How The Right Music Can Make You a Better Writer- Pat McGurrin

While music makes almost everyone a little emotional, some types of music are better at stimulating the brain's 'creative thinking' than others. This is why choosing the right type of music to listen to can help anyone avoid writers' block.

Firstly, one should avoid listening to any kind of fast lyrical music--especially rap music. When humans hear words quickly, and in succession, the brain's "Broca" area can be overwhelmed, and writers may find it hard to concentrate on the task at hand. This is due to the fact that the Broca region of the brain is responsible for language processing, something obviously important in writing. All of us have found ourselves singing along to our favourite songs, so it is is even better to just not listen to any music with lyrics.

Music also triggers the cerebellum; the brain's control center for rhythm. To avoid overcrowding your brain even more, stay away from that #1 pop tune, or just songs with heavy percussion. Instead, try listening to slow improvised jazz, so that you wont get caught on one single rhythm. 

Music's key also has a great effect on writing, since it sets a mood that the writer will likely reflect. Songs with minor or diminished keys will offer a melancholy mood, while Major and Augmented keys will offer a more joyous mood. Song keys will influence the brain's lymbic system, which is responsible for one's emotions--causing their writing to also be melancholy or joyous.

What did I listen to while writing this?

- "Venus" by Gustav Holst [E Major]:

             -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE6_PacCnRw

- "The Chicken" by Jaco Pastorius [B-Flat Major]

             - :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBvxNhaEvHE

- "Lets Go Away For Awhile" by The Beach Boys [F Major]:

             - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGUdf42jIO4

- "Pet Sounds" by The Beach Boys [B-Flat Major]:

             - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYBlfpCVHBo

Citations:

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_processing_in_the_brain

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbic_system