What do you listen to when working/studying?

[The Jackson]

silence

[Wyvern]

I also do not listen to music while working as I find it distracting - unless it is a task which is really boring and requires little attention (rare).

Driving I will mostly listen to classical music on radio, or CD which will vary from day to day.

[BVD Press]

WFAN and a lot of it...now aren't my NFL picks better this week?

[PWtuba]

...perhaps like a plumber trying to fill out his tax report with someone behind him mumbling something like

"street elbow, 1/2-inch soft copper, galvanized, cut-off valve, threading machine, ABS cement, trap, 2-inch sanitary tee...etc..."

I find that any time that I hear music at all, I am automatically/subconsciously figuring out the chord structure and meter, and 'fingering along' to the melody or the bass line. Far too distracting for homework time.

[GC]

I can't study or do brainwork with music. I end up listening to the music instead, often accompanied by snoring.

[Chen]

Nothing for me personally. It's a distraction I don't need when I am working/studying.

The music the warehouse staff listen to is often annoying. Sometimes when they play loud enough I just want to choke them.

[Steve Oberheu]

If anything, I usually like stuff that's instrumental, but without the "hit you over the head" kind of approach. A couple of my favorites for background music are Thievery Corporation, Groove Armada and The Meters...no words, just good grooves. It's interesting enough without being distracting; plus the musicianship is good, so I don't feel like I'm listening to filler.

Anything in the classical vein, I usually prefer stuff without tuba or heavy brass...just because I feel obligated to stop what I'm doing and really listen.