Can we work efficiently while listening to music?

Question

One chap use to tell me that he is working better while listening music with out distracting.
His job is programming.

Is that true? How many of you can do so?

Can I start the same for better performance?

Good, Personal exp will be appriciated

Answer 1

I keep pandora (personal radio station) running while I'm working.

That said, if I hit a tough problem or complex coding/design situation, the music goes off.

Answer 2

I used to do my math assignments with some good music in the background. It didn't work very well with any writing assignments. I think it depends on the individual though.

Do you remember some movie where a young guy was learning to be a jet fighter pilot and he always had his walkman in the cockpit. When he really needed to perform he'd play some real hard rock music and do all stunts better than anyone else.

I also like driving while listening to music.

So, maybe music works.

Answer 3

I have to have it. It helps me concentrate on my work. It helps drown out the office chatter from all the rubes on their phones, etc. or talking to themselves. If I need to take or make a call I mute the music. Otherwise I keep it at a level that it will not bother anyone.

Answer 4

I like to do this when I am working because it gives me that extra push to finish what I am doing.

When I am writing, though; music helps me imagine what might be happening as the song plays (if the song has no vocals) or which character(s) may be singing the song (if it has vocals)

Answer 5

I can't listen to music while I do anything that requires concentration. I get too absorbed in music and start spacing out.

Answer 6

definitely...

i listen to dance music, since it has a constant rhythm which sorta drives you on and puts you in a trance like state allowing you to work more efficiently without getting annoyed or bored quickly (as would be the case without music)

Answer 7

I find that music helps me to get new ideas in programming.

Answer 8

yes sure, i had very hard math and physics exams lately, i wasn't able to study them except when i was listening to music.

so it works for me, and with programing it's the same.