for instrumental music. This type of music provides a soothing ambiance and eliminates the potential distraction of following along with lyrics.
  • Experiment with different genres: Various genres of music can evoke different emotions and moods. By exploring different genres, you can find the right music that complements your writing style and helps you get into the flow.
  • Create a playlist: Curating a playlist specifically for writing purposes can help set the tone and provide a consistent background noise. Start by selecting a few essential tracks that promote focus, and gradually expand your playlist based on what works best for you.
  • Use ambient sounds: In addition to music, ambient sounds can also be effective in creating a distraction-free environment. Rainfall, nature sounds, or white noise can help block out external noises and increase your concentration.
  • Adjust the volume: Finding the right volume is crucial for using music effectively. Too loud, and it can become distracting; too low, and it may not be effective in creating a productive environment. Experiment with different volumes to find the perfect balance.
  • Minimize interruptions: Ensure that your music setup doesn’t interrupt your writing process. Choose a music streaming platform or app that allows for seamless playback without ads or interruptions. This way, you can maintain focus without being interrupted by unrelated content.
  • Match the music to the task: Different writing tasks may require varying levels of focus and energy. Consider selecting music that aligns with the specific task at hand. For brainstorming or creative writing, choose upbeat or uplifting music, while for editing or proofreading, opt for more relaxed and calming tunes.

By following these tips, you can create a distraction-free environment that harnesses the power of music to enhance your essay writing experience. Experiment, adapt, and find the perfect music that helps you stay focused, motivated, and creative throughout the writing process.

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Table of Contents

Mood Music with English Lyrics

Music in a foreign language, music without lyrics.

  • Game & Movie Scores without Lyrics

Electronic Music

Ambient noise, the best music for writing: 32 playlists for inspiration & focus.

feature image device playing music through headphones

Music can set the tone when you’re writing a book . Or, it can help you avoid writer’s block by motivating you through the hard, boring work of sitting in your chair.

But it has to be the right music for you (and your book).

Some people can write to anything. Heavy metal, construction noises, or catchy pop tunes, nothing derails their focus.

I am not one of those. I need the music to match my mood or the mood I’m writing in. How am I supposed to write about the most challenging moments in my life while upbeat kids’ music is pounding in my headphones?

Some people can only write to music if there are no lyrics or if it’s in a foreign language they can’t understand. There’s no right answer for the “best” or “perfect” playlist. It’s just whatever works best for you.

You need something that will motivate you to write quickly and write well so you can get your published book into the world.

It may take some trial-and-error to figure it out. But here’s a list of options that have worked for me and other members of the Scribe Crew . I’ve broken our top recommendations down into categories, so you can try them out yourself.

32 Best Music Playlists & Songs to Listen to While You Write

Whether you need to psych yourself up to write or just want to match the tone of your book, here are some of our favorite options for a range of moods.

1. Morning Rhythm

This is upbeat but gentle music to ease you into the writing groove. There’s a little bit of everything here, from funk to soul to jazz.

Every song has a beat, so this list will motivate you without fading into the background.

2. Shoegaze Classics

Shoegaze was initially called “dream pop” when it emerged in the UK in the 1980s. It features ethereal, shimmery vocals, distorted guitars, and a lot of distortion.

Shoegaze is brooding music that somehow manages to be upbeat and depressing at the same time.

3. Have a Great Day!

You can probably guess from the name—this list is full of happy songs to brighten your day.

You’ll find tracks from Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Steely Dan, Blondie, and Stevie Wonder.

If you’re stuck, it might help to get a dose of energy with familiar, fun music.

4. Chill + Atmospheric

Do you prefer melancholy music?

Do you like songs with haunting melodies?

Do you like the idea of writing on a rainy day?

If the answer to any of those questions is yes, give this playlist a shot.

5. Melantronic

Spotify describes this playlist as “beautiful electronic music for melancholy moments.”

There’s definitely some sadness here. But don’t expect a playlist that’s going to kill your spirit. These songs have solid beats.

Think Thom Yorke, Caribou, and Aphex Twin.

I’ve found that sometimes I like to write to music in a foreign language. The music is interesting enough to keep me motivated, but I don’t get distracted by the lyrics.

Here are some playlists we liked from around the world.

6. French Indie Pop

This playlist is full of dreamy, mellow French indie pop.

It’s heavy on electronic music and sparkly beats. Think more “low-key Paris” vibe than club-hopping.

7. Japanese City Pop

In the late 1970s and 1980s, the term “City Pop” described a type of music popular in Japan.

City pop borrowed heavily from Western music and had elements of jazz, soft rock, and funk.

If you like yacht rock or need some peppy music, give city pop a try.

8. Soweto Beat/Township Jive

Soweto is a township in South Africa that’s well known for music.

This playlist features mbaqanga music, a style of South African music with Zulu roots that originated in the early 1960s.

It’s upbeat and rhythmic, so it’s great for energetic bursts of writing.

9. Bhangra Bangers

If you like upbeat music that makes you nod your head, this is it.

Bhangra originated in the British Punjabi community during the late 20th century.

It’s got a little bit of traditional Indian folk music, a little bit of hip hop, and a lot of percussion.

10. Spanish Tapas Bar

Only listen to this if you’re looking for a jolt of energy.

This playlist features traditional flamenco and Spanish folk tunes with a quick tempo.

11. Korean Indie/Chill/R&B

This is the longest mix of Korean RnB, pop, ballads, and lo-fi songs on Spotify.

Clocking in at 54 hours, there’s a little bit of everything, from uplifting to downtempo.

If you get easily distracted by lyrics, you still have plenty of musical options.

Classical music, hip hop beats, instrumental versions of your favorite songs, and modern composers can help you find your focus.

12. Japanese Lofi HipHop

This is one of my favorite writing playlists. It’s a collection of lyric-less, Asian-inspired hip hop beats. It’s chill, but upbeat enough that it won’t put you to sleep. I write to this about 50% of the time.

13. Classical Music for Reading

If it’s good for reading, chances are it’s good for writing.

This 2.5-hour playlist features a sampling of pieces from Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, and other famous classical composers.

14. Minimalism

Minimalist compositions are perfect for writing.

They usually have repetitive patterns or pulses or steady drones. They’re easy to get sucked into (without giving them too much attention).

This mix features some of the most iconic minimalist composers: Philip Glass, Michael Nyman, and John Adams.

15. Instrumental Pop Covers

Try this if you like top-40 radio and pop classics but don’t want to lose your focus.

It’s got everything from basic guitar covers to full orchestral versions of songs you probably already know.

16. Composer Weekly: Ryuichi Sakamoto

Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto has played many different styles of music over the course of his career.

Lately, he’s been recognized for his movie soundtracks and piano compositions.

This playlist is a 30-track introduction to his instrumental music. It’s sparse, dark, and contemplative.

17. Relaxing Spanish Guitar

Don’t underestimate the power of Spanish guitar.

It’s full of emotion, quick riffs, and rhythm. It may put some zest in your typing.

18. Ludovico Einaudi Complete Playlist

Ludovico Einaudi is an Italian pianist and composer.

He’s well known for his film and television scores, but this playlist features his solo releases, including a seven-part series called Seven Days Walking , which he released last year.

Game & Movie Scores without Lyrics

Some of the best composers in the world write for movies and video games.

Unless you’re using a specific movie or game to purposely set a mood, I recommend choosing one you’re not very familiar with. That way, the music won’t distract you.

19. DirecTV’s Movie Score Channel (Channel 822)

If you have DirectTV, make the most of your TV’s speakers and tune into the DirectTV Movie Score Channel.

Their non-stop instrumental music is the perfect soundtrack for writing your book.

20. Soundtracks for Studying

This playlist covers everything from Downton Abbey and Braveheart to Ratatouille and Sherlock .

Movie-wise, that’s a big range. But musically, all these songs strike the perfect balance between epic and lowkey so you can focus.

21. Minecraft Soundtrack

Minecraft is the bestselling video game of all time.

There are many reasons people love it, but 1 big reason is the music. It’s the kind of music that makes you feel happy without even realizing it.

It’s “barely there” but still optimistic and motivational.

22. Studio Ghibli Summer Night Piano Collection with Nature Sounds

Studio Ghibli is a famous Japanese animation studio. This 7-hour Youtube collection features piano performances of some of their gentlest music, overlaid with cricket noises.

If you’re looking for something soft and soothing, this is it.

There are many styles of electronic music: electronica, house, techno, drum and bass, jungle, garage, trance, IDM, etc.

If you’re already a fan of electronic music, you might have a favorite type.

While some people can write to rave tunes, most can’t. So, I’ve added some energetic playlists that aren’t too dancy or aggressive.

23. Brain Food

This is subtle, hypnotic electronic music that promotes focus or relaxation.

There aren’t any lyrics, which makes this a good option for people who are easily distracted.

24. Yoga Electronica

This playlist features downtempo deep house. That means it’s a perfect dose of energy without making you want to get up and dance.

You can latch onto the beats, but it’s repetitive enough to help you stay in the writing zone.

25. Mother Earth’s Plantasia

This is a cult classic electronic album by Mort Garson. It was first released to a limited audience in 1976, but it gained wider circulation when it was re-released in 2019.

The album features “warm Earth music” designed to help plants grow. It’s sweet, hopeful, and spacey.

If you like Moog synthesizers and fantasy, you’ll love Plantasia .

26. Women of Electronic

This list features women who make innovative electronic music. Most of the tracks have lyrics.

This playlist offers a wide range of styles. For example, Yaeji is a Korean-American artist who sings over house beats in a quiet, mellow voice.

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith uses synthesizers to create layered, elaborate songs.

And Charlotte De Witte is a Belgian DJ known for her “dark and stripped-back” techno.

When we asked the Scribe Crew for playlist recommendations, this was by far the category that got the most responses.

Ambient noise is a great option if you hate working in total quiet but also get easily distracted by music.

It’s also a helpful workaround if you like working in coffee shops or coworking spaces but can’t right now because of the pandemic.

Ambient sounds can give you the impression that you’re out of the house even if you’re still sitting at your desk.

27. My Noise

This is, hands down, the coolest ambient noise and white noise generator.

It’s run by an engineer and sound designer who collects recordings from around the world.

It has everything from Tibetan bells and waterfalls to street recordings and gardens.

28. Coffitivity

Many writers love to write in coffee shops, but you may not have that option if you have a l imited time frame (or if you’re still under COVID lockdown).

Streaming background noise on Coffitivity can give you the feeling that you’re in a coffee shop even when you aren’t.

You can also choose between different levels of activity. For example, “Morning Murmur” is less hectic than “Lunchtime Lounge.”

29. Rain Sounds

I LOVE the Spotify playlist that features rain sounds. I like to curl up on a rainy day and just chill, and the rain sounds create that mood. It’s a gentle and soothing way I use to get into writing, and it helps keep me in my flow state once I get there.

30. 8 Hours of Ocean Sounds

These calming wave sounds were recorded at Playa de Piticabo in the Dominican Republic.

With 8 hours of recordings, you could literally listen to them all day if you want some soothing background noise while you write.

31. OM Chanting @ 417 Hz

These Om chants are repetitive and positive. They can help you tune out the outside world and get into a meditative pattern.

32. Binaural Beats: Focus

When you hear a slightly different tone in each ear, it creates a binaural beat. Your brain falls into sync with the difference between the tones’ frequencies and creates an auditory illusion.

Binaural beats can lower stress, promote creativity, and encourage relaxation. This playlist is designed to enhance your focus.

best music for writing essays

The Scribe Crew

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The Best Music for Writing: 26 Playlists for Inspiration & Focus

  • February 21, 2024
  • 12 min read

Table of Contents:

Why music helps you write, 26 best music playlists to listen to while you write, writing music for every mood: english lyrics, 1. morning rhythms, 2. shoegaze classics, 3. have a great day, 4. chill + atmospheric, 5. melantronic, writing music in a foreign language, 6. french indie pop, 7. japanese city pop, 8. soweto beat/township jive, 9. bhangra bangers, 10.  spanish tapas bar, 11.  korean indie/chill/r&b, musical choices without lyrics:, 12.  japanese lofi hiphop, 13.  classical music for reading, 14. minimalism, 15. instrumental pop covers, 16. composer weekly: ryuichi sakamoto, 17.  relaxing spanish guitar, 18.  ludovico einaudi complete playlist, instrumental scores from games and movies, 19.  soundtracks for studying, 20.  minecraft soundtrack, 21.  studio ghibli summer night piano collection with nature sounds, electronic music, 22.  brain food, 23.  yoga electronica.

  • 24.   Mother Earth's Plantasia

25.  Women of Electronic

26.  coding concentration by spotify, finding your optimal sound, experiment with different genres, create playlists based on projects, ambient noise vs. music, potential downsides of music, it can be distracting for some:, lyrics can be distracting:, changing songs interrupts flow:, other auditory background.

Music can be a writer’s best friend or their worst enemy. The right tunes keep you focused and motivated as the words flow effortlessly onto the page. But choose the wrong playlist, and you might find yourself tapping your feet instead of typing away.

That’s why finding the optimal soundscape for your writing sessions is important. With the perfect mix of songs, you can transport yourself into a flow state, cranking out page after page on even the toughest assignments. The wrong sounds, however, can shatter your concentration or sap your creativity.

This guide will explore the best music for writing across genres and contexts. You’ll discover upbeat tracks to energize your efforts, ambient mixes to enhance your focus, and playlists tailored specifically for creative writing. Read on to find your perfect background audio, guaranteed to inspire great work.

Music can be a powerful ally in writing and enhancing creativity. The right tunes can help improve focus and block out distractions. They can put you in the optimal mindset for flow and imagination.

When seeking inspiration strikes, music has an incredible ability to spark creative thinking and new ideas. Many writers can attest that a familiar playlist can trigger your muse, unlock writer’s block, or help words and thoughts flow freely.

The noise-blocking and distraction-minimizing effects of music can also give a useful boost to concentration. Getting in the zone for writing becomes easier when music cuts down external sounds and chatter. The predictability of rhythms and melodies helpfully directs mental focus.

Music also has a profound impact on mood and mindset. Choosing playlists that evoke energy, positivity, or relaxation sets the stage for productive writing sessions. Upbeat tracks promote motivation, while calmer songs lower stress. Getting in the right headspace with a tailored soundtrack helps writing come easier.

Here is our expertly crafted selection of 26 writing music playlists and songs. These playlists are especially favored by the wordsmiths at Ghost Writing Founder , who understand the power of the perfect backdrop to writing sessions.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration to kickstart your writing journey , here are some collections of writing music playlists that you can listen to.

Begin your day with a gentle nudge into the writing flow. This playlist offers an eclectic mix, from funk to soul to jazz, designed to uplift your spirits without fading into the background.

Originally dubbed “dream pop” upon its emergence in the UK during the 1980s, shoegaze music features ethereal vocals, distorted guitars, and a distinctive aura of distortion. It’s a brooding yet oddly uplifting genre, perfect for those reflective writing sessions.

As the title suggests, this playlist brims with cheerful melodies guaranteed to brighten your mood. Featuring tracks from Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Steely Dan, Blondie, and Stevie Wonder, it’s a surefire way to inject some energy into your writing routine.

This playlist is tailor-made if melancholy melodies and rainy-day ambiance resonate with your creative spirit. Immerse yourself in haunting tunes that evoke a sense of introspection and calm.

Described by Spotify as “beautiful electronic music for melancholy moments,” this playlist strikes a delicate balance between sadness and rhythm. Expect soul-stirring tracks from artists like Thom Yorke, Caribou, and Aphex Twin, perfect for those reflective writing sessions.

Professional book writing service providers sometimes like to write music while listening to some good foreign language music. The tunes offer intrigue, keeping one motivated without the distraction of lyrics.

Below are writing music playlists liked by the team from around the world:

This writing music playlist embodies dreamy, mellow French indie pop. It leans heavily on electronic music and vibrant beats, evoking a “low-key Paris” vibe rather than the frenzy of club-hopping.

During the late 1970s and 1980s, Japan embraced “City Pop,” influenced by Western music. With jazz, soft rock, and funk elements, it’s reminiscent of yacht rock—a perfect choice for those seeking peppy tunes.

Soweto, a vibrant township in South Africa, resonates with musical energy. This playlist highlights mbaqanga music, a rhythmic style with deep Zulu roots originating in the early 1960s. Its upbeat tempo ignites energetic bursts of writing.

For enthusiasts of upbeat music, Bhangra is the epitome of delight. Originating in the British Punjabi community, it blends traditional Indian folk melodies with hip-hop influences and infectious percussion.

This playlist promises a surge of vitality, featuring traditional flamenco and Spanish folk tunes with a quick tempo. It infuses the writing space with vitality, ideal for those seeking energy.

Hop on a 54-hour musical odyssey through Korean R&B, pop, ballads, and lo-fi melodies. This extensive mix offers a spectrum of emotions, from uplifting anthems to soulful ballads, perfect for any writing journey.

Explore these eclectic playlists and let the global melodies inspire your creativity.

For those who find lyrics distracting, there are many musical choices to maintain focus. Consider classical pieces, hip-hop beats, instrumental renditions of favorite songs, and contemporary composers to enhance productivity.

This playlist, a personal favorite for writing sessions, offers lyric-less, Asian-inspired hip-hop beats. It balances chill vibes and upbeat rhythms as the backdrop for about 50% of writing sessions.

A 2.5-hour compilation featuring selections from Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, and other classical masters. If it’s suitable for reading, it’s also conducive to writing.

Minimalist compositions, characterized by repetitive patterns or steady drones, are ideal for fostering concentration. This mix showcases works by iconic minimalist composers like Philip Glass, Michael Nyman, and John Adams.

Perfect for top-40 radio and pop classics fans who seek to maintain focus. From basic guitar covers to full orchestral renditions, it offers a variety of instrumental interpretations.

Explore the instrumental music of Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, renowned for his movie soundtracks and piano compositions. This playlist offers a 30-track introduction to his sparse, dark, and contemplative works.

Experience the expressive power of the Spanish guitar, characterized by its rich emotion, quick riffs, and rhythmic cadence. Let its zest infuse your typing sessions.

You can also listen to the solo releases of Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi, renowned for his film and television scores. Explore his diverse works, including the seven-part “Seven Days Walking” series.

For those seeking instrumental scores from games and movies, the world of music offers a range of options to enhance focus and productivity.

From Downton Abbey’s grandeur to Braveheart’s adventure, this playlist encompasses a wide range of movie soundtracks, including Ratatouille and Sherlock. Despite the diverse cinematic themes, the music strikes a harmonious balance between epic and subdued, providing an ideal ambiance for concentration.

Renowned as the bestselling video game of all time, Minecraft captivates players with its enchanting music. The soundtrack exudes an understated yet uplifting vibe, subtly infusing happiness and motivation into your writing space.

Hop into the serene world of Studio Ghibli with this 7-hour YouTube collection featuring gentle piano performances intertwined with soothing nature sounds like chirping crickets. Indulge in soft and tranquil melodies to create a serene writing atmosphere.

When you enter the world of electronic music, you’ll find all sorts of styles, from electronica to house, techno to drum and bass, each with its own feel. While some folks love jamming to rave tunes, others prefer playlists that are lively but not too wild. Here are a few tracks to boost your writing sessions:

Engross yourself in subtle, hypnotic electronic melodies to enhance focus and relaxation. With no distracting lyrics, this playlist is ideal for those easily pulled away from their creative flow.

Featuring downtempo and deep house tracks, this playlist provides the perfect energy balance without inducing a desire to dance. Its repetitive beats offer a steady rhythm to anchor your writing endeavors.

24.   Mother Earth’s Plantasia

A cult classic electronic album by Mort Garson, “Plantasia” was initially released in 1976, resurfacing to wider acclaim in 2019. Crafted as “warm Earth music” to aid plant growth, its sweet, hopeful, and spacey tunes, infused with Moog synthesizers, evoke a sense of fantasy and wonder.

Highlighting innovative women in electronic writing music, this playlist offers diverse styles and voices. From Yaeji’s quiet, mellow vocals over house beats to Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith’s intricate synthesizer compositions and Charlotte De Witte’s dark and stripped-back techno, each artist brings a unique perspective to the electronic landscape.

This playlist offers more than 100 instrumental tracks that are ideal for keeping you concentrated on your tasks. With genres ranging from classical melodies to electronic rhythms, there’s a diverse selection to help you stay in the zone.

Everyone has different preferences regarding finding the right auditory backdrop for writing, especially when embarking on becoming a novelist . Here are some tips for discovering your optimal sound:

Try out various musical genres to see which ones work best for you. Some writers do their best work with classical or instrumental music playing in the background.

Others find upbeat pop, rock, or dance music more motivating. Don’t limit yourself to one genre—explore various types of writing music to find which styles get your creative juices flowing.

You may want to make different playlists depending on the type of writing project you’re working on. For academic or technical writing, mellow acoustic or classical music may help you focus without distraction.

For creative writing like poetry or fiction, instrumental movie soundtracks or ambient electronica could help spark ideas. Tailor your playlists to fit the tone and nature of your writing.

You don’t necessarily need a musical soundtrack to write. For some, ambient background noise like the hum of a coffee shop, rainstorm sounds, or crackling fireplace audio can provide a soothing atmosphere without pulling focus like lyrical music might. Experiment with different natural noise soundscapes to see if they help your writing productivity more than music.

The key is trying out different auditory backdrops to discover what puts you in the optimal headspace for writing without distracting you from the task. Be open to finding new music, sounds, or playlists that boost your creativity and focus. With experimentation, you’ll find the right sonic environment tailored specifically to your writing needs.

While writing music can be a great tool for enhancing focus and creativity while writing, it has some potential downsides to be aware of.

Individual responsiveness to music is highly personal. For every writer who thrives with a harmonious background, there’s another who may find it overstimulating. Just as some writers deepen their skills by read classic books in silence, you might discover that a quiet environment helps you concentrate better. It’s crucial to experiment and determine if music is a helpful tool or a hindrance to your process.

Songs with lyrics, especially in a language you understand, can pull your focus towards listening to the words instead of writing your own. Instrumental music is often a better choice for writing sessions.

Having new songs constantly start-up can disrupt your concentration and pull you out of the writing flow state. Consider playlists that blend songs without gaps or extended mixes that play for 30-60 minutes without interruptions.

Nature sounds, and white noise has also become popular options for writers seeking ambient background audio. The sounds of birds chirping, rain falling, or waves crashing can promote relaxation while blocking distracting noises.

Many people also enjoy the background chatter and clatter of a coffee shop or cafe. The indistinct voices and sounds of espresso machines and dishes create a soothing backdrop, emulating the buzz of creativity and productivity. Cafe ambiance playlists aim to mimic this energetic yet unintrusive environment.

Binaural beats are a more unconventional option. Each ear’s tracks play slightly different frequencies to encourage specific mental states.

For example, beta-wave binaural beats from 14-30 Hz may boost energy and focus, while theta waves from 4-8 Hz induce calmness and creativity. However, research on binaural beats’ effects remains limited.

Any repetitious, low-key background noise could pave the way for engaging writing sessions. We see this in practice daily at our Seo blog writing agency , where various sounds accompany our writers on their creative journeys. Experiment to determine which auditory environments optimize your concentration and inspiration. Let your productivity and preferences guide you towards your ideal soundscape.

It’s worth experimenting to find your optimal soundscapes to write to. Remember that lyrics can sometimes be distracting, and pay attention to how your productivity is affected. While music works for many, reduce the volume or avoid it if it seems counterproductive.

Listening to music while writing can greatly boost creativity, focus, and productivity for many people. Throughout this article, we’ve explored different genres and playlists that can inspire focused writing sessions and soothe nerves or spark new ideas. With this guide and multiple playlist options, we hope you can now increase your productivity while crafting a book .

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Writing Beginner

Writing Music: 100 Best Songs to Spark Your Creativity

I always listen to something when I write — music, podcasts, or YouTube videos.

I’ve explored various soundscapes, from the ambient noise of coffee shops to curated playlists, and I even created a rain sounds video on my YouTube channel, specifically designed to envelop writers in the comforting embrace of nature’s melodies.

From all of this research and testing, here is the best writing music for your every artistic mood.

The Power of Writing Music

Typewriter surrounded by colorful floating images of music -- Writing Music

Table of Contents

Why does music hold such power over our creative faculties?

From the rhythmic patter of rain to the soul-stirring swell of an orchestra, each note and nuance can usher us into a state of flow, where words pour out effortlessly. In this guide, I’ll share 100 songs that have been my allies in writing.

These aren’t just any songs; they are melodies that resonate with the rhythm of thought, emotion, and expression.

Each category below is a collection of tunes that have stood by me, helping weave narratives out of the silence.

Classical Calm

Classical music provides a serene backdrop for writers.

Its timeless melodies can transport you to a world of quiet contemplation, where creativity flows unimpeded.

  • Claude Debussy – Clair de Lune . The gentle ebbs and flows of this piece mimic the natural rhythm of thought, making it perfect for reflective writing sessions. Its ethereal quality can help ideas float freely in your mind.
  • Ludwig van Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata . This sonata’s deep melancholy provides a powerful backdrop for introspection and profound creativity. The emotional depth of the music can help unlock hidden layers in your writing.
  • Johann Sebastian Bach – Goldberg Variations . Bach’s variations offer a structured yet creative environment that can boost focus and inspiration. Each variation explores a different facet of the theme, much like exploring various angles in a story.
  • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Eine kleine Nachtmusik . Mozart’s serenade is lively and uplifting, perfect for when you need a mood booster during long writing sessions. Its familiarity and charm can make the writing process feel more joyful.
  • Erik Satie – Gymnopédies . The slow pace and simplicity of the Gymnopédies provide a minimalist backdrop that can help clear your mind, making room for creativity and focus.
  • Antonio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons . Vivaldi’s concertos are vivid and full of life, each portraying a different season. This variety can inspire dynamic writing, offering a range of emotions to draw from.
  • Frédéric Chopin – Nocturnes . Chopin’s Nocturnes are soulful and expressive, ideal for writing that delves into deep emotions or complex character studies. Their lyrical quality can help smooth out the writing process.
  • Ludovico Einaudi – Nuvole Bianche . Einaudi’s contemporary classical piece is soothing and cinematic, perfect for writing scenes that require a touch of emotion or a sense of journey.
  • Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake . The dramatic and beautiful themes from Swan Lake can inspire grand narratives and add a touch of elegance to your writing environment.
  • Philip Glass – Glassworks . Glass’s minimalist compositions offer a repetitive and hypnotic backdrop, facilitating a deep focus that’s ideal for getting lost in the world of your writing.

Jazz Journeys

Jazz, with its blend of spontaneity and structure, can invigorate your writing process.

Its ability to convey emotion through improvisation makes it a dynamic companion for creative exploration.

  • Miles Davis – So What . The cool, laid-back vibes of this track encourage a relaxed writing pace, making it ideal for brainstorming sessions or fleshing out ideas.
  • John Coltrane – Giant Steps . Coltrane’s fast pace and complex chord changes can energize your writing, especially when working through challenging sections or looking for dynamic, rhythmic inspiration.
  • Dave Brubeck – Take Five . Its unusual time signature and catchy melody make “Take Five” a refreshing break from the ordinary, perfect for writers seeking a novel approach or a fresh perspective.
  • Charles Mingus – Goodbye Pork Pie Hat . This soulful, melancholic piece can provide a deep, emotional undercurrent for writing that explores complex themes or character emotions.
  • Duke Ellington – In a Sentimental Mood . The smooth, romantic tones of this classic can enhance writing scenes that require a touch of intimacy or reflection.
  • Bill Evans – Waltz for Debby . Evans’ lyrical piano playing offers a gentle, wistful backdrop, ideal for crafting detailed narratives or developing character backstories.
  • Thelonious Monk – Round Midnight . Monk’s intricate melodies and harmonies present a thoughtful, introspective mood, suitable for late-night writing sessions or when delving into more serious topics.
  • Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong – Summertime . The warm, expressive vocals in this rendition of “Summertime” can add a sense of nostalgia and depth to your writing, perfect for setting a scene or developing atmosphere.
  • Herbie Hancock – Cantaloupe Island . With its funky groove and catchy riff, “Cantaloupe Island” introduces an upbeat, creative energy that can help spur innovative ideas.
  • Wynton Marsalis – Feeling of Jazz . Marsalis’ smooth and sophisticated track encapsulates the essence of jazz, providing a cool, composed backdrop for crafting narratives. It’s perfect for when you need to maintain a steady, focused approach to your writing, offering a balance between relaxation and concentration.

Ambient Atmospheres

Ambient music, with its emphasis on tone and atmosphere over traditional musical structure, can be incredibly effective in creating a focused, meditative writing environment.

These tracks are designed to blend into the background, providing a calming, non-intrusive backdrop.

  • Brian Eno – Music for Airports . Eno’s pioneering ambient album is designed to induce calm and space for reflection, making it ideal for writing that requires deep concentration and a serene mindset.
  • Aphex Twin – Rhubarb . This track’s repetitive, soft melodies create a soothing environment that can help minimize distractions, allowing for a deeper immersion into your writing.
  • Stars of the Lid – And Their Refinement Of The Decline . The slow-moving, drone-like soundscapes of this album are perfect for writers needing to maintain focus over long periods. It’s like a musical form of white noise, enhancing productivity without demanding attention.
  • Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight . Richter’s piece combines strings and piano to evoke a sense of emotional depth and introspection, aiding in writing that explores complex emotions or character developments.
  • Ólafur Arnalds – re:member . Arnalds blends classical and electronic elements to create music that feels both timeless and modern, offering a backdrop that can inspire innovative thinking and new ideas.
  • Sigur Rós – Ágætis byrjun . The ethereal sound of Sigur Rós can transport you to otherworldly places, perfect for writing fantasy, sci-fi, or any work that ventures beyond the ordinary.
  • Nils Frahm – Says . Frahm’s minimalist electronic compositions offer a tranquil, yet emotionally charged environment for writing, especially effective for crafting narratives that require a delicate touch.
  • The Album Leaf – In a Safe Place . The blend of ambient electronics and live instruments creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that’s conducive to creative writing and brainstorming.
  • Carbon Based Lifeforms – Hydroponic Garden . This album’s ambient, downtempo tracks are great for setting a calm, yet subtly energized environment for writing, especially useful for generating ideas and fleshing out concepts.
  • Eluvium – Life Through Bombardment . The lush, cinematic soundscapes of Eluvium are ideal for writers looking to create a deeply immersive setting, providing a sonic world that mirrors the depth and complexity of their narratives.

If you’re looking for more a rain sounds aesthetic, here is a video I created for writers (like me and you):

Epic Soundtracks

Epic soundtracks from movies, TV shows, and video games are masterful at evoking emotions and creating expansive soundscapes that can dramatically elevate your writing sessions.

Writing music like these compositions often carry a narrative weight, making them perfect companions for writing your own stories.

  • Hans Zimmer – Time (Inception) . Zimmer’s powerful compositions are known for their ability to convey deep emotional resonance and epic scope, making “Time” a perfect piece for writing scenes that require a sense of grandeur or emotional depth.
  • Ramin Djawadi – Main Theme (Game of Thrones) . The iconic theme from “Game of Thrones” is imbued with a sense of adventure and intrigue, ideal for writing fantasy or any story that involves complex political machinations and epic battles.
  • John Williams – Hedwig’s Theme (Harry Potter) . The magical quality of “Hedwig’s Theme” can inspire wonder and whimsy, perfect for writing children’s literature, fantasy, or any work that aims to capture the imagination.
  • Howard Shore – The Fellowship Theme (The Lord of the Rings) . Shore’s sweeping score for “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy is rich with themes of heroism, adventure, and the struggle between good and evil, offering a lush backdrop for writing epic narratives.
  • Ennio Morricone – The Ecstasy of Gold (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) . Morricone’s compositions blend the majestic with the intimate, providing a dynamic range of emotions to draw from when writing stories that traverse a broad emotional spectrum.
  • Yoko Shimomura – Dearly Beloved (Kingdom Hearts) . This gentle, melancholic piece from the Kingdom Hearts series is great for writing sessions that delve into themes of friendship, loss, or the bittersweet nature of adventure.
  • Bear McCreary – Theme from Battlestar Galactica . McCreary’s work combines traditional orchestral elements with electronic sounds and ethnic instruments, creating a unique, compelling backdrop that’s especially fitting.
  • Michael Giacchino – Married Life (Up) . Giacchino’s touching composition for the movie “Up” captures a wide range of emotions in just a few minutes, from the joys of love to the pains of loss, making it a versatile background for writing deeply emotional or reflective pieces.
  • Nobuo Uematsu – To Zanarkand (Final Fantasy X) . Uematsu’s compositions have a unique ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, perfect for writing that aims to explore complex emotions or intricate backstories.
  • Jeremy Soule – Skyrim (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim) . The epic and immersive score of Skyrim invites writers into a world of adventure and exploration, ideal for crafting narratives set in vast, open worlds full of potential stories and characters.

Lyrical Landscapes

Sometimes, the right lyrics can spark an idea or emotion that brings your writing to life.

These songs, spanning various genres, are chosen for their poetic lyrics and compelling storytelling, offering inspiration for your own narratives.

  • Bob Dylan – Tangled Up in Blue . Dylan’s storytelling prowess is unmatched, and this song’s intricate narrative and emotional depth can inspire similar richness and complexity in your writing.
  • Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah . Cohen’s lyrical genius in “Hallelujah” combines spiritual longing with human frailty, offering a profound backdrop for writing that explores deep themes of love, loss, and redemption.
  • Joni Mitchell – A Case of You . Mitchell’s vivid lyrics and emotive delivery in “A Case of You” paint a detailed picture of love and memory, providing a rich source of inspiration for character development and emotional narrative arcs.
  • The Beatles – Eleanor Rigby . The poignant storytelling and social commentary in “Eleanor Rigby” offer a great example of how to weave narrative and message into your writing, encouraging exploration of themes like loneliness and societal neglect.
  • Tracy Chapman – Fast Car . Chapman’s storytelling in “Fast Car” captures the essence of hope and despair, making it a powerful muse for writing about dreams, escape, and the realities of life.
  • Sufjan Stevens – Chicago . Stevens combines personal narrative with a sweeping scope in “Chicago,” inspiring writers to explore their own stories within larger themes and settings.
  • Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees . The melancholy and critique embedded in the lyrics of “Fake Plastic Trees” can inspire writing that delves into themes of authenticity, consumerism, and environmental concern.
  • Fleetwood Mac – Landslide . The introspective and contemplative nature of “Landslide,” combined with its beautiful melody, offers a soothing yet emotionally stirring background for writing about change, growth, and self-reflection.
  • David Bowie – Space Oddity . Bowie’s narrative of Major Tom’s journey into space provides a unique storytelling perspective, encouraging writers to explore themes of isolation, ambition, and the unknown.
  • Adele – Someone Like You . Adele’s powerful vocal delivery and the emotional depth of “Someone Like You” can inspire writing that seeks to capture the raw essence of heartbreak and the quest for closure.

Folk Reflections

Folk music offers a raw, authentic backdrop for writing that seeks to explore human experiences and emotions.

These songs are chosen for their ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.

  • Simon & Garfunkel – The Sound of Silence . The haunting melodies and poignant lyrics of this classic folk song can inspire introspective writing, exploring themes of alienation, existential dread, and the search for meaning.
  • Nick Drake – Pink Moon . Drake’s delicate fingerpicking and soft, melancholic voice in “Pink Moon” create an intimate atmosphere, perfect for writing that focuses on personal journey and introspection.
  • Joan Baez – Diamonds and Rust . Baez’s reflective and bittersweet recounting of a past love offers a masterclass in narrative lyricism, inspiring writers to explore the depths of their own past relationships and the emotions they evoke.
  • Bob Marley – Redemption Song . This acoustic anthem of freedom and emancipation from Bob Marley can encourage writers to explore themes of liberation, resilience, and the human spirit’s unyielding desire for redemption.
  • Joni Mitchell – Big Yellow Taxi . Mitchell’s witty and critical take on environmental and social issues set against a catchy, upbeat melody can inspire writers to tackle contemporary issues with a blend of humor and seriousness.
  • Iron & Wine – Flightless Bird, American Mouth . The intricate lyrics and soft, acoustic melody create a dreamlike quality that’s ideal for writing that delves into themes of love, loss, and longing.
  • Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal . The harmonic vocals and the cyclical, narrative nature of the song provide a lush, wintry backdrop for writing, perfect for stories that weave together themes of memory, time, and change.
  • Bon Iver – Holocene . The ethereal sound and introspective lyrics of “Holocene” invite writers to explore their place in the world, reflecting on moments of personal significance and the beauty of the natural world.
  • The Lumineers – Ophelia . With its catchy melody and soulful lyrics, “Ophelia” is a vibrant source of inspiration for writing about love, wanderlust, and the pursuit of passion against the odds.
  • Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova – Falling Slowly . This duet, with its beautiful blend of voices and emotional depth, can inspire writing that captures the essence of human connection, vulnerability, and the power of a shared moment.

Electronic Explorations

Electronic music, with its vast array of sounds and textures, offers an expansive landscape for creative exploration.

From ambient to techno, electronic writing music can stimulate a wide range of emotions and settings, making it a versatile companion for any writing session.

  • Daft Punk – Digital Love . This track’s upbeat tempo and nostalgic feel can inspire writing that explores themes of love, longing, and the joy of connection in the digital age.
  • Moby – Porcelain . The melancholic yet soothing tones of “Porcelain” offer a backdrop for writing that delves into introspection, solitude, and the complex layers of the human psyche.
  • Massive Attack – Teardrop . With its haunting vocals and trip-hop beats, “Teardrop” is perfect for crafting stories that explore the darker, more mysterious aspects of life and emotion.
  • Portishead – Roads . The somber mood and slow build of “Roads” create an atmospheric setting for writing that examines themes of despair, longing, and the search for redemption.
  • Boards of Canada – Roygbiv . The warm, analog sounds of Boards of Canada can inspire writing that captures nostalgia, childhood memories, and the subtle beauty of everyday moments.
  • Autechre – Nil . For writing that pushes boundaries or explores abstract concepts, the complex, textural soundscapes of Autechre offer a challenging yet rewarding backdrop.
  • Kraftwerk – Computer Love . Kraftwerk’s pioneering electronic sound, combined with themes of technology and emotion, can inspire writers to explore the intersection of human experience and the digital world.
  • Aphex Twin – Avril 14th . This gentle, piano-driven piece by Aphex Twin provides a serene and contemplative atmosphere, ideal for writing that seeks to capture moments of clarity, simplicity, and poignant beauty.
  • Tycho – Awake . Tycho’s blend of ambient melodies and upbeat rhythms offers an uplifting backdrop for writing, especially effective for crafting scenes that evoke a sense of hope, renewal, and forward movement.
  • The Chemical Brothers – Wide Open . With its dynamic build and emotive vocals, “Wide Open” is ideal for writing that explores transformation, the feeling of being on the cusp of change, or the exhilaration of discovering something new about oneself or the world.

Soulful Serenades

Soul music can bring a profound depth of feeling to your writing.

The soul genre is rich with themes of love, pain, joy, and resilience, making it a perfect writing music muse for stories that aim to touch the heart and stir the spirit.

  • Aretha Franklin – I Say a Little Prayer . Franklin’s powerful rendition of this classic provides a vibrant backdrop for writing that explores themes of hope, devotion, and the strength found in love.
  • Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay . The laid-back, reflective nature of this song is perfect for writing that captures moments of contemplation, the beauty of stillness, and the bittersweetness of reminiscing.
  • Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come . Cooke’s anthem of hope and resilience can inspire writing that tackles social issues, personal growth, and the universal longing for freedom and equality.
  • Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On . With its poignant social commentary and smooth, soulful melody, “What’s Going On” is a powerful muse for writing that seeks to explore and question the complexities of the modern world.
  • Bill Withers – Lean on Me . The message of support and unity in “Lean on Me” can inspire narratives that delve into the power of community, friendship, and the human capacity for compassion.
  • Al Green – Let’s Stay Together . Green’s smooth, romantic vocals can inspire writing that explores the nuances of love, commitment, and the joy found in shared moments.
  • Etta James – At Last . James’ soul-stirring vocals and the timeless quality of “At Last” make it an ideal backdrop for writing that captures the essence of finding love or fulfillment after a long journey.
  • Stevie Wonder – Superstition . The funky, upbeat sound of “Superstition” can inspire writing that’s infused with energy, explores themes of fate and belief, or simply needs a rhythmic, lively atmosphere.
  • Ray Charles – Georgia on My Mind . Charles’ heartfelt tribute to Georgia can inspire writing that explores themes of home, longing, and the deep emotional connections we have to places and memories.
  • Amy Winehouse – Back to Black . Winehouse’s emotional depth and retro soul style can inspire writing that delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of the human experience.

Reggae Rhythms

Reggae music, with its laid-back beats and positive vibes, provides a unique atmosphere that can significantly enhance the writing process.

Its rhythmic patterns and distinctive sound not only offer a refreshing break from the silence but also infuse your writing session with a sense of relaxation and creative flow.

  • Bob Marley & The Wailers – No Woman, No Cry . Bob Marley’s soothing voice and the song’s comforting rhythm make it a perfect choice for writing sessions that require warmth and empathy. Its message of hope and resilience can inspire narratives that resonate deeply with readers.
  • Peter Tosh – Legalize It . Tosh’s anthem for marijuana legalization is not only a call for social change but also a song that can inspire writers to explore themes of activism, freedom, and the fight against oppression in their work.
  • Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come . This track’s message of perseverance in the face of adversity offers a motivational backdrop for writing, especially for stories that feature characters overcoming challenges or fighting for their dreams.
  • Toots and the Maytals – Pressure Drop . The upbeat tempo and hopeful lyrics of “Pressure Drop” provide an excellent environment for writing music that encourages a sense of impending change or catharsis within narrative arcs.
  • Gregory Isaacs – Night Nurse . Isaacs’ smooth voice and the song’s relaxed groove offer a soothing background for writing sessions, particularly when crafting scenes that require a tender touch or a healing moment.
  • Burning Spear – Marcus Garvey . The powerful and inspiring lyrics dedicated to the Jamaican national hero, Marcus Garvey, encourage writers to delve into historical narratives, explore themes of leadership, and the impact of influential figures in society.
  • Steel Pulse – Handsworth Revolution . With its roots in the Handsworth riots, this song can inspire writers to tackle complex social issues, reflecting on the causes and effects of civil unrest and the community’s resilience.
  • Black Uhuru – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner . This track’s reggae beat and engaging storytelling elements make it a compelling choice for writing music that explores themes of unexpected encounters, societal norms, and breaking barriers.
  • Alpha Blondy – Jerusalem . The song’s plea for peace and unity in Jerusalem can inspire writing that explores themes of conflict, hope, and the quest for harmony in a divided world.
  • UB40 – Red Red Wine . UB40’s version of this classic song brings a light, enjoyable atmosphere to the writing session, perfect for when you need to loosen up and let the words flow with ease.

Blues Beats

Blues music offers a powerful source of inspiration for writers.

Characterized by its melancholic melodies and often reflective lyrics, this type of writing music can help unlock deep emotions and foster an environment ripe for creative storytelling.

This genre’s expressive power lies in its ability to convey the complexities of the human condition.

  • B.B. King – The Thrill Is Gone . King’s iconic guitar licks and soulful vocals on “The Thrill Is Gone” provide a poignant backdrop for writing about loss, heartbreak, and the journey to recovery. Its bluesy essence captures the bittersweet nature of moving on.
  • Muddy Waters – Mannish Boy . The deep, gritty voice of Muddy Waters combined with the song’s powerful riff offers inspiration for writing strong, defiant characters or narratives that embody the spirit of resilience and rebirth.
  • Etta James – I’d Rather Go Blind . The emotional intensity of “I’d Rather Go Blind” can inspire writers to explore the depths of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, making it perfect writing music for scenes charged with emotional turmoil.
  • John Lee Hooker – Boom Boom . Hooker’s foot-tapping rhythm and bluesy vibe in “Boom Boom” provide a lively atmosphere that can energize writing sessions, perfect for crafting scenes with dynamic, compelling action or dialogue.
  • Howlin’ Wolf – Smokestack Lightnin’ . The haunting harmonica and raw vocal power of “Smokestack Lightnin'” create an atmospheric setting for writing, especially suitable for stories that delve into darker themes or explore the human psyche.
  • Robert Johnson – Cross Road Blues . Johnson’s tale of desperation and deal-making at the crossroads offers fertile ground for writing music that inspires stories of choices, consequences, and the eternal search for redemption.
  • Stevie Ray Vaughan – Texas Flood . The virtuosic guitar work and emotional delivery of “Texas Flood” are ideal for writing music that evokes a sense of longing, intensity, and the raw edge of passion.
  • Buddy Guy – Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues . With its expressive guitar solos and heartfelt lyrics, “Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues” can encourage writers to tap into their own emotions, exploring themes of despair, endurance, and the catharsis of expressing one’s truth.
  • Janis Joplin – Me and Bobby McGee . Joplin’s raspy voice and the song’s narrative of freedom and loss make it a compelling choice for writing music that explores themes of adventure, companionship, and the sacrifices we make for the ones we love.
  • Gary Clark Jr. – Bright Lights . The modern blues sound of “Bright Lights,” with its gritty lyrics about city life, can inspire writers to explore contemporary themes, setting their narratives against the backdrop of urban landscapes and the dreams and struggles found within.

Best AI Song Generators for Writing Music

Believe it or not, you can actually now generate your own writing music to your exact specifications.

You can use this to inspire your writing or create a cool soundtrack for your stories.

Try these generators:

  • Suno – This is my current favorite!

Final Thoughts: Best Writing Music

Now you have a writing playlist for every mood.

For even more inspiration for your writing, check out some of our other great guides below.

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  • How To Self Publish a Book

Best Writing Playlists & Ambient Noise: Music for Writing Inspiration

If you’re looking to get your creative juices flowing, you want to set the best mood possible. Music has been proven to improve writing fluency and quality. We love listening to music while writing and wanted to share some of our favorite playlists with you.

Studies have shown that students who listen to music while studying have a greater ability to focus, decrease stress and anxiety, and increase productivity. Writers can write better when they’re listening to music that sets the mood. While some students and writers have no problem working and writing in silence, there are certainly benefits for those who choose to listen to music without getting distracted.

The question remains then, what kind of music is best for writing, and most beneficial to productivity and creativity?

Table of Contents

Isn’t Listening to Music Distracting While Writing?

It might be difficult to write a story or article that requires research in the presence of very loud, aggressive, or disjointed music. However, it’s perfectly reasonable to believe that music to suit the mood of whatever a writer is creating would act as a conduit for progress. The relaxing, motivating, or inspiring aspects of music can facilitate writing when applied in a manner and environment that encourages productive writing in the first place .

While musical tastes and preferences are largely subjective, many authors and writers have developed an understanding of what sounds, voices, or melodies might be distracting to them . In the same way, they have often developed an understanding of the music that best helps them write. If you are new to or experimenting with listening to music while you write, you may find that determining what sounds and music distracts, and which are conducive to productivity is a fairly quick process that only really takes a few minutes of your time.

Does It Matter What You are Writing About?

The subject matter of your writing can also dictate what kind of music will work best for whatever it is you are attempting to write. A writer that is looking to develop and create an article that requires research and information gathering may want to listen to music that is more ambient, closer to background noise.

For someone writing in creative prose, the most appropriate music to listen to will depend upon the mood of the prose . Authoring a romantic or deeply meaningful story may require music that is meditative or amorous in nature. Writing about mystery, suspense, or thriller might call for more intense and dramatic theme songs or soundtracks from like narratives.

What Music Styles are Best for the Genre or Topics You are Writing On?

Choosing a musical style to write to based on the genre or topic of a project is a deeply personal endeavor. An author of fantasy novels or action and adventure might be prone to listening to rock music, while the writer of an article about blue whales and the ocean may wish to listen to orchestral music. Orchestra music may also be ideal for writing on strictly informational projects and documents.

Writing a children’s story may require listening to upbeat, cheerful music for inspiration . Determining the mood of the writing will have a significant impact on which musical styles work best to inspire and motivate the writer.

The best musical style for most writing is generally slower in tempo, consistent in pitch, and at a low to medium level to maximize concentration. Of course, as with all writing styles and abilities, the best music for writing is up to the writer and what they’ve found works best for them.

Playlists for Writers

The following playlists are some of our favorites carefully selected. These playlists are calming, motivating, and contain no lyrics so you can bust through your writer’s block wall and start creating.

This is one of our favorite playlists for writing. The songs on this playlist are mostly ambient noise or post-rock music, and there are no distracting lyrics to get you off your writing track.

Gentle Piano Concertos

Classical focus.

This Amazon Music playlist contains some beautiful classical music pieces that will be sure to boost your focus and maybe your brainpower.  Try Amazon Music Prime free for 30-days .

Stress Relief

While great for calming us down, this playlist is another great focus one.

Acoustic Vibes

If listening to smooth acoustic guitar music, then these are the playlists for you.

Writing Jazz

Movie soundtracks we love.

You may not think of movie soundtracks as writing music, but you’d be surprised. Epic movies usually have epic soundtracks that inspire adventure and motivate the characters (and audience) to take big steps. Just listening to some of these soundtracks can motivate you to write more.

Lord of the rings

Pirates of the caribbean, john butler’s ocean, ambient sounds.

If music isn’t quite your jam (pun intended), then perhaps ambient sounds are better for you. Background noise such as rain and cafe chatter may be just what you need to spur your creative juices.

Cafe Sounds

If you miss the sounds of a bustling cafe, try out this playlist of ambient cafe sounds. Coffitivity.com also has some great cafe sounds.

Rain Sounds

Listen to the relaxing sounds of rain as you write. Besides the rain playlists below, we sometimes just go straight to Rainy Mood .

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Best Music for Essay Writing

You can unlock your inner writing genius with the right music for creative inspiration. From classical music to jazz and reggae, here are the 6 best music genres for brilliant writing.

Writing can often be a daunting task, no matter the genre. However, with the right combination of music and creativity, it can become a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a student, writer, or blogger, unlocking your inner writing genius is now easier than ever with the help of the 6 best music choices for essay writing. From classical music to jazz, these genres can help you set the perfect tone to express yourself and give your writing the edge it needs. Not only will you find yourself inspired and motivated, but you’ll also become more productive in the process. So, take the time to explore and discover the best genre to help unlock your inner writing genius and make your essay writing experience a breeze.

Discover the music that makes you focus: A guide to the best music for writing essays

Everyone has an inner writing genius, but sometimes it can be difficult to unlock. Music can be a powerful tool to help unlock that creative potential and boost your writing productivity. From calming acoustic melodies to energizing rock anthems, certain musical genres can help you get into the creative zone and enhance your essay writing. Here are 6 of the best musical genres for essay writing that can help you unlock your inner writing genius. Whether you’re a fan of classic music or prefer something more modern, you’ll find something here to help you focus and get the most out of your essay writing.

best music for writing essays

The best music to write an essay: Unlock your inner writing genius with these 6 genres

When it comes to essay writing, selecting the right genre of music can have a massive impact on your writing style, rhythm, and focus. So, put on your headphones, find your favorite genre, and get ready to unlock your inner creative writing genius!

Reggae music is known for its laid-back beats and positive vibes that can provide excellent background noise while writing an essay. Not only is reggae easy to listen to, but it also helps reduce stress levels and improve focus and creativity - key ingredients for successful essay writing! The soothing rhythm of reggae tunes can help create a relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to work more efficiently. Moreover, it helps eliminate distractions from other environmental noises, which could otherwise be disruptive when trying to concentrate. Reggae music has been proven to increase brainwave entertainment and allow our minds to drift off into a deeply relaxed state, making us more productive and better able to find inspiration from within.

The soundscape of a reggae tune allows plenty of space for ideas and stories to flow freely – just what is needed when composing an essay or thesis. However, there are times when its repetitive beats, melodies, and motifs can't unlock a tired mind. This is common for students who have too much to handle, which is basically any contemporary college student. If you find yourself in this state, don’t hesitate to seek writing help from CustomWritings.com . As a professional essay service, they’re dedicated to helping struggling students keep up with their academic assignments. The company isn’t just reputable but is amongst the top essay writing services in the USA. Don’t crumble under the heavy yoke of assignments. Give them a call!

Electronic Music

Electronic music can be an excellent choice, if not the best music to write a paper. It can help create a calm and focused atmosphere, especially if you are struggling to concentrate or are easily distracted. In addition, electronic music can be very motivating and help keep you focused on your task. EDM's steady rhythm helps keep a student’s thoughts on track. Listening to this type of music while writing an essay, students can maintain concentration better, develop clearer ideas more easily, and make smoother transitions between sentences and paragraphs. It also reduces boredom, so students won’t become distracted or lose interest in their papers.

Country music has a lot of great qualities that make it ideal for essay writing. Its mellow but engaging tempo has been found beneficial for productivity, allowing students to keep their focus without feeling overwhelmed or rushed by faster-paced genres. Listening to this genre while writing also provides an excellent soundtrack that doesn't require too much attention; therefore, it won't take away from the essay itself.

Furthermore, the relaxing nature of country music can help reduce the stress associated with essay writing and act as an antidote for writer’s block. Many have found that when faced with a difficult or tedious task, the consistent beat of this genre provides the perfect background noise to create a state of ‘flow’ – where everything seems easier, and thoughts become clearer.

best music for writing essays

Rock is among the good music for writing essays. It is a fantastic choice as it helps to keep students focused and productive. Listening to this genre makes you naturally inspired and motivated to get the job done. The best way to unlock your writing genius when listening to rock music is to imagine yourself being part of the band. Picture yourself on stage playing to a crowd of thousands as you write. This will help you become more creative and focused on your writing.

There's something about jazz music that seems to lend itself well to essay writing. Maybe it's the fact that jazz is such a complex and intricate genre, with so many different sub-genres and styles to choose from. Or perhaps it's because jazz often has a very mellow, relaxed feel to it, which can help create a calm and focused atmosphere while you're writing. Whatever the reason, jazz is definitely one of the best music for writing essays. Play jazz when you are distracted or losing focus to keep you relaxed, focused, and on top of your tasks.

If we're talking specifically about the best music to write an essay, then Hip-Hop is the clear winner. There's something about the rhythm and flow of Hip-Hop that makes it perfect for writing. It's easy to get lost in the music and find yourself in a flow state where the words start flowing out of you. And when you're in that state, the quality of your writing is always going to be better.

The key to unlocking your writing genius is to find the best musical genre for essay writing that inspires you to get creative and focuses you on your essay. Whether you like to listen to classical music or EDM, there's something for everyone. Find the genre that best suits your style, and you'll be well on your way to unlocking your writing genius and making your essay writing experience a breeze. It may take some trial and error, but it's well worth it when you finally find the perfect fit.                                                                                                                                                                    

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Authority Self-Publishing

The 5 Best Types Of Music For Writing Your Book

Is there such a thing as the best music for writing?

If you’re a writer, you probably have some idea of the kind of music that helps you get words on the page more efficiently or that helps you be more creative while you’re writing.

So, when you’re choosing music to listen to while writing, the following factors probably help you choose what type of music to play — or whether you want any at all:

  • What you’re writing (fantasy, romance, creative nonfiction , how-to…)
  • What mood you’re in (sad or depressed, edgy, upbeat, irritable…)
  • What you need from the music or what mood you want to create (fired up, determined, introspective, zen…)
  • What time of day you’re writing (early am, afternoon, evening, after dark…)
  • Whether you’re using headphones or not (and who else lives with you).

While you have an overwhelming variety of musical styles to choose from, there’s some consensus when it comes to the best music to write to.

Music for Writing Your Book

Classical music for writing, does classical music make you smarter, concentration music for writing, quiet music for writing, instrumental music for writing, music for writing inspiration.

The best music for writing helps you get into a state of creative flow (i.e., “the zone”). For many of us, the best music to write by is music without lyrics or anything that would distract us from the words flowing from our minds to the page.

There are some exceptions to the “no lyrics” norm: Gregorian chant, lyrics in a foreign language, unintelligible vocal sounds (vocal percussion).

The best writing music for you depends on your personal taste, on what you’re writing, and on the type of music that helps you tune out everything else.

Some writers choose this music for its timeless beauty, which has a lot to do with its structure and its use of vibrational patterns to stimulate the brain and evoke certain emotions.

The most helpful type of classical music depends on your mood or the mood you want to create, as well as the associations each piece has for you. For instance, you might have pleasant (or haunting) memories tied to a musical piece like Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus , Fauré’s Requiem, or Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.

Sacred polyphony and Gregorian chant are other options. Chant can be in either male or female voices. A haunting example of the latter is an album titled, Voice of the Blood with chant by Hildegard von Bingen, a German Benedectine nun, scientist, poet, and composer.

This section would be incomplete without addressing the question of whether listening to classical music make you smarter (and possibly a better writer).

Scientists have explored what’s come to be called “the Mozart effect” and have found that while it may not directly raise the IQs of those listening to it, it does put people in a heightened emotional state , which makes them more receptive to information. It’s also been found to improve your mood, which also has a positive effect on your memory and learning capacity.

When you listen to some music that provokes an emotional response, your brain pays closer attention. You already know you’re more likely to remember songs that have made you feel an overwhelming surge of either positive or painful emotions.

And as Robert Frost pointed out with regard to writing, “No tears in the author, no tears in the reader….”

Here are some examples to explore:

  • The Classical music track on Brain.fm
  • “Classical Music for Brain Power — Mozart” on YouTube
  • Voice of the Blood — Gregorian chant by Hildegard von Bingen
  • Study Piano Channel on CalmRadio.com

Those who choose classical music aren’t necessarily smarter than those who choose different musical styles, but if you appreciate well-structured and evocative music, chances are you’ll find something in this category that will appeal to you — even if it doesn’t become your favorite.

This type of music sometimes contains ambient sounds like raindrops or ocean waves, but there’s also a melody to it, however repetitive. Some have more variety than others and seem to tell a story, while others seem to be a looped replay of a short series of notes with a background hum at a specific frequency.

The nine-toned Solfeggio frequencies , long used by Gregorian monks, are often used in music like this.

Binaural beats are also used to enhance focus, concentration, and creative flow by facilitating “whole brain synchronization.” Since a different frequency is directed to each ear — and our brains then perceive a separate frequency that is the difference between the two — it’s essential to wear headphones to get the full effect.

Writers can also find plenty of free focus music options on YouTube and create playlists to suit specific moods or types of writing projects .

  • Yellow Brick Cinema (YouTube channel: binaural beats and a variety of music styles for focus, meditation, or sleep )
  • Greenred Productions (YouTube channel: meditation and study music with alpha waves and binaural beats)
  • “Music to Listen To While Writing — Essays, Papers, Stories, Songs” on YouTube
  • “432 Hz Cognition Enhancer | DEEP ALPHA BINAURAL BEAT | Deep Concentration, Focus & Meditation Music” on YouTube

You can also listen to focus music on brain.fm , focus@will , or focusmusic.fm — the last of which is very basic but is free and has a simple but soothing “rain” option.

Music played quietly provides just enough soothing ambient noise to create a stimulating but not overwhelming atmosphere for creative work .

Even if the music has lyrics, if it’s played at a low enough volume, they’re less of a distraction — at least for some. But if you’re the kind of person who can’t help singing along (at least mentally) with your favorite music, even when it’s playing quietly in the background, it won’t matter whether or not you can hear the lyrics.

  • Internet jazz on JazzRadio.com (with a variety of jazz options, including “Paris Café” )
  • “Quiet Piano Study Music” on YouTube
  • Jazz and other easy listening tracks on 8tracks radio and CalmRadio.com

If you like to crank the volume up, though, you’re probably better off choosing music without lyrics. Also, if you’re listening to this music while studying, it’s best to avoid lying down.

As a rule, the less emotionally involved you are with the music you’re playing, the less likely you are to become distracted by it. So, if that’s the main criterion for choosing music, you’ll want something you can hear well enough to recognize and enjoy it at low volumes without being emotionally affected by it.

There are plenty of options for instrumental music that isn’t classical:

  • Electronic or EDM (electronic dance music) — like Gravity Music (YouTube channel: Electronic/EDM for study/focus)
  • Instrumental music (piano, violin, etc.) — like “Amazing Ludovico Einaudi — Best songs compilation” (piano) on YouTube.
  • Celtic music (for writing fantasy, poetry, etc.) — like “Celtic Music Relaxing and Beautiful Mix” (YouTube)
  • Chinese or Japanese bamboo flute and piano music — like “1 Hour of the Best Relaxing Music | Bamboo Flute…” (YouTube)
  • Soundtracks from favorite movies or video games — like “Best Inspirational Movie Soundtracks” (YouTube)

Regarding that last one, if one of your characters plays an instrument, why not play musical pieces where that instrument is the main or only instrument. For example, if you or your character is learning to play the tin whistle, you’ll find a large selection of tin whistle music videos, including tutorials, with players at different levels

You’ll find great options all over the internet and on a variety of apps like the following. Some are free, while others require a modest monthly subscription fee:

  • CalmRadio.com : Website and app — Subscribing gives you access to a variety of musical styles, and you can use their mixer to overlap up to three nature sounds at adjustable volumes for each (For example, “Gentle Mozart” + beach waves + fireplace).
  • Brain.fm : Website and app — This one gives you five free listening sessions before you have to subscribe to hear more. The music is AI created, and you can also opt for ambient noise or nature sounds..
  • Focus@Will : Website and app — This one asks you a few questions and chooses a “flow state” musical track based on their app’s assessment of your personality. You’re also welcome to explore over 50 other channels to find your favorites.
  • 8tracks playlist radio : Website and app with a good variety of free music for focus and relaxation

Sometimes you want to listen to music that does more than offer soothing or stimulating background noise.

  • Inspiring movie soundtracks (e.g., The Dressmaker, Inception, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Theory of Everything, etc.)
  • Music that your character likes to listen to or that embodies your main (or other) character
  • Music from the culture or heritage of one of your main characters (e.g., Japanese, Native American, Indian, Mexican, Celtic, Bluegrass, etc.)
  • Music that makes you feel more relaxed, alive, and creative

Some music affects you so deeply, it creates a scene in your mind, and you work at recreating it in a way that affects your readers the way the music affects you.

A particular piece of music can even give you an idea for one of your characters, as though the melody is transmitting a story without words — possibly from the mind of the song’s creator or the one performing it. It’s not unusual, after all, to feel a sort of kinship with those whose music we enjoy.

Those who inspire us to create something that will touch others the way their music has touched us have an even stronger hold on our imagination.

The only danger here is that we love the music so much, we find ourselves getting distracted by it when we’re supposed to be writing.

More Related Articles:

Learn How to Improve Writing Skills And It Will Change Your Life

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What’s your favorite music for writing?

Ultimately, the best music for writing your book is music that speaks to your soul without distracting you from your writing goals .

For you, that might be concentration music with binaural beats, or it might be a favorite movie soundtrack. It might be electronic music with a beat that keeps your brain lively and works with the tone of your writing.

Maybe some days the only music you’ll want is the sound of raindrops on the roof or some smooth jazz played at a low volume. Your writing music should work for you — not the other way around. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to listen to classical music or any other musical style in order to get the best results. What works well for someone else might not work as well for you.

That said, it’s a good idea to try different kinds of music and see which types help you with different writing projects and at different times of the day. And one or more of the five types of music described in this article should help you enter the state of creative flow, so even the first draft of your book will contain insights you didn’t even know you had.

In any case, the more you experiment, the more likely you’ll find some new gems for your writing playlist.

And those songs will also come in handy when you’re reading Authority.Pub articles to learn how to get your book ready for publishing , launch it for maximum results, and market it like a pro.

Is there such a thing as the best music for writing? If you’re a writer, you probably have some idea of the kind of music that helps you get words on the page more efficiently or that helps you be more creative while you’re writing. #writing #writingabook #books

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The Best Music to Listen to While Writing + a Few Writing Playlists

best music for writing essays

“The music is not in the notes,  but in the silence between.”  – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

What research and Lantern have to say about the best music to listen to while writing

One of my first memories of music is hearing the theme from the Pink Panther, by Henri Mancini. I’ve been a jazz aficionado ever since. I can happily listen to John Coltrane’s wall of sounds, the danceable rhythms of Aroura Nealand, and the scratchy recordings of Jelly Roll Morton from the 1920’s.

When I put my music collection on shuffle, there is a lot of jazz, but there is also anything from The Bangles to the Descendents, The Meters to Muddy Waters, and Raul de Barros to field recordings of Balkan folk music

When it comes to working, though, I find the best music to listen to while writing is something much more hypnotic. Just like mental space is important while you are writing, aural space is important, too.

Finding the best music to listen to while writing often takes me far away from my usual listenings into territories that I don’t otherwise explore.

Music is part of the writing process

For a lot of writers, hitting a zone is an important part of the process . You hit a rhythm and settle into a groove. Distractions are far too easy to come by, so atmosphere is an essential element in creating this groove .

For the most part, this means finding a way to shut out those distractions. In fact, a study by  Florida International University found that listening to music helped children with ADHD focus in the classroom and complete their work. Another study from  Stanford University  found that music helps us organize information.

Some music can be distracting

Music with lyrics  makes concentration more difficult, according to a study published in  Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assesment & Rehabilitation. Jay Parr, BLS Program Manager at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, and a creative writer, would agree. “I can’t have lyric vocals out front, as working with language is a very auditory process for me, even when I’m writing or reading silently.”

“Extreme syncopation is also distracting for me, unless it’s woven into patterns (a la old King Crimson instrumentals). Sometimes way-out-front instrumental melodies will also distract me.”

He tells me that, for him, the best music to listen to while writing is “classical/romantic, electronic ambient, instrumental (/light) jazz, other unobtrusive instrumental music (what I call “wallpaper”), or nothing at all.”

Here in the Lantern office, it is not unusual to find several of us tapping away at our keyboards with earbuds in. What do these folks find is the best music to listen to while writing? Here’s what they say, plus a few writing playlists they’ve shared.

At different points in my life, I’ve been totally immersed in music, and in other times, I can’t listen to anything. I’ve been in one of those blank periods lately. But I have found a new artist that has inspired me to listen to more music and especially listen while working: Nils Frahm .

The best way I can describe his sound is a mix of classical and electronic bliss.

I can’t listen to music when I write. I need to be 100% focused on the writing. However, anytime I’m working on graphic design projects, or I’m pulling analytics for our clients, I will listen to music.

I also will peek in on Hype Machine and check out what’s popular.

Jazz, classical and acoustic music is usually my go-to when writing. I try to keep most of it upbeat, that way it still gives me that “I’m exercising to my workout music” feeling while I write.

I get pretty distracted by words and repetition, so I find that all three are agnostic in those areas.

I’d listen to jazz 24/7 if you let me, but I’m listening to a ton of Hozier lately too. My other playlists are pretty schizophrenic; there’s probably a hundred different songs on them and none are by the same artist. It ranges from Barcelona and Ben Folds to Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift. I’m more of a song collector, I just add music to my playlist as I hear and like the songs somewhere. Yes, I still use Shazaam a lot.

Want to find out what Amanda thinks is the best music to listen to while writing? Check out her Spotify playlist .

No playlists, but here are the albums I’ve been listening to the most while I work lately:

  • “Traces of You” by Anoushka Shankar
  • “The Best of Ravi Shankar” by Ravi Shankar
  • “Inspiration Information 3” by Mulatu Astatke and The Heliocentrics
  • “Release the Green Lover” by Raquy and the Cavemen
  • “A Go Go”, “Up All Night”, “Bump” by John Scofield
  • “Uninvisible” by Medeski, Martin and Wood
  • “The Best of Sun Ra” by Sun Ra
  • “Throw Down Your Heart” by Bela Fleck
  • “Dirty Money” by Antibalas
  • “Rage” by Lettuce

I prefer to listen to instrumental music while I work. Lyrics throw me off from my writing.

I also listen to a lot of the sound I create with my project Binaural Beat Brothers ft. Resonant Phibrations . We use a lot of binaural beats, gongs, and didjeridoos, which I find relaxing and focusing. I typically listen to pieces that include binaural beats created for alpha wave entrainment, creating a relaxed yet alert state.

This music is pretty similar to the music I listen to while I’m not working, although I will listen to music with lyrics when I’m not writing. This includes a lot of Bob Marley, Iron and Wine, Paul Simon, Phish, and Grateful Dead.

For me, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to writing. There are times that I need to write without any noise and times when I must write listening to music. Now, I’m not your ordinary music-listener while writing.

I know most of our colleagues prefer listening to songs without lyrics, but I’m definitely a lyric girl. I grew up singing and acting, so listening to tunes usually pumps me up, and when I choose to put my music on in my headphones at work, it’s usually because I need some motivation (or well, I’m distracted by other things going on in the office, and I need to concentrate).

The toughest part about listening to music while I work is that I generally want to sing along. I put my music up real loud and tap my feet on the floor while tapping my fingers on the keyboard. Mary tells me that sometimes she can hear me quietly squeak out a few lyrics, but I can’t be sure of that!

The music I listen to at work is quite the mix of old school hip hop, alternative, classical, country, R&B, and oldies. It is the same type of music I like to listen to on a daily basis – I enjoy a mix of things!

Want to know what Erin thinks is the best music to listen to while writing? Check out her Spotify playlist . 

I like to listen to different things while I work, usually it’s tunes that I have stuck in my head on the way in from work. The things I listen to while I work are the same things I listen to in the car.

Listening to music helps me tune out the background noise of others working or the a/c. I sometimes get distracted so the music helps a lot.

And since you’ve waited so patiently, here’s mine:

Tips to create your own “music for writing” playlist on Spotify

  • Get a free Spotify account.  Find an artist you like either through the search function, or feel free to start with one of our suggestions. One catch, with a free account, you do get commercials every so often. The premium upgrade will get rid of commercials, and also lets you access your playlist offline.
  • Create a new playlist.  Look to the right of a title of a song you like; you will see three small dots. Click on those dots and a menu will pop up. About halfway down, click the “Add to playlist” selection. You will have the option of adding the song to an existing playlist, or creating a new playlist.
  • Add to your playlist.  There are two ways you can do this. You can search for specific artists or songs, and add them. Or, you can start with an artist you like, for instance, my playlist begins with Tortoise . At the top of the page, you will see a circle with three dots inside – just to the right of the “play” and “follow” buttons. Click the dots, and then click “Start artist radio.” As the station plays, you can click to add to your playlist whenever you hear something you like.

Like music but hate writing? Get in touch . We’ll help you get your blog groove going.

Do you have a favorite playlist for writing? Share your link in the comments!

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The Best Music for Students While Writing an Essay

Profile picture for user Leon Edmunds

For several students, essay writing is a frustrating and burdensome task more so if they are tense, under a lot of stress, or struggling to complete an important essay that is due in a short while. So, the majority always look for ways through which they can focus and tap into their creative juices. Well, one of the things which move people all over the world is music. Listening to music while managing your academic assignments can help boost your creative thinking hence your writing skills. So, if you are wondering which the best music for focus is, consider the tips below.

Why music is useful in writing

As aforementioned, the benefit of listening to music while writing is that it helps enhance your creative thinking. You are able to come up with as many ideas as possible which you can include in your essay or use to write a perfect paper. Furthermore, writers from Edujungles.com tell that music is very useful in essay writing besides boosting your creativity. 

Listening to music can also help increase your focus thereby enabling you to concentrate on your assignments and work to deliver it on time. Additionally, it helps to motivate you to manage your assignment despite the challenges that come along with it. 

Choosing a genre

There are various genres of essays on music that you can listen to while managing your academic writing assignments. And according to research and other studies, it has been discovered music without lyrics is the most convenient and effective in enabling you to maintain focus while writing. Music with lyrics can distract you in that instead of concentrating on your assignment you may find it easy to sing along. Hence, this will make you focus on the lyrics rather than your task during the creative process.   

White noise

White noise is vital in writing in that it breaks the boredom of silence which consumes many writers and weighs them down. Birds singing or crickets chirping while you work on your assignment can help you finish it on time and have some to spare for socializing or watching a movie. It is effective in helping you complete your assignments on time in that it puts an end to the dreariness of quietness which in an ironic manner can be a huge distraction.

A lot of writers choose music based on the mood of what they are writing

Some assignments are too complex to handle while others are easy. And, selecting the appropriate writing music on the basis of your mood can come in handy. If you are working on a difficult task, you cannot listen to rock music as it will distract you with ease. But a little classical music can help you come up with the points for your essay. So, choosing the music to listen to depending on the mood of your writing can help boost your focus.

More recommendations from the community

You can also find the ideal songs to listen to by getting recommendations from the community. While many people may recommend folk music, some writers may object because they find it hard to write when the lyrics are playing. So, they would prefer a list of classical or jazz music. 

Try instrumentals, like jazz or classical

Instrumentals such as jazz or classical music are one of the good songs to listen to when managing your academic writing tasks. Such songs help create a picture of what you want to write about in your mind. All your focus will be on your assignment and it will be easy for you to work on it without any distractions coming your way. Additionally, these songs help motivate and inspire you to produce a perfect article as they enable you to develop passion and interest in what you are working on. 

Electronic music

For some writers, classical or jazz music is not the ideal song for them. They prefer electronic music as they find it to put them in the right mood for a significant part of what they are writing. Electronic music has different styles that you can listen to. Additionally, it is lyrical. But, most of the songs distort or edit the vocals thereby making it hard for you to develop an attachment to the words. Furthermore, it is the ideal music to listen to when working on your task in a coffee shop, school cafeteria, or dorm room. 

Music in a foreign language

This is also one of the best music to listen to while writing. It will not be easy for any distractions to come your way such as singing along because you do not comprehend the foreign language. So, choose any music style you prefer – if it is pop or folk and listen to it. 

In conclusion, music is beneficial in various ways. Not only does it help to increase focus but also motivate and inspire people. Additionally, it helps boost productivity. As a student, listening to music can help you manage your academic writing assignments despite the challenges they come along with. And above, you can find the best music to listen to while writing.

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Best Music to Listen to While Writing a Paper

Pooja Kashyap

Music to Listen to While Writing

Writing a paper can be challenging, especially when facing a looming deadline or struggling to develop ideas. Fortunately, music can be a powerful tool to help you stay focused and motivated while writing. But what is the best music to listen to while writing, and what features should you look for in a writing playlist? That’s where this post comes in. We’ll explore the best types of music to listen to while writing and provide tips for creating a writing playlist to help you stay focused and productive. Stay with us and read along!

What is the best music to listen to while writing?

The best music to listen to while writing is instrumental or ambient music with no lyrics. You should avoid music with lyrics because they can be distractive, interfering with your line of thought and making it difficult to concentrate on your work. On the other hand, instrumental music can help you get into a flow state and stay focused on writing your paper. Therefore, if you need music to listen to while writing, this class should be on your list.

What type of compositions can we consider instrumental? Many different types of instrumental music can be effective for writing, including classical, electronic, and jazz. Let’s look at these genres and explore their benefits for writing.

1. Classical music

Classical music is the art music of the Western world. It improves cognitive function and helps to boost concentration whenever you need to focus on highly engaging work. Classical music is good to listen to when you need to relieve stress and cool yourself off anxiety, leading to better mental strength to handle massive writing projects. In addition, listening to music before undertaking a creative task can increase divergent thinking and help you generate new ideas. Therefore, if you are looking for the best music to listen to when writing an essay, classical music may be your best option. Some great classical composers to listen to while writing include Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin. These composers have a timeless quality that can help to create a calming and focused atmosphere for writing.

2. Electronic music

Electronic music, such as ambient or downtempo, can create a relaxed and focused atmosphere. The search for technical resources and modes of expression characterizes it. They have repetitive beats and soothing sounds that help to block out distractions and create a sense of flow. Some great electronic artists to listen to while writing include Brian Eno, Aphex Twin, and Boards of Canada. These artists create ambient and atmospheric music that can stimulate creativity and focus.

3. Jazz music

Jazz music is an excellent choice for writers looking for something more upbeat and lively. The improvisational nature of jazz can stimulate imagination and break up the monotony of a long writing session. It is good music to listen to when you need to focus and build on your creativity. Some remarkable jazz artists to listen to while writing include Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk. These artists are known for their innovative and dynamic compositions, which can help to keep you engaged and focused while writing.

Choosing the best music to listen to while writing a paper can be tricky when you are not a music major. It gets more challenging when you have several options, calling for needing expert opinion. Luckily, you can consult a paper writing service by CustomWritings to get a well-written descriptive custom essay on music to have a good reference for your choice. The company has experienced music writers and scholars who understand the different genres, their composition, and their impact on one’s emotions. As a result, they can help write quality description papers that cover the key characteristics of the specific music genres to help you make a decision. Consultations are free, and the cost of paper is cheap, so you don’t have to worry about spending much on the service.

Music to listen to while writing an essay: Top tips for making a good playlist

When choosing the best music to listen to while writing an essay, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some tips to help you create a writing playlist that will help you stay focused and productive:

Match the tone of your writing : One of the essential features of music to listen to while writing an essay is that it should match the tone and style of your writing. If you’re writing an article faster, such as a persuasive or argumentative essay, you may want to choose music with a more upbeat tempo. If you’re writing a reflective essay, you may want to select slower and more contemplative music. The choice of music ensures the environment is in sync with your thought process, leading to higher productivity.

Avoid distractions : When choosing music to listen to while writing an essay, avoiding anything that could be too distracting is essential. For instance, avoid music with lyrics, as the words could interfere with your thoughts and ideas. Instead, look for instrumental music or ambient sounds that can create a calming background for your writing. Such a choice will ensure that you get a bit of entertainment while at the same time having the chance to self-introspect and write well-thought-out essays.

Create a writing routine : Creating a writing routine can help you stay motivated and productive. One way to create a routine is to listen to the same music every time you write. This can help signal your brain that it’s time to focus and get to work. In addition, it enables you to train your brain to work within a given environment setup, saving you from having to endure chaos within your study space.

Use music as a reward : Another way to use music to enhance your writing is to use it as a reward. For example, you may want to listen to a favorite album or playlist after you’ve completed a certain amount of writing. This can motivate you to stay focused and productive, knowing you have a reward waiting for you when you finish. In addition, it helps you feel content with your work as you get the chance to reflect on the milestones covered.

Keep it simple : When it comes to music to listen to while writing an essay, it’s essential to keep it simple. Don’t spend too much time searching for the perfect playlist or the ideal album. Instead, choose music that you enjoy, and that helps you stay focused and productive. Writing becomes more pleasant, efficient, and effective with the right music.

Take a step to improve your writing experience

As a matter of fact, listening to music while writing is the best way to relax the brain and improve creativity. However, one must be careful when choosing the type of music to listen to at such crucial moments. This article has explored some pertinent issues relating to music and the writing world, including the best music genres to listen to while writing and some tips for developing a playlist. We hope this will be useful as you work toward writing quality papers.

Read Here: The Effects of Music on a Student’s Schoolwork

Pooja Kashyap

Written By:

Pooja Kashyap, a spirited wordsmith, avid reader, and music connoisseur, seamlessly blends her love for literature and melodies in a unique symphony of storytelling. As an intuitive writer, Pooja crafts literary compositions that transport readers into the enchanting world of musical tales, creating an immersive and harmonious experience. With a keen journalistic touch, she invites you to embark on an adventurous journey through her written narratives, promising a captivating fusion of words and melodies. Join Pooja Kashyap for a literary adventure where stories and music entwine, offering a harmonious escape for the soul.

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When You Write

Best Music for Writing – Be More Focused And Productive!

The discourse on the impact of music on the quality of writing and productivity of a writer has yet to bear a conclusive end. Regardless of what you think about that, the truth is, music plays a part when writing; it might be before the writing starts, during the writing session, in between the session, or after writing.

After all, music is the undeniable universal language and motivator.

This article is for those who are like me, those that use music as their hype man and use it to get and stay motivated.

It is for writers who turn to music for inspiration and who believe that they’re most creative when their favorite tune is playing.

Maybe you are into Metallica like Stephen King—who, actually, had his own band, The Rock Bottom Remainders —or you are more of a Gabriel García Márquez, who “put the Beatles on loop when he was writing One Hundred Years of Solitude in Mexico .

Before we get started, let me talk about the relationship between music and productivity.

Does Music Improve Productivity?

In a general sense of productivity, the simple answer to this question is yes . But when it comes to writing, the answer would be that it depends.

Sometimes, music boosts creativity and productivity, but in some cases, it’s nothing but a distraction.

First, let me tackle the broad discourse of productivity. Studies have shown that music improves both productivity and cognitive performance, particularly in adults.

The right kind of music can help people control their anxiety, feel inspired, and stay productive.

The connection between music and productivity isn’t a simple causal relationship, some factors lead to music affecting productivity.

Let’s take a look at how music influences productivity.

Music Improves Your Mood

This is one of the best reasons we love music and by helping boost our mood, music can improve our productivity.

A study of how music affects productivity found increased mood and concentration on a reading task while listening to Baroque music.

Music Makes Repetitive Tasks More Bearable

A study published by the JAMA Network Publication, an international peer-reviewed general medical journal, found that surgeons dealing with repetitive tasks outside the operating room performed better when they worked whilst listening to music. Researchers determined that individuals performed better because listening to music alleviated some of the monotony associated with repetitive jobs.

There have been a couple of scientists (including Daniel Levitin, the neuroscientist and author of This Is Your Brain on Music ) who concurred with the study’s conclusions.

However, all the studies on the effect of music on productivity haven’t been clear-cut on all issues regarding the topic.

How to Use Music to Enhance Your Writing

Now that we know that there is a link between listening to music and productivity, how can you harness the power of music when writing?

Should you listen to music between tasks or during your breaks?

1. Listen to Music in Your Pre-Writing Routine

As I said in the introductory section, music can act like your hype man; whether before, during, or after your sessions.

Therefore, you should consider having music therapy before you get down to the business. First, play the music that raises your spirits then gradually alter the music until you reach the desired mood.

The songs at the beginning are not the ones that will get you the ‘climax,’ but will help get you there.

So, the type of music to start with should be peaceful to awaken the spirits in you.

If you feel that the music you start with is enough, you don’t have to play any other type. But if you feel like the curtain raisers haven’t gotten you to your beast mode, you can up the tempo (in its literal meaning).

Switching to a fast-paced song is also called switching to your “power song.” This power song is used to motivate you and increase productivity.

Having a power song is not only important for those who listen to music before writing, you can also use power songs to activate you during a writing session.  It’s a good idea especially when you think you’re running short of ideas and you want something to get into a place where you are more motivated, creative, and energetic.

Starting with a power song before you listen to any other playlist or song isn’t a bad idea either. What you should know is that any writing tip that is offered (especially in blogs) is never a ‘one shoe fits all’ type of advice.

2. Make sure that Music isn’t a Distraction

Music should be a productivity booster, not a distraction. People who work well whilst music is playing can do that because the music that is playing is not drawing their attention away from the work.

So, choose music that is less likely to distract you and helps you maintain focus while writing . You have to look at things like genre and lyrics. If you know the lyrics to a song, it is likely going to distract you.

You can’t be foolish enough to believe that you’re going to be 100% focused with your favorite tune playing in the background.

Although it is important to listen to music that suits your taste, some genres are more distracting than others.

For example, a couple of studies on the effect of background music in the workplace have found that instrumental music can boost the workers’ output in the short term.

3. Be flexible with yourself

Music should be incorporated into your writing routine to add fun, not to make writing hard.

Rather than burdening yourself with trying to look for the perfect playlist; rather, you have to let your playlist grow organically.

Try out new things and get rid of songs or genres that aren’t working for you anymore.

Once you start building the playlist, you’re likely going to hear a song that will feel just right for your playlist.

That will happen over and over, and some of the songs will even offer you inspiration for your work.

4. Mind the Volume

The law of diminishing returns does not spare the benefit you get from music.

Not only is it relevant in terms of the length of the playlist but the amount of volume too. There’s a lot of science related to how loudly you play your music and how that can affect your work.

If you intend to use your music to drown out more distracting things, play it at a volume just loud enough to do that but low enough not to distract you.

If you play music very quietly or medium-high, it is likely going to help you boost your focus and creativity, but if you turn the volume all the way up, it will probably distract you.

5. Consider Your Own Personality

Listening to music whilst writing or reading isn’t for everyone, personality—and other things—play a huge part in this topic.

Some people can’t stand any type of noise while they write or read. Most introverts will tell you that listening to music and working isn’t their thing.

A research article published in the Applied Cognitive Psychology Journal in 1997 (Music while you work: the differential distraction of background music on the cognitive test performance of introverts and extraverts) concluded that there was a more detrimental effect on immediate recall on the memory test introverts compared to extroverts.

This means that being an introvert is an adequate factor to be considered when deciding whether or not to include music in your writing routine.

6. Don’t Force Things!

You cannot just play music during every writing session that you have.

Sometimes, before deciding on the music, you have to consider the amount or type of concentration needed for the writing session you plan to work on.

Some projects require a lot more concentration than others and music might not be what you need while you are writing.

Rather than playing the music during the writing session, play the music in between tasks to boost productivity.

50 Best Songs, Albums, and Playlists for Writing

Melantronic.

  • Matt Ryder – Escape
  • Eli and Fur – Something Was Real
  • Klyne – Still Not over You
  • Jasper Tygner­ – FTLOG
  • Tourist – Someone else
  • Ghosts – Catching Flies
  • Nathan Ball – Blindside
  • Max Cooper – Perpetual Motion
  • Rocky G – Lovestruck
  • One Republic – West Coast
  • Enya – Only Time
  • Hrói – Looking For You
  • Orcful – Better Off Alone
  • Cautious Clay – Wildfire
  • Birdy – Take My Heart
  • Adele – Easy on Me
  • Philip Glass – Etude No. 2
  • William Duckworth & Silas Bassa – Time Curves Prelude No. 17
  • David Borden, Nurit Tilles, & Edmund Nieman – Double Portrait
  • Morton Feldman & Aki Takahashi – For Bunita Marcus: Mm. 1270-1372
  • Jean-Michel & BUFFLO – Nostos
  • Nils Vigeland & Jenny Q Chai – 5 Pieces No. 1
  • Barbara Monk Feldman & Ski Takahashi – Soft Horizons
  • Howard Skempton & John Tilbury Quavers 5

Spanish Guitar

  • Paco de Lucia – Entre Dos Aguas
  • Oscar Lopez – Classical Soul
  • Gipsy Kings – Volare
  • Govi – Andalusian Nights
  • Vicente Amigo – Treci Notas Para Decir Te Quiero
  • Buena Vista Social Club – El Cuarto de Tula
  • Gipsy Kings – Moorea
  • Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, & Paco de Lucia – Mediterranean Sundance

Instrumental Music

  • Peder B. Helland – Sunny Mornings (Album)
  • Keys of Moon Music – The Epic Hero
  • Savfk Music – The Travelling Symphony
  • Miguel Johnson – Good Day To Die
  • Ehrling – Typhoon
  • Ikson – Verge
  • Evan King – Titan Striker
  • Electro-Light – Symbolism

Jazz Instrumentals

  • Kenny G – The Moment
  • Peter White – Love Will Find You
  • Yellowjackets – Local Hero
  • Feel so Good – Chuck Mangion
  • Herb Alpert – Rise
  • Grover Washington Jr. – Soulful Strut
  • Kim Waters – Love like this
  • Ronny Jordan – Heaven
  • Roy Orbison – Oh, Pretty Woman
  • Earth, Wind & Fire – September
  • The Beatles – Hey Jude (Album)
  • Rod Stewart – Have You Ever Seen The Rain
  • Elton John – Your Song
  • Phil Collins – Another Day In Paradise
  • Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville
  • Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way
  • Darius Rucker – Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It
  • Kenny Chesney – Never Wanted Nothin’ More
  • Cole Swindell – Ain’t Worth The Whiskey
  • Tim McGraw – Indian Outlaw
  • Mindy McCready – Guys Do It All the Time
  • Luke Bryan – Roller Coaster
  • Kip Moore – Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck
  • Tim McGraw – Felt Good On My Lips

Classical Music for Writing

  • Le grand cahier: IV. Nos études
  • Sibelius – Andante Festivo
  • Beethoven Romance for Violin and Orchestra no 2 in F major
  • Saint-Saens : The Swan (Le Cygne) – Carnival of the Animals
  • Brahms – Hungarian Dance No.6
  • Rachmaninov – Symphony No. 2 Op. 27 III. Adagio: Adagio
  • Essential Mozart: Flute and Harp Concerto in C
  • Haydn – Cello Concerto No. in D major, Hob. VIIb: Op.0: II. Adagio

Music is more than some background noise or something that drowns out background noise. It has been shown to improve both productivity and cognitive performance and can help writers boost their creativity during writing.

The right playlists help us manage anxiety, become motivated, and stay productive. However, listening to music while writing can also ruin our productivity and creativity if the music becomes a distraction.

I hope the playlists I compiled are more motivating and will spark a few ideas to make your own playlists for your writing sessions.

Recommended Reading...

What is the iceberg theory, why do authors use pen names, how to stay focused while writing, how to motivate yourself to write: write that book now.

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© 2024 When You Write

Best Music to Write Essays to: Focus, Think, Write

best music for writing essays

If you’re like most students, writing can be frustrating, especially if you’re tense, stressed, or facing a looming due date for an important essay. The answer to staying focused and tapping into your creative juices may be as nearby as your earbuds: music. A whole body of research suggests that listening to music while you write boost’s your brain’s capacity for spatial-temporal reasoning , which is responsible for creative thinking (and thus, writing). So what type of music improves your concentration and focus the most?

Choosing a Genre

Various studies have been undertaken over the years on music and focus, particularly when it comes to writing (and also, studying), and researchers have found that music sans lyrics is the most effective at keeping you on task and churning out meaningful words. Music with words can be distracting to some writers, causing them to pay more attention to the lyrics than they are to the creative process.

That’s not to say you can’t throw on an epic soundtrack if you’re dealing with a bugger of an essay, a little Kanye, if you’re feeling like a superstar at a particular moment in time, or even some Adele to soothe your soul while you bring your ideas to life. However, electronic music, with its ambient notes and repetitive beats, and Baroque-period classical music, with its harmonic chords, are thought by researchers to be the best at releasing the inner Stephen King or G.R.R. Martin. “Brandenburg Concerto #3” by Johann Sebastian Bach gets numerous nods from researchers when it comes to heightening concentration and productivity.

Although choosing music from these genres can be as personalized as your own specific tastes, there are lots of recommendations floating around the interwebs when it comes to the “right” songs for writing. But don’t worry, we have a writer-approved playlist to help you focus and unleash your creativity.

  • “ First Breath After Coma” by Explosions in the Sky. If you’ve watched “Friday Night Lights,” then you’ll recognize this tune as the theme song for the show. This instrumental has limited vocals and is interesting enough without being really intense, so you can focus on the job at hand – writing.
  • “ You Wish” by Nightmares on Wax. This electronic instrumental has an R&B twang and provides tranquil background noise to get your neurons pumping and the words flowing.
  • “ So What” by Miles Davis. This 60’s instrumental from one of jazz’s greatest will help you maintain focus without distracting you from what you’re writing about.
  • “ The Bridge of Khazad Dum” by Howard Shore on “The Lord of the Rings” soundtrack. You don’t have to live in the Shire to appreciate this soothing instrumental.
  • “ Metamorphosis II” by Philip Glass. This piano solo provides mood-lifting background noise for your late-night writing enjoyment.
  • “ Time” by Hans Zimmer from the “Inception” soundtrack. This peaceful instrumental will keep you focused and relaxed.
  • “ Shempi” by Ratatat. This vocal-free instrumental has a high-energy feel, helping you stay alert and keep your focus on pushing through the last few hundred words of your research paper.

White Noise

White noise is also worth a mention for breaking the boredom of silence that weighs down some writers. Picture it: crickets chirp, birds sing, and thunder rolls in the background while you pound out 1,000 words on the French Revolution. Words flow like milk and honey from your fingertips, and you finish up your piece with enough time left over to binge watch a few eppys of your favorite show before heading off to bed. That’s the power of white noise. Although not exactly music per se, white noise can put an end to the monotony of quietness, which can, ironically be a big distraction.

Create your own white noise mix with Noisli , a free app (also available on laptops and PCs) with an on-board mixer that lets you add nature sounds, storm sounds, coffee shop sounds, and water sounds, among others, to find the right level of background noise for your tastes.

Music is a great source of inspiration. Find the perfect tune and have fun working on your next assignment.

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best music for writing essays

Interview: The Best Music To Listen…

The best music to listen to while you write (according to 9 bestselling authors).

best music for writing essays

Writers will try almost anything to help them write. Gertrude Stein had assistants herd cows into her line of view for inspiration. Hunter Thompson alternated between cocaine and Chivas from all day trying to find his zone. Victor Hugo instructed his valet to hide his clothes so he was forced to write in the nude, […]

Writers will try almost anything to help them write. Gertrude Stein had assistants herd cows into her line of view for inspiration. Hunter Thompson alternated between cocaine and Chivas from all day trying to find his zone. Victor Hugo instructed his valet to hide his clothes so he was forced to write in the nude , removing his temptation to leave the house.

Of the more widely practiced (and legal) writing aids, listening to music is one almost every writer has experimented with in their career. For some, music is the destroyer of any good writing session. Others see music as the fast lane to a creative promiseland. A way to shut out everything else around them and produce their best work. And in contrast to the methods mentioned in the introduction, studies have shown that listening to music can help facilitate divergent thinking stimulate focus .

If you’re a writer in the pro-music camp, one question remains: What is the best music to listen to? Well, procrastination ends here. Below are the tunes that nine bestselling, award winning authors use to jumpstart their sessions. (Bonus: here are all the songs in a Spotify playlist if you’re ready to give them all a try.)

1) Philip Glass

Viet Thanh Nguyen , whose novel The Sympathizer was a New York Times bestseller and won the Pulitzer Prize, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, the Edgar Award for Best First Novel from the Mystery Writers of America, the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction from the American Library Association, and the First Novel Prize from the Center for Fiction, is a recent convert to music-while-writing. Early on, he was careful not to listen to much of anything when he wrote. Viet explained his change of heart:

“I preferred silence before I wrote The Sympathizer , but on The Sympathizer I thought: Okay, let’s try this with some music, but not anything too distracting. I’m usually not listening to anything with lyrics for the most part. I actually listen repetitively to Philip Glass. With The Sympathizer , especially The Hours . I wanted to have some of the feel of his music in the rhythm of the prose.”

Two songs to get you started:

–  Opening

–  an unwelcome friend, 2) 22, a million by bon iver.

Bestselling author Ryan Holiday calls music his “instant flow tool.” For him, it’s a way to not only drown out external noise, but also a way to quiet parts of his conscious mind that could otherwise be a distraction. His method is to pick one song and listen to it on repeat—sometimes hundreds of times in a row—to get into a rhythm. Holiday goes on:

“There’s very few albums I’ve ever been able to do this to. Bon Iver’s 22, A Million is maybe the only one (and that’s because it’s better as an album than singles—if there was one standout song, I’d just do that). Basically I treat the music as sort of disposable, instant flow tool. I use it until it stops working, and then I move on to the next song. I use the same song that I am writing to when I run later, or if I go for a walk. It’s just creating a continuity to the creative process.”

–  33 “God”

–  29 #strafford apts, 3) sigur rós.

Jeff Goins , bestselling author of five books including Real Artists Don’t Starve and The Art of Work , employs a similar method for repeating music while he writes. Jeff likes Sigur Rós—an Icelandic rock band—as one of three things he listens to when he’s writing. The other two? The Texas-based rock band Explosions in the Sky and the soundtrack to Last of the Mohicans . “There’s something about the monotony of listening to the same thing over and over that allows me to focus on the task at hand.”

  • –  Hoppípolla

–  Starálfur

4) explosions in the sky.

As Jeff Goins mentioned above, Explosions in the Sky provides the perfect writing combination of an upbeat tempo and lack of distracting words. He’s not the only pro writer to say so, either. Paul Shirley , former NBA player and accomplished author, most recently of Stories I Tell on Dates , explains why he likes to listen to Explosions in the Sky during his writing sessions: “It is possibly a sign that I am not all that intelligent that I cannot listen to music with lyrics while I write. So, I listen to a lot of post-rock/ambient music: Explosions in the Sky, Tycho, Mono, Eluvium, Sigur Ros, Russian Circles, and my favorite, Cloudkicker.”

–  Disintegration Anxiety

–  your hand in mine, 5) lady’s bridge by richard hawley.

Viet Thanh Nguyen went on to explain that while he does mostly listen to music with no lyrics, he made an exception for this album by Richard Hawley, who is a British Rock musician:

“That album sort of obsessed me and I listened to a lot of that as I was writing The Sympathizer . Many of those songs felt like they were contributing to the mood of the novel. So now I try to curate a playing list that might affect the mood of the novel or somehow part of the scenery of the novel.”

–  Roll River Roll

–  the sea calls, 6) george frideric handel.

Classical music is one of the mainstay genres for any writer who prefers to listen to music while they write. The obvious allure of classical music is that there are no words to distract the listener. Biographer and congressional speechwriter Rob Goodman especially prefers the music of composer George Handel:

“If I need to drown out background noise, I’ll listen to some classical music. I’m particularly a fan of Handel, but the important thing is that the music can’t have words, or else I won’t be able to concentrate at all.”

–  Organ Concerto in D Minor, Op. 7, No. 4

–  sonata in d minor, op.1, no.9, hwv 367a: adagio, 7) the national.

John Avlon , an author and the editor-in-chief of the Daily Beast, finds his inspiration in music and has an interesting theory that explains why he swears by listening while he writes:

“I’ve got a theory that most writers are either frustrated musicians or painters—and which of them you are depends on whether you write for the ear or the eye. As a former musician and former speechwriter, I definitely write for the ear. I listen to music all the time for inspiration and energy. I tend to make playlists as the soundtrack for writing different books.  They serve as snapshots in time. So, I’ve got one for Wingnuts —lots of The National , Drive-By-Truckers , Radiohead and Randy Newman —and one for Washington’s Farewell that’s more classical, jazz, the Americana series by Chris Thile , Yo-Yo Ma , Edgar Meyer and the soundtrack to Hamilton.”

–  Santa Clara

–  i need my girl, 8) west side story soundtrack.

Priscilla Gilman , author of The Anti-Romantic Child: A Story of Unexpected Joy , created a specific playlist she listened to over and over again while writing the book. On that playlist she included songs from the soundtrack to West Side Story. It’s not uncommon for writers to prefer listening to specific soundtracks while the write: Other soundtracks that writers have recommended included Last of the Mohicans, Inception, and Hamilton.

–  Tonight

–  somewhere, 9) metallica.

At first glance, Metallica may seem a bit… much …for a writing backing track. You’d be hard pressed to find a co-working space that played heavy metal on repeat. Yet, if Stephen King is any indication, music of a heavier variety might be just what it takes. King told the The Atlantic he listens to, “Metallica, Anthrax…There’s a band called the Living Things that I like a lot. Very loud group.” Bestselling author Mark Manson shares King’s habit, as he told us in an interview, “I need to write with music. Loud and intense music. Electronic or heavy metal.”

–  Wherever I May Roam

–  enter sandman.

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Guide on How to Write a Music Essay: Topics and Examples

best music for writing essays

Let's Understand What is Music Essay

You know how some school assignments are fun to write by default, right? When students see them on the course syllabus, they feel less like a burden and more like a guaranteed pleasure. They are about our interests and hobbies and therefore feel innate and intuitive to write. They are easy to navigate, and interesting topic ideas just pop into your head without much trouble.

music

Music essays belong to the category of fun essay writing. What is music essay? Anything from in-depth analysis to personal thoughts put into words and then to paper can fall into a music essay category. An essay about music can cover a wide range of topics, including music history, theory, social impact, significance, and musical review. It can be an analytical essay about any music genre, musical instruments, or today's music industry.

Don't get us wrong, you will still need to do extensive research to connect your opinions to a broader context, and you can't step out of academic writing standards, but the essay writing process will be fun.

In this article, our custom essay writing service is going to guide you through every step of writing an excellent music essay. You can draw inspiration from the list of music essay topics that our team prepared, and later on, you will learn what an outstanding essay on music is by an example of a music review essay.

What are Some Music Topics to Write About

There are so many exciting music topics to write about. We would have trouble choosing one. You can write about various music genres, be it country music or classical music; you can research music therapy or how music production happens.

Okay, forgive us for getting carried away; music makes us enthusiastic. Below you will find a list of various music essay topics prepared from our thesis writing service . Choose one and write a memorable essay about everyone's favorite art form.

Music Argumentative Essay Topics

Music essays can be written about an infinite number of themes. You can even write about performance or media comparison.

Here is a list of music argumentative essay topics. These edge-cutting topics will challenge your readers and get you an easy A+.

  • Exploring the evolution of modern music styles of the 21st century
  • Is it ethical to own and play rare musical instruments?
  • Is music therapy an effective mental health treatment?
  • Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Creativity in electronic music
  • The Relevance of traditional music theory in modern music production
  • The Role of musical pieces in the Transmission of cultural identity
  • The value of historical analysis in understanding the significance of music in society
  • How does exposing listeners to different genres of music break down barriers
  • Exploring the cognitive effects of music on human brain development
  • The therapeutic potential of music in treating mental disorders

Why is Music Important Essay Topics

Do you know which essay thrills our team the most? The importance of music in life essay. We put our minds together and came up with a list of topics about why music is so central to human life. Start writing why is music important essay, and we guarantee you that you will be surprised by how much fun you had crafting it.  

  • Popular Music and its Role in shaping cultural trends
  • Music as a metaphorical language for expressing emotions and thoughts
  • How music changes and influences social and political movements
  • How the music of different countries translates their history to outsiders
  • The innate connection between music and human beings
  • How music helps us understand feelings we have never experienced
  • Does music affect our everyday life and the way we think?
  • Examining the cross-cultural significance of music in society
  • How rock music influenced 70's political ideologies
  • How rap music closes gaps between different racial groups in the US

Consider delegating your ' write my essay ' request to our expert writers for crafting a perfect paper on any music topic!

Why I Love Music Essay Topics

We want to know what is music to you, and the best way to tell us is to write a why I love music essay. Below you will find a list of music essay topics that will help you express your love for music.

  • I love how certain songs and artists evoke Memories and Emotions
  • I love the diversity of music genres and how different styles enrich my love for music
  • I love how music connects me with people of different backgrounds
  • How the music of Linkin Park helped me through life's toughest challenges
  • What does my love for popular music say about me?
  • How the unique sounds of string instruments fuel my love for music
  • How music provides a temporary Release from the stresses of daily life
  • How music motivates me to chase my dreams
  • How the raw energy of rock music gets me through my daily life
  • Why my favorite song is more than just music to me

Need a Music Essay ASAP?

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Music Therapy Essay Topics

One of the most interesting topics about music for an essay is music therapy. We are sure you have heard all the stories of how music cures not only mental but also physical pains. Below you can find a list of topics that will help you craft a compelling music therapy essay. And don't forget that you can always rely on our assistance for fulfilling your ' write my paper ' requests!

  • The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing stress and pain for cancer patients
  • Does pop music have the same effects on music therapy as classical music?
  • Exploring the benefits of music therapy with other genres beyond classical music
  • The potential of music therapy in aiding substance abuse treatment and recovery
  • The Role of music therapy in Addressing PTSD and Trauma in military veterans
  • The impact of music therapy on enhancing social interaction and emotional expression in individuals with developmental disabilities
  • The use of music therapy in managing chronic pain
  • Does musical therapy help depression?
  • Does music reduce anxiety levels?
  • Is music therapy better than traditional medicine?

History of Music Essay Topics

If you love analytical essays and prefer to see the bigger picture, you can always write a music description essay. Below you can find some of the most interesting topics for the history of music essay.

  • The Significance of natural instruments in music production and performance
  • Tracing the historical development of Western music theory
  • How electronic music traces its roots back to classical music
  • How the music industry evolved from sheet music to streaming services
  • How modern producers relate to classical composers
  • The Origins and Influence of Jazz Music
  • How folk music saved the Stories of unnamed heroes
  • Do we know what the music of ancient civilizations sounded like?
  • Where does your favorite bandstand in the line of music evolve?
  • The Influence of African American Music on modern pop culture

Benefits of Music Essay Topics

If you are someone who wonders what are some of the values that music brings to our daily life, you should write the benefits of music essay. The music essay titles below can inspire you to write a captivating essay:

  • How music can be used to promote cultural awareness and understanding
  • The benefits of music education in promoting creativity and innovation
  • The social benefits of participating in music groups
  • The Impact of Music on Memory and Learning
  • The cognitive benefits of music education in early childhood development
  • The effects of music on mood and behavior
  • How learning to play an instrument improves cognitive functions.
  • How music connects people distanced by thousands of miles
  • The benefits of listening to music while exercising
  • How music can express the feelings words fail to do so 

Music Analysis Essay Example

Reading other people's papers is a great way to scale yours. There are many music essay examples, but the one crafted by our expert writers stands out in every possible way. You can learn what a great thesis statement looks like, how to write an engaging introduction, and what comprehensive body paragraphs should look like. 

Click on the sample below to see the music analysis essay example. 

How to Write a Music Essay with Steps

Writing music essays is definitely not rocket science, so don't be afraid. It's just like writing any other paper, and a music essay outline looks like any other essay structure.

music steps

  • Start by choosing a music essay topic. You can use our list above to get inspired. Choose a topic about music that feels more relevant and less researched so you can add brand-new insights. As we discussed, your music essay can be just about anything; it can be a concert report or an analytical paper about the evolution of music.
  • Continue by researching the topic. Gather all the relevant materials and information for your essay on music and start taking notes. You can use these notes as building blocks for the paper. Be prepared; even for short essays, you may need to read books and long articles.
  • Once you have all the necessary information, the ideas in your head will start to take shape. The next step is to develop a thesis statement out of all the ideas you have in your head. A thesis statement is a must as it informs readers what the entire music essay is about. Don't be afraid to be bold in your statement; new outlooks are always appreciated.
  • Next, you'll need a music essay introduction. Here you introduce the readers to the context and background information about the research topic. It should be clear, brief, and engaging. You should set the tone of your essay from the very beginning. Don't forget the introduction is where the thesis statement goes.
  • One of the most important parts of essay writing is crafting a central body paragraph about music. This is where you elaborate on your thesis, make main points, and support them with the evidence you gathered beforehand. Remember, your music essay should be well structured and depict a clear picture of your ideas.
  • Next, you will need to come up with an ideal closing paragraph. Here you will need to once again revisit the main points in your music essay, restate them in a logical manner and give the readers your final thoughts.
  • Don't forget to proofread your college essay. Whether you write a long or short essay on music, there will be grammatical and factual errors. Revise and look through your writing with a critical mind. You may find that some parts need rewriting.

Key Takeaways

Music essays are a pleasure to write and read. There are so many topics and themes to choose from, and if you follow our How to Write a Music Essay guide, you are guaranteed to craft a top-notch essay every time.

Be bold when selecting a subject even when unsure what is research essay topic on music, take the writing process easy, follow the academic standards, and you are good to go. Use our music essay sample to challenge yourself and write a professional paper. 

If you feel stuck and have no time our team of expert writers is always ready to give you help from all subject ( medical school personal statement school help ). Visit our website, submit your ' write my research paper ' request and a guaranteed A+ essay will be on your way in just one click.

Need Help in Writing an Impressive Paper?

Our expert writers are here to write a quality paper that will make you the star of your class!

FAQs on Writing a Music Essay

Though music essay writing is not the hardest job on the planet, there are still some questions that often pop up. Now that you have a writing guide and a list of essay topics about music, it's time to address the remaining inquiries. Keep reading to find the answers to the frequently asked questions. 

Should Artists' Music be Used in Advertising?

What type of music is best for writing an essay, why do people love music.

Adam Jason

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer!

What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge round-up of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

  • Argumentative Essay Topics
  • Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
  • Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
  • Descriptive Essay Topics
  • Expository and Informative Essay Topics
  • Humorous Essay Topics

Literary Essay Topics

  • Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
  • Personal Essay Topics
  • Persuasive Essay Topics

Research Essay Topics

Argumentative essay topics for high school.

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some possible argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

  • The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
  • The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
  • All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
  • Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
  • The best country in the world is …
  • Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
  • Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
  • Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

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  • Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
  • Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
  • Does social media do more harm than good?
  • Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
  • What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
  • Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
  • Are men and women treated equally?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 100 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

  • Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
  • Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
  • What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
  • Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

  • How does playing sports affect people?
  • What are the effects of loving to read?
  • Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
  • What effect does violence in movies or video games have on kids?
  • Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
  • Racism is caused by …

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

  • Public and private schools
  • Capitalism vs. communism
  • Monarchy or democracy
  • Dogs vs. cats as pets

Dogs vs. cats as pets

  • Paper books or e-books
  • Two political candidates in a current race
  • Going to college vs. starting work full-time
  • Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
  • iPhone or Android
  • Instagram vs. Twitter (or choose any other two social media platforms)

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

  • Who is the funniest person you know?
  • What is your happiest memory?
  • Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
  • Write about your favorite place.
  • When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
  • Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
  • What is your earliest memory?

What is your earliest memory?

  • What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
  • Describe your favorite pet.
  • What is the most important item in the world to you?
  • Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
  • Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
  • Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
  • Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
  • Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( See 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

  • What makes a good leader?
  • Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
  • What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
  • Describe how the internet changed the world.
  • What does it mean to be a good teacher?

What does it mean to be a good teacher?

  • Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
  • Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
  • Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
  • Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
  • What does “financial responsibility” mean?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

  • What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
  • What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
  • Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
  • Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.

Explain why it's important to eat dessert first.

  • Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
  • Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
  • Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
  • Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
  • Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well.

  • Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
  • Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
  • Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
  • Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .

Analyze the role of the witches in Macbeth.

  • Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
  • Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
  • Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
  • Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
  • Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

  • Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
  • Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
  • Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
  • Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
  • Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.

Write about a time when you or someone you know displayed courage.

  • Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
  • Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
  • Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
  • Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
  • Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
  • What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
  • Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
  • Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
  • Tell about your proudest moment.

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience, so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 60 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

  • Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
  • Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
  • What animal makes the best pet?
  • Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
  • Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
  • Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
  • Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
  • The best music genre is …

What is one book that everyone should be required to read?

  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Is capitalism the best form of economy?
  • Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
  • Should schools have dress codes?
  • If I could change one school rule, it would be …
  • Is year-round school a good idea?

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

  • Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
  • Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
  • Describe the causes and effects of a specific war.
  • Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
  • What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?

Tell the story of the development of artificial intelligence so far, and describe its impacts along the way.

  • Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
  • Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
  • Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
  • Choose one animal from the endangered species list, and propose a realistic plan to protect it.

What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests .

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Through my experience, I can confidently say that creative writing is a skill that can be developed and honed, just like any other. While traditionally associated with literature, creative writing is increasingly being recognized as a powerful tool in various forms of writing, from copywriting and storytelling to novels and poetry. It has the ability to captivate readers and elevate the impact of written expression.

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Creative writing is a genre of writing that seeks to evoke emotions and feelings in its readers. It surpasses the limits of traditional forms of literature and emphasizes narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes and poetic traditions. Creative writing finds application in various forms of writing, including screenplays, plays, novels, poems, and other written works. In this guide, I will delve into some of its most popular facets.

Enhancing resilience and creativity through writing

Research shows that the brains of professional writers work differently from those of novice writers. Moreover, creative writing has been found to boost resilience in students . If you want to enjoy the benefits of writing, it’s important to develop the habit of jotting down your thoughts and words. Doing so can help you overcome writer’s block.

Creative writing is so powerful that it’s used in prisons to give inmates a chance to express themselves in programs like PEN America . “By providing resources, mentorship, and audiences outside the walls, we help these writers to join and enrich the broader literary community.”

Creative writing is a skill that can be learned and practiced like any other. Techniques such as ABDCE structure, 1st or 3rd person point of view, “show don’t tell”, dialogues, and tropes can be easily learned through the online courses in this guide.

  • Together, they account for over 1M enrollments
  • Skillshare, with 2 courses, is the most featured provider
  • The single most popular course has nearly 400k enrollments
  • Three courses are entirely free or free-to-audit.

Best Fantasy And Short-Stories Writing Lessons For Beginners (Brandon Sanderson)

Besides being an awesome writer, Sanderson is an instructor with a very unique talent for keeping us engaged. He has also made available a full course in creative writing on YouTube , originally presented at Brigham Young University, which includes the most crucial tools for any beginner or even experienced writers. The course is comprehensive and rich in content, with great sound and video quality.

Each video discusses a specific tool or technique, so you can easily select the theme you want to explore next or watch it all in sequence. It’s up to you. I recommend you take your time, watch one video at a time and experiment with each concept, or even better, find a writing buddy or form a group to practice writing together.

What you’ll learn:

  • Plot construction, character development, and engaging storytelling
  • Techniques for crafting immersive worlds and believable viewpoints
  • Insights into the publishing industry, tailored for emerging writers
  • Strategies for writing compelling short stories and leveraging them for larger projects.
“Very informative! I’m a beginner writer looking to study writing for video games, and this class gave me a lot of helpful tools to start understanding how stories work/how to organize my ideas! Will definitely be returning to some of these lectures in the future for guidance 👍” – Paige Webster
Brigham Young University
Youtube
Brandon Sanderson
Beginner
15 hours
1.8M
5/5 (6 reviews)
None

Best University-level Creative Writing Course (Wesleyan University)

best music for writing essays

Creative Writing by Wesleyan University is a specialization for those looking for a way to improve their writing structure, scene and character creations and finding your style. Each course includes writing practice (for paying learners) and insightful interviews. It’s worth your time and effort if you are a disorganized writer like myself.

  • Techniques for crafting a bracing story with memorable characters and an interesting setting
  • How to employ a fresh descriptive style in your writing
  • Skills for analyzing and constructively evaluating peer writing
  • The ability to refine your writing, critique writing in general, and draw inspiration from existing literature
  • The process of drafting, rewriting, and completing an original story in the genre of your choosing.

It should be noted that the peer-grading system often lacks depth. However, the assignments are well-crafted and can be easily evaluated with minimal effort, providing some insights from other participants in the form of feedback or inspiration from their submissions.

“Great information about plot and scene structure. The information about revision was entirely new to me – thank you! The exercises were good and difficult in a good way that helped me hone my writing.” – Laura B, Coursera learner
Wesleyan University
Coursera
Brando Skyhorse, Amity Gaige, Amy Bloom and Salvatore Scibona
Beginner
40 hours
126K
4.7 (5K)
Yes, paid

Best Course to Find Your Voice (Neil Gaiman)

Neil Gaiman is currently one the most prolific writers I know of: he’s written books , comics , movies and even TV shows . Even if you’re not a fan of his style, there is definitely something you can learn from him.

In Neil Gaiman Teaches The Art Of Storytelling you will discover Neil’s philosophy on what drives a story and learn to unlock new stories within yourself.

While MasterClass doesn’t sell single courses, a subscription provides access to their entire library, including other writing courses like Margaret Atwood Teaches Creative Writing , Dan Brown Teaches Writing Thrillers , Malcolm Gladwell Teaches Writing , and James Patterson Teaches Writing . If you are considering the purchase, you should definitely enjoy the rest of their catalog.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Discover and develop your unique writing voice
  • Generate and develop original ideas
  • Create dynamic, well-rounded characters that come to life on the page.

This course includes a 94-page workbook that includes assignments and supplemental material.

MasterClass
Neil Gaiman
Beginner
4-5 hours worth of lectures
Paid Certificate Available

Best Practical Writing Course With Support (Trace Crawford)

best music for writing essays

I love it when a passionate teacher like Trace Crawford puts the effort into creating a comprehensive curriculum. COMPLETE Creative Writing – All Genres is a 12-hour course with 145 downloadable resources. In this course, you will learn how to write engaging fiction, poetry, drama, and creative non-fiction, helping you become the successful writer you want to be.

  • The four genres of creative writing: fiction, poetry, drama, and creative non-fiction
  • How to discover, refine, and share your unique writing voice
  • A series of authentic writing assignments designed to target the skills you need to develop
  • Writing techniques, literary devices, and specialized skills to enhance your writing
  • Opportunities for publishing, podcasts, and how to create a professional creative writing portfolio
  • Discover multiple public outlets to share your writing with others as you gain confidence and experience success in your writing ability.

This is a practical creative writing course that includes assignments reviewed by the instructor, though response time may vary.

“The short snippets of theory in combination with the short assignments suits my learning style. I don’t remember the last time I’ve written anything creative, but this course gave me the incentive to set some foundation and its actually quite enjoyable if you stick to it.” – Nikolaos-Stylianos Z., Udemy learner
Udemy
Trace Crawford
Beginner
12 hours
37 quizzes and  writing practice
31K
4.7 (3.9K)
Available, paid

Best Course to Overcome Writer’s Block: 10-Day Journaling Challenge (Emily Gould)

best music for writing essays

I couldn’t resist adding Creative Writing for All: A 10-Day Journaling Challenge to this guide. Emily Gould is a delightful instructor, and her approach to inviting you to participate in the challenge is impossible to decline. It’s the perfect course to overcome writer’s block, which is exactly what she proposes. In this 10-day creative writing challenge, filled with inspiring examples, observation prompts, and clever revision tricks, writers and enthusiasts will be able to express their creativity in a personal and artful way.

This course is the shortest one on the list, and it’s more about the challenge of keeping a journal. If you decide to subscribe to Skillshare, you can also enjoy their entire library of courses. In addition to the other two recommended courses on this list, you can also check out these other Skillshare courses: Writing Suspense: How to Write Stories That Thrill in Any Genre and The Writer’s Toolkit: 6 Steps to a Successful Writing Habit .

Skillshare
Emily Gould
Beginner
26 min
58K
99% (1K)
Available, paid

Best Course to Create Fiction From Personal Experience (Shaun Levin)

best music for writing essays

Shaun’s approach to writing in Short Story Writing: Create Fiction from Personal Experience is an unusual one. It draws from your personal experience to create a compelling fictional story. I can say from experience that this technique will help you write with more depth and authenticity. Every time we bring our own life to the story, it becomes alive, believable and relatable. In a way, all fictional stories are based on the author’s life.

This course will help you with techniques and a series of practical exercises to start writing your scenes from a more philosophical point of view, creating compelling stories. You’ll learn how to delve into your imagination to find everything you’ll need to become a prolific writer, no matter where you are.

By the end of the course, you will have a final project that will receive feedback from Shaun and other learners as well. Actually, if you want to check it out, in the course page on Domestika you can open the submitted projects and read the comments.

Shaun’s other courses: Creative Writing for Beginners: Bringing Your Story to Life .

“A practical course. Shaun Levin talks about theory but also demonstrates his process, which was invaluable. The exercises got my creative juices flowing. Thinking about doing his other course in the future.” – Maya Dicheva
Domestika
Shaun Levin
Beginner
2 hours
30K
99% (764)
Available, paid

Best Course to Make Writing Less Stressful with Best Practices (Jennie Nash)

best music for writing essays

If you struggle to start or get stuck in your writing, Write Your Book: Start Strong and Get It Done can help. With good advice and emotional support, you’ll learn techniques to make writing less stressful. The accompanying workbook guides you to think methodically by asking the right questions to keep you focused on your story and not chasing your own tail.

In this class, you’ll learn how to:

  • Design every element of your novel or memoir, including the protagonist, plot, story structure and a project success plan
  • Define your narrator’s voice
  • Determine where your story begins and where it ends
  • Decide what point you’re making about human nature
  • Make sure you’re giving your ideal reader exactly what they want
  • Gain the confidence you need to push past any doubts and finish your book.

This course is more of a masterclass, so there are no assignments included but it teaches good practices and provides a very useful workbook.

CreativeLive
Jennie Nash
Beginner
5-6 hours
18.8K
100% (29)
None

Best Course to Create A Compelling Story (Lisa Cron)

best music for writing essays

Writing: The Craft of Story is a series of well-produced lectures covering the basic building blocks of a story. Taught by author Lisa Cron, you will learn how to create compelling stories based on the way the brain responds to storytelling. This course emphasizes the importance of capturing the reader’s attention through techniques such as suspense, exploring the protagonist’s inner issues and dreams, specificity, and cause and effect. Upon completion of the quizzes, you will receive a certificate for your LinkedIn profile. Additionally, you can watch all the videos without subscribing to the course.

“Learning the fundamentals of crafting a story was and is a fascinating experience. And yes, I would highly recommend writing to anyone interested in learning how to express the communication of feeling.” – Nicole Gillard, LinkedIn learner.
LinkedIn Learning
Lisa Cron
Beginner
1-2 hours worth of material
100K
4.7 (649)
Available, paid

Best Course to Write Personal Essays with Impact (Roxane Gay)

best music for writing essays

Discover the art of crafting powerful personal essays with best-selling author Roxane Gay in her course, Creative Writing: Crafting Personal Essays with Impact . Through her honest and thoughtful approach, Roxane will help you find your story, craft your truth, and write to make a difference.

This master class offers eight video lessons that are filled with practical guidance, actionable tactics, and example essays to guide you from the first idea to a final, publication-ready work.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Find a specific purpose for telling your story
  • Connect your work to larger conversations and timely themes
  • Conduct crucial research to support your work
  • Navigate personal memories to write your truth
  • Write and revise your final work, and submit your work for publication.

Additionally, the class provides a downloadable worksheet to support your ongoing creative nonfiction writing practice, as well as links to additional resources.

If you enjoy creative nonfiction writing, you might consider this course that’s also on Skillshare: Creative Nonfiction: Write Truth with Style (Skillshare Original) by Susan Orlean

Skillshare
Roxane Gay
Beginner
1 hour
45K
100% (1.2K)
Available, paid.

Best Course to Develop Your Ideas And Research for Characters (The Open University)

best music for writing essays

Start Writing Fiction explores the writing process, from journaling and idea development to reflection and editing. It features insights from established writers such as Louis de Bernières, Patricia Duncker, Alex Garland, Abdulrazak Gurnah, Tim Pears, Michèle Roberts, and Monique Roffey,  who share their approaches to research and turning events into plot. Led by Derek Neale, a novelist and short story writer, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of the writing rituals and techniques used by successful writers.

You’ll get to critique the work of other writers and receive feedback. This course is designed for individuals interested in starting or improving their fiction writing and does not require prior experience in the subject.

You’ll learn:

  • Creation of characters in fiction
  • Different sources and ways of presenting characters in stories
  • Reading as a writer
  • Writing practice including creativity, research, observation and editing
  • Peer reviewing, workshops and the importance of feedback.
“This course takes learners through many aspects of writing such as developing characters, observing and describing details, finding inspiration, writing and editing. It includes some peer reviews which can be varying in quality. I was lucky enough to have some of my writing reviewed by a reviewer who gave very helpful and positive feedback.” – Pat Bowden
The Open University
Future Learn
Derek Neale
Beginner
24 hours
389,780 learners
4.7 (923)
Available, paid

What’s Next

Scribophile is one of the largest online writing communities. You can get feedback on your writing and join writing groups. If you decide to join with a free plan, you need to collect points by reviewing other writers’ work before submitting your own work for review. They also developed some advanced tools for evaluating work and guidelines to make sure you give/receive feedback that is actually meaningful.

NaNoWriMo started out as a month-long challenge where you invite your friends and join other writers in your region, be it online in their forums or in person, to challenge yourself in writing your first draft. Nowadays, they run all-year round writing challenges (but November is still the biggest one in terms of participation). What is cool about it is you actually get to meet people in real life with various writing skills and backgrounds. I was able to make some great friends over the years and even met a few professional writers that decided to join our local group just to support us.

If you have any resources you would like to have added here, leave a comment below.

Class Central , a Tripadvisor for online education, has helped 60 million learners find their next course. We’ve been combing through online education for more than a decade to aggregate a catalog of 200,000 online courses and 200,000 reviews written by our users. And we’re online learners ourselves: combined, the Class Central team has completed over 400 online courses, including online degrees.

Trying to find “the best” can be daunting, even for those of us who live and breathe online courses. Here’s how I approached this task.

First, I combed through Class Central’s Catalog and the internet to find a variety of free and paid open courses, some with certificates. You don’t need to enroll in a university to learn about creative writing.

When choosing courses, I considered the following factors:

  • Renowned Institutions : I looked for recognized institutions in creative writing
  • Instructor experience : I sought instructors with extensive experience in creative writing and engaging presentation styles
  • Popularity : I checked numbers of enrollments and views to find popular courses
  • Course content : I examined courses that covered a range of topics and presentation styles, including the basics and more advanced topics. I watched some course videos to sample courses I hadn’t already taken
  • Learner reviews : I read learner reviews (when available) to get a sense of the quality of each course, leveraging the Class Central database with its thousands of course ratings and reviews written by our users as well as available course provider reviews.

Then, I defined the scope for these recommendations. A creative writing course can cover various topics, so I chose top courses from a range of sub-fields.

Ultimately, I used a combination of data and my own judgment to make these picks. I’m confident these recommendations will be a reliable way to learn about creative writing.

Best Courses Guides. Start Learning, Stop Procrastinating.

Fabio Dantas

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IMAGES

  1. Music for Writing Essays: Inspiring Instrumental Ambience for Writers

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  2. Best music for writing essays I background music I study music no words

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  3. Music For Writing Essays

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  4. 5 Best Types of Music For Writing

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  5. Focus Motivational Inspirational Writing Music To Write Essays To by

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  6. Music For Writing Essays

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VIDEO

  1. Creative Writing Music

  2. Music playlist to help you Write, Study, Focus and be the Sexiest you have ever been!

  3. The Perfect Playlist for Mysterious and Soothing Songs #song #music #backgroundmusic

  4. The Perfect Playlist for Mysterious and Soothing Songs

  5. music for essay writing

  6. [ReadAloud at OSU] The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein

COMMENTS

  1. The Power of Music in Essay Writing: Boost Your Productivity with the

    Pay attention to how certain songs make you feel and make adjustments as needed. The power of music lies in its ability to evoke emotions and enhance your mood, so choose songs that align with your personal preferences and goals. In conclusion, music can serve as a powerful motivator when it comes to essay writing.

  2. The Best Music for Writing: 32 Playlists for Inspiration & Focus

    6. French Indie Pop. This playlist is full of dreamy, mellow French indie pop. It's heavy on electronic music and sparkly beats. Think more "low-key Paris" vibe than club-hopping. 7. Japanese City Pop. In the late 1970s and 1980s, the term "City Pop" described a type of music popular in Japan.

  3. Music for Writing: 8 Styles to Listen to

    Here are more mood-setting music for writers recommended by the community: Zaki Ibrahim (especially the album "Eclectica") "Sunshine" by Floetry. Dave Matthews Band. Beck. "A Serbian Film" soundtrack. "Watch Me" by Labi Siffre. 3. Folk, Americana and folky pop music.

  4. The Best Music for Writing: 26 Playlists for Inspiration & Focus

    Below are writing music playlists liked by the team from around the world: 6. French Indie Pop. This writing music playlist embodies dreamy, mellow French indie pop. It leans heavily on electronic music and vibrant beats, evoking a "low-key Paris" vibe rather than the frenzy of club-hopping. 7.

  5. MUSIC FOR WRITING ️

    Boost your creativity and inspiration with this playlist of music for writing. Enjoy 20 hours of soothing and stimulating instrumental pop covers.

  6. Writing Music: 100 Best Songs to Spark Your Creativity

    John Williams - Hedwig's Theme (Harry Potter). The magical quality of "Hedwig's Theme" can inspire wonder and whimsy, perfect for writing children's literature, fantasy, or any work that aims to capture the imagination. Howard Shore - The Fellowship Theme (The Lord of the Rings).

  7. Classical Music for Writing

    🎵 Buy the MP3 album "Classical Music for Writing" on the Official Halidon Music Store: https://bit.ly/48RGjlF🎧 Listen to our playlist on Spotify: https://s...

  8. Best Writing Playlists & Ambient Noise: Music for Writing Inspiration

    Rain Sounds. Listen to the relaxing sounds of rain as you write. Besides the rain playlists below, we sometimes just go straight to Rainy Mood. Ibne Waheedi Relaxing Rain and Thunder Sound , Sleep Meditation. https://capitalizemytitle.com. Capitalize My Title makes title capitalization easy. Automatically capitalize your email subjects, essay ...

  9. Writing Music 2022

    Writing Music 2022 - writing playlist for reading, writing a book, studying, drawing · Playlist · 1107 songs · 19.3K likes

  10. The Best Music to Listen to for Productive Writing

    The base list of music genres can change based on location and culture, but the typical list in America includes pop, folk, hip-hop, r&b (rhythm and blues), rock and roll, electronic, dance, jazz ...

  11. Best Music for Essay Writing

    Discover the music that makes you focus: A guide to the best music for writing essays. Everyone has an inner writing genius, but sometimes it can be difficult to unlock. Music can be a powerful tool to help unlock that creative potential and boost your writing productivity. From calming acoustic melodies to energizing rock anthems, certain ...

  12. Maximize Your Writing Focus With These 45 Perfect Music Playlists

    Pandora, Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Music, and even good old YouTube. Some are subscription-based, some are free with a few ads, but all will get the job done. I've broken things down into genre as well, so browse around, click a link, block out the rest of the world, and get to work. Classical. The original focus music. Tolstoy, Austen, Dickens.

  13. 5 Best Types of Music For Writing

    Yellow Brick Cinema (YouTube channel: binaural beats and a variety of music styles for focus, meditation, or sleep ) Greenred Productions (YouTube channel: meditation and study music with alpha waves and binaural beats) "Music to Listen To While Writing — Essays, Papers, Stories, Songs" on YouTube. "432 Hz Cognition Enhancer | DEEP ...

  14. The Best Music to Listen to While Writing + a Few Writing Playlists

    Chris: No playlists, but here are the albums I've been listening to the most while I work lately: "Traces of You" by Anoushka Shankar. "The Best of Ravi Shankar" by Ravi Shankar. "Inspiration Information 3" by Mulatu Astatke and The Heliocentrics. "Release the Green Lover" by Raquy and the Cavemen.

  15. The Best Music for Students While Writing an Essay

    The Best Music for Students While Writing an Essay. Musical. For several students, essay writing is a frustrating and burdensome task more so if they are tense, under a lot of stress, or struggling to complete an important essay that is due in a short while.

  16. Music To Listen To While Writing

    Long Playlist of Music To Listen To While Writing - Essays, Papers, Stories, Poetry, Songs for artistic inspiration.If you are looking for another video that...

  17. The Best Music for Focus & Productivity While Writing a Paper

    Some great electronic artists to listen to while writing include Brian Eno, Aphex Twin, and Boards of Canada. These artists create ambient and atmospheric music that can stimulate creativity and focus. 3. Jazz music. Jazz music is an excellent choice for writers looking for something more upbeat and lively.

  18. Best Music for Writing

    For example, a couple of studies on the effect of background music in the workplace have found that instrumental music can boost the workers' output in the short term. 3. Be flexible with yourself. A young man focused on writing with headphones on. Music should be incorporated into your writing routine to add fun, not to make writing hard.

  19. Best Music to Write Essays to: Focus, Think, Write

    This instrumental has limited vocals and is interesting enough without being really intense, so you can focus on the job at hand - writing. "You Wish" by Nightmares on Wax. This electronic instrumental has an R&B twang and provides tranquil background noise to get your neurons pumping and the words flowing. "So What" by Miles Davis.

  20. Writing Routines

    Of the more widely practiced (and legal) writing aids, listening to music is one almost every writer has experimented with in their career. For some, music is the destroyer of any good writing session. Others see music as the fast lane to a creative promiseland. A way to shut out everything else around them and produce their best work.

  21. How to Write a Music Essay: Topics and Examples

    The music essay titles below can inspire you to write a captivating essay: How music can be used to promote cultural awareness and understanding. The benefits of music education in promoting creativity and innovation. The social benefits of participating in music groups. The Impact of Music on Memory and Learning.

  22. 120+ Fascinating Essay Topics for High School Students

    Find the best essay topics for high school: argumentative, persuasive, compare-contrast, cause-effect, narrative, and more! ... like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them ...

  23. 90 Powerful Music Quotes to Inspire Your 2024 Playlists

    1. "Music has the capacity for acting as a vehicle for the impossible to enter our world." —Robert Fripp. 2. "Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without ...

  24. Concentration music for writing essays and reports I ...

    Concentration music to help you focus and meet your research, dissertation and thesis deadlines. Increases your brain power and focus. 3 hrs long. Non-stop. ...

  25. 21 Best ChatGPT Prompts for Essay Writing

    "I'm writing a comparative essay evaluating the pros and cons of social media use among teens. Please provide a detailed list of pros and cons." Best ChatGPT Prompts for Analytical Essays. Analytical essays require critical thinking and deep analysis. The right ChatGPT prompts can help you find patterns and draw effective conclusions.

  26. College Essay Format: Top Writing and Editing Tips for 2024

    So, as you're writing your college essay, keep these tips in mind: 1. Be authentic. One of the most essential parts of how to format a college application essay is to be authentic. The college wants to know who you are, and they will be reading dozens of essays a day. The best way to make yours stand out is to just be yourself instead of ...

  27. Music for Writing

    Music for Writing · Playlist · 239 songs · 158.5K likes

  28. 10 Best Creative Writing Courses for 2024: Craft Authentic Stories

    Best Course to Write Personal Essays with Impact (Roxane Gay) Discover the art of crafting powerful personal essays with best-selling author Roxane Gay in her course, Creative Writing: Crafting Personal Essays with Impact. Through her honest and thoughtful approach, Roxane will help you find your story, craft your truth, and write to make a ...