For the most part, I’m a good self-motivator and very much an intrinsically motivated person. But when it comes to focus, I struggle. Perhaps because I have a 3yr old who needs my attention at inconvenient times or because I have too many things on my mind that I want to learn/do. Whatever the reason, I’ve always relied on music to get in the right frame of mind depending on the work I’m doing.
For coding (and sometimes writing) that usually means no lyrics. Instead I reach for the rhythm and rhapsody of movie scores. They are a great alternative to traditional classical music, which I don’t favor as much.
The Pursuit of Happyness
My first and favorite choice. This is such a delightful album, I was hooked immediately. Most of the tracks have a lively pace, but not at all frantic. With an optimistic feel to it, this is a great choice for tackling a challenging project or task you don’t exactly relish. ;)
The Time Machine
I loved this soundtrack long before seeing the movie (which almost ruined it actually). I even selected the piece “Wish Me Luck” to play while I walked down the aisle when John and I got married. :) Overall the album has a wistful appeal. It’s great working music, though I did uncheck two of the songs in iTunes because they were very jarring to me.
Armageddon
For days when you’re feeling particularly enthused about your work. Many tracks have an upbeat, motivating tempo but never to the point of distraction. Some electric guitar compliments the piano and strings in an unexpected way. It’s edgy, in a good way.
Martian Child
Perfect if you need a bit of soft music to ward off a dull silence. There’s nothing particularly engaging about it – in fact at times I don’t even notice it. That’s the best part actually. There are no sudden screeches or major crescendos. You can put it on and just work.
Finding Nemo
If you prefer music with a lot of “movement” to keep the pistons in your brain firing, this will do the trick. Simultaneously happy, inspiring, soothing and energetic. I unchecked a few songs for the same reason stated above, but altogether it’s a splendid listening experience.
Gladiator
I think Hans Zimmer ranks among the most talented composers of our age, cranking out masterful scores like Pirates of Caribbean (also in my library) and The Da Vinci Code – but Gladiator is my favorite. Giving a sense of empowerment, it’s very affecting yet easy to listen to while you work. The last three tracks in particular make the album.
Legends of the Fall
Both haunting and lilting, this was a tough choice to feature over two other soundtracks by James Horner that I own (Braveheart and Titanic), which are just as frequently played. But Legends is one of the first movie scores I ever bought and I’ve never grown tired of it all these years. That says something.
Did you like this post? Stay tuned for Music for the Designing Soul coming up next. You might also enjoy the list of music you can work to on design:related. What do you you listen to when working with code? Add your favorite in the comments!
I’ve only listened to Armageddon’s soundtrack and I agree that it was great. I didn’t know that Pursuit of Happyness also has a great list of songs. I’ll try to get a copy of the album soon.
I do listen to classical music while coding. Lately I’ve been listening to Yo-Yo Ma doing the Bach unaccompanied cello suites. There’s something about that combination of mathematical precision and emotional intensity that keeps me very focused. I wouldn’t listen to it while designing, though. That’s a whole ‘nother matter. :-)
I was introduced to Yo-Yo Ma several years ago but honestly I completely forgot about him! I do remember liking his music though. I’ll have to give another listen – thanks for the reminder.
Music sometimes becomes our part n parcel of life… we tend to forget everything and enjoy our life and forget about everything when our favorite music is buzzing around.
Music has magic power for our soul and mood. If we’re in bad mood, soft music can make us calm dowm.