ELEKTRONISCHES LERNEN MUZIK
  • CONTRIBUTORS
    • Eddie Martin
    • Aisling Crean
    • Jen Ross
    • Pekka Ihanainen
    • Michael Wolfindale
    • Chris Millson
    • Sonnie Carlebach
    • Michael Gallagher
    • Stephen Bezzina
    • Neil Speirs
    • Stuart Allan
    • Hugh O'Donnell
    • James Lamb
    • Chris Bailey
    • Sam, Mariana, Jack & Corinne

Music for writing

19/3/2013

27 Comments

 
James Lamb writes: We began Elektronisches Lernen Muzik by inviting students and tutors to share personal playlists that accompanied or inspired their learning. The compiled soundtracks, and accompanying liner notes and cover artwork, provided fascinating insights into the different ways that music can influence learning.

What this first exercise lacked however was a focus on musical styles or songs that promoted specific learning activites, rather than studying in a more general sense (which of course is the sum of varied and contrasting activities). As a result, the assembled sound, words and image of each artefact offered a glimpse into the creator's learning space, without necessarily producing a soundtrack that might be synchronised with a single dedicated learning task. 

In our second exercise then, it is our intention to collect music that can promote individual learning activities. We are going to be begin by inviting suggestions for music tracks that assist the task of academic writing. By academic writing we are talking about activities such as drafting an essay, report or paper, making an entry in a blog, preparing a script for a lecture or presentation, and other examples of what might be seen as 'essayistic composition' (and I acknowledge that traditional notions of the essay are problematised in digital learning spaces).
You can nominate tracks by replying to this post. Feel free to suggest as many tracks as you like, just as long as you listen to them whilst engaging in some form of academic writing. When replying, we would like you to indicate your area of academic study, research or teaching. You can also add a commentary or rationale as desired.

We will do our best to (legally) acquire the nominated tracks before compiling them within a 'music for writing' extended soundtrack which will be made available on this site to assist other learners. Depending on whether this proves to be a useful exercise and resource, this could be followed by 'music for reading', 'music for reflection' and so on. 

We look forward to hearing the music that accompanies your writing.
27 Comments
Michael Gallagher link
20/3/2013 10:27:03 pm

Role: PhD candidate at Institute of Education, University of London
Research Interests: Mobile learning, higher education, multimodality
Track: Hanna's Theme
Artist: Chemical Brothers

When I write, I need some (repetitive) structure. And something that moves a bit.

Reply
Phil
21/3/2013 01:15:38 am

Area of Research: Higher Education
Track: What I Don't Know (Won't Hurt Me)
Artist: Bettye LaVette

Not what I would normally listen to while writing, but I had some Bettye LaVette tracks on repeat when writing recently - possibly because I was in a shared office trying to drown other noise out. Seemed to work.

Reply
Claire
21/3/2013 07:52:14 am

Subject: Elearning and Digital Cultures MOOC
Track: Dawn (Pride & Prejudice soundtrack)
Composer: Dario Marianelli
Artist: Jean-Yves Thibaudet & English Chamber Orchestra

I often turn to classical music when I need to write - something with enough movement to keep me focused, yet without intruding too much on my thoughts... Marianelli's delicate soundtrack was on repeat for my MOOC assignment!

Reply
Eve
21/3/2013 08:53:59 am

Study: Business Studies (Marketing)
Example Track: Wizard and I (Wicked Soundtrack)
Composer: Stephen Schwartz

Normally, I like older rock music like AC/DC etc but when I'm studying those songs distract me too much. I tend to choose musical soundtracks and different classical pieces when writing an essay or studying. I like the changes in tempo and style that comes with soundtracks; it keeps me focused.

Reply
Andrew
22/3/2013 04:54:07 am

I find post-rock to be very effective to listen to when I'm working on maths problems. That is, music with no lyrics. It zones me out from all the distractions around me but doesn't drift me from my work. Explosions in the Sky is a really good band with songs such as 'postcard from 1952' and 'six days at the bottom of the ocean'

Reply
Livia
22/3/2013 06:07:14 am

Study area: MSc in E-Learning

Anything that is too tuneful or singable is a bit distracting to me. Unlike Eve I avoid music that changes style too often as that can be jarring! Too often I use a change of music as an oh-I'll-have-a-5-minute-Facebook-break... oops!

The album that I use for background music to studying most often is Didier Squiban - Rozbras. http://open.spotify.com/album/6h6but54PodAe7r8ZOQ4xX

The only problem is that it was a gift from a dear distant friend with whom I have many happy memories, which can lead me off track when that connection is triggered.

I also like Mike Oldfield Songs of Distant Earth but again it can be distracting when it is too familiar so it doesn't get played so much.
My study is postgraduate masters in e-learning.

Reply
Stephen Bezzina link
27/3/2013 03:43:54 am

Study: MSc in Digital Education/E-learning
Track: Pontape 2013 Remake (Original Mix)
Artist: Renato Cohen

A remake of one of the classics – gets me, my thoughts and my writing moving (quite fast too) – perfect!

Reply
Chris Swift link
27/3/2013 07:00:02 am

Study: general blogging
Track: Soweiso
Artist: Cluster

It's relaxing and has a gentle, pulsing rhythm that makes you feel like you're getting to a destination. Sane with any of that German motorik music like Kraftwerk and Neu. Lots of repetitive bits and patterns which I like. Or I might put Radio 3 on for some random classical music. It's nice to lose yourself in some music created hundreds of years ago to give yourself some perspective. Plus, the news reports remind you of what else is happening in the world, and what time it is - adds some urgency to your work!

Reply
Graham
28/3/2013 02:14:30 am

Study - Business Management

I generally listen to anything that gets me either motivated or relaxes me.

My usual artists are Foo Fighters, Metallica, Stereophonics, Kasabian, The Clash and Kaiser Chiefs. I will listen to movie soundtracks that vary in tempo, composers consist of John Barry, Danny Elfman and John Willaims.

Reply
Emily
28/3/2013 02:18:18 am

area of study: Philosophy
I would sugest calming music such as the song 'breathe me' by Sia. It's enough to calm me down and motivate me but it's not loud and jumpy enough to make me want to sing and dance about.

Reply
Emma
28/3/2013 02:25:34 am

Study: History

When studying I tend to listen to soft and calm songs which I have on quietly in the background. Instrumental music also works well. I find that any music that is too upbeat distracts me and makes me want to sing and dance rather than work.

Reply
Paul
28/3/2013 02:46:12 am

Law.

Find it easier to work to music without lyrics, on quietly and in the background. Something like Islands by Einaudi?

Think Napier made a 'songs to study to' playlist - something you might want to look at when working on this?

Reply
Megan
28/3/2013 02:52:58 am

Subject: BSc Psychlogy
Tracks: Classical composers - Philip Glass especially.

I really only listen to music when doing 'mindless' tasks such as referencing, or cleaning up my writing. I can't listen to it when i'm writing because the lyrics interfere!

Reply
Melanie
28/3/2013 03:12:52 am

Studying Economics- I honestly listen to all sorts of different things depending on what I'm doing. If I'm solving problem sets and doing mathematical stuff I tend to listen to 'jam bands' (ex. Dave Matthews Band) , but if I'm writing essays I lean towards classical music- specifically piano music. I'm a big fan of Gerschwin piano concertos.

Reply
Sally link
28/3/2013 03:21:23 am

Studying History

I find lyrics distracting so when I do listen to music while studying its usually classical or instrumental stuff. Usually I find repetitive tracks helpful in order to concerntrate. But I only listen music in the writing stages of a project, never really the research parts.

E.g.,
Piano covers of Dires Straits (youtube)
Ludovico Einaudi
Daft Punk
Holst - The Planets!

Reply
Sally
28/3/2013 03:55:16 am

Studying French and Spanish

When doing critical reading I tend not to listen to music, but I have to have music when writing essays or class work.

I either listen to my own music or use 8tracks.com to find a mix - it is often easier to concentrate to new music rather than songs I already know well.

When working I listen to:

Dubstep/chillstep
R&B
Folk/Acoustic
Instrumental music

Mainly:
We don't eat: James McMorrow Adventure Club remix
Skillrex
Antoine DuFour
Ryuchi Sakamoto
Beirut
Iron and Wine
Bon Iver
Ben Howard
Bastille
Xample

When writing specifically in French or Spanish I sometimes like to listen to music in the target language:

Buena Vista Social Club
Bachata/Salsa music
Carla Bruni
French playlists on 8tracks

Reply
giraf87
28/3/2013 05:55:45 am

I tend to listen to soundcloud now. I am doing Digital Education and I find especially the cover tracks of certain 80s bands quite creative and inspirational. I like to think that good covers are like critical thinking: no doubt many ideas I have are not necessarily new, but at least it gives me pleasure in developing my own versions.Like this track: https://soundcloud.com/artistunknown

Reply
Simon
28/3/2013 07:19:58 am

Subject: Geography

Think something like Coldplay can be a good choice. Songs are often quite quiet so you can still think.

Reply
Stacey
28/3/2013 07:20:32 am

Subject: Geography

When studying I tend to listen to Disney/musical soundtracks but nothing too up-tempo! The songs I listen to have to have lyrics though...

Reply
Melanie
2/4/2013 08:38:26 am

Subject: Economics

I honestly listen to all sorts of different things depending on what I'm doing. If I'm solving problem sets and doing mathematical stuff I tend to listen to 'jam bands' (ex. Dave Matthews Band) , but if I'm writing essays I lean towards classical music- specifically piano music. I'm a big fan of Gerschwin piano concertos.

For maths / problem solving type work:

'Stay' by Dave Matthews Band

For light reading / editing:

'Save Me San Francisco' by Train

For when I need not to be distracted / serious writing:

Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata

Reply
James
2/4/2013 09:01:38 am

Subject: MSc in Digital Education

I'm going to nominate tracks from albums that I've been playing over the last couple of months whilst I've been writing my dissertation lit review.

Boards of Canada: Aquarius
Neu!: Hallogallo
Sufjan Stevens: Flint (for the unemployed and underpaid)
Brian Eno: Slow wave
Daft Punk: Adagio for Tron
Erik Satie: Gymnopedie No.1



Reply
Steph
4/4/2013 07:33:09 pm

Subject: MSc in Digital Education

It's melancholy all the way for me. At the moment Beirut and Nouvelle Vague.

Reply
Lindsay
4/4/2013 09:03:14 pm

Subject: Education/Law

It really depends, like a lot of other contributors, on what I am writing. If it's the final proof of something then it's silence for me lest I get carried away with the lyrics.

For general writing then some old motown or soul works a treat - some Marlena Shaw, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield as it uplifts and inspires. When working at the very start or towards the end of a piece or writing then something a bit more rock works - The Who's 5:15 or Harvey Danger's Flagpole Sitta.

If I know I'm writing for a long time then a cd or playlist can accompany you for the whole journey rather than individual songs. Something like a David Holmes mix as it just gets on with itself in the background.

Other than that: Scottish music including folk and pipes; hip-hop and funk.

My poor office neighbours! :)

Reply
Stephen Bezzina link
11/4/2013 01:49:48 pm

Early morning, fresh orange juice and The Man Machine album by Kraftwerk – priceless!

Reply
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  • CONTRIBUTORS
    • Eddie Martin
    • Aisling Crean
    • Jen Ross
    • Pekka Ihanainen
    • Michael Wolfindale
    • Chris Millson
    • Sonnie Carlebach
    • Michael Gallagher
    • Stephen Bezzina
    • Neil Speirs
    • Stuart Allan
    • Hugh O'Donnell
    • James Lamb
    • Chris Bailey
    • Sam, Mariana, Jack & Corinne