Picture this! You are settled on your favorite comfortable armchair, a good book on your lap, and an unquenchable desire to see who will come victorious in that difficult battle, when a neighbor starts pounding on something or shouting, completely breaking your focus and serenity. We can guarantee that every bookworm has had a similar experience, but fear not, there is a solution; find a good playlist and turn the volume up. The additional sound will not only keep you from being distracted, but will also enhance your literary experience. For what is a battle scene without music to set the pace or a love confession without instrumental accompaniment?
Through a careful selection of playlists and tracks, your reading can be elevated into a harmonious and mind-enriching ritual. No matter what type of reader you are and how your own unique bookworm spirit responds to stimuli, there is a perfect fit for you out there.
No idea where to start? We’ve got your back with tricks and tips about combining the two sensory activities and reaping all the benefits of being a bookworm.
Let’s dive right and see the process of deciding on the appropriate reading music step by step. For more articles about improving your reading experience and even suggested playlists, join our Newsletter.
Like any bookworm, you might wonder what the purpose of adding music to your reading time is. Well, let’s start with the fact that a melodious backdrop while reading increases relaxation and promotes enjoyment, thus establishing a peaceful and serene atmosphere for reading. It can also be claimed that music improves cognitive performance and focus. So a bookworm’s understanding is maximized, and the pleasures are infinite.
An appropriate list of tracks for your read of choice can prove the best noise-canceling tool, allowing you to stay engaged and immersed in the action unfolding on the page.
A closer look at each advantage is definitely in order.
Especially when picking up a new series or a new book, music can help you get in the mood while setting the tone for your particular read. There are many lists that are genre or trope oriented, to help smoothen the transition. It might seem like a minute detail, but don't be fooled, bookworms, the reason why movies are so successful is that they combine music, with live media and a convincing narrative. So get yourself a good plot, a vivid imagination to fill in the gaps and descriptions along with a fitting melody, and you got yourself your very own book-movie playing in your head.
It has been said countless times, but it bears repeating; reading improves cognitive activity and attention span. Most overfilled bookcases start with a hobby and a passion for new adventures, but it ultimately comes down to brain stimulation. When we pair reading with music, the effect it has on our brain activity is off the charts. Due to the calming effects music has, readers are allowed to immerse themselves more efficiently and for longer periods. In a nutshell, music combined with reading maximizes understanding and brain activity. Trust bookworms to find the best cure for any mind-impairing diseases like Alzheimer’s while enjoying their favorite tales at the same time.
What better way to keep distractions at bay, than plugging in your earphones, turning the volume up, and sinking into your personal bubble of peace and quiet? Music does not only amplify the benefits of reading, but it also helps bookworms get some personal relaxation time. As all bookworms know, there is no better way to calm the mind and the body than getting lost in the plot line of a specific book, as if you are the one battling the evil villain or trying to solve the lethal curse. Especially if you are trying to read in noisy environments, like a cozy coffee shop or the office, music can help keep you focused and grounded while shooing any possible disturbances.
As we previously mentioned, music adds an extra layer to any book, just like in the movies. It can especially provide a rich backdrop for increased emotional impact and awareness. Emotional fulfillment is just as important as understanding when reading, so it is no wonder we seek ways to induce it. A book paired with the popper melody can work as a score for the most unforgettable and emotional dive into the narrative, a tantalizing quest for the senses, and a unique trip for the brain. Undoubtedly, music can turn a reading session into a tangible experience you can almost touch and taste.
The positive effects of having background music to support your reading are clear, but are there any drawbacks?
Blasting music while reading is not always the best idea. Vocal parts of the song can be responsible for drawing your attention from the text in front of you, as your brain is incapable of focusing on both the words of the song and on the page. This emphasizes the need to pick a playlist carefully. The same can be said for aggressive and explosive melodies, like metal or rock. That kind of music can negatively affect your focus and your reading comprehension.
Ahh, the joy of reaching that killing part of the song and screaming the lyrics at the top of your lungs is a guilty pleasure all bookworms experience. But it is a huge distraction we should actually avoid when reading. A study by the University of Phoenix has proven that lyrics can mess with memory tasks as well as comprehension and concentration. Hence, instrumental and classical music are often suggested for their soothing effects and the absence of distracting lyrics. Lyrics are like that one friend who keeps talking to you when you are trying to focus all your attention or something. As much as we love chatty friends, they have no place in our quiet reading bubble.
Loud music is typically associated with situations of partying and having fun, so it is completely incompatible with reading. Overstimulating the brain can be completely counterproductive when reading comprehension is the main goal. It also works against the serenity one ought to have when reading, overwhelmed with stimuli and feelings. Agitated music is the quickest way to quicken your heart rate, thus making it impossible for noble bookworms to focus on their task. Stable pace and tone are crucial for the state of mind of the bookworm, so including loud and explosive beats in your reading music is a big no-no.
A quick search on Spotify or any other social media for book lovers will settle the point, as there are barely any lists including loud, vocal songs.
What kind of music should a bookworm listen to, then?
It is a well-known fact that music is not a one-size-fits-all situation, similarly to a reader’s taste, music must be chosen according to personal preferences. While some may be totally fine with listening to heavy metal, others might prefer more relaxing music to boost their brain power. Don’t fret, dear bookworms, we are here to guide you with more tips and ideas for your reading playlists.
Here are a few things to consider:
Luckily, for us bookworms, there is an infinite number of playlists and tracks to select from. It may seem like a hard task, but when you stumble across the perfect list, it will be love at first listen. The right playlist can even cure a book hangover, all bookworms have survived the harsh reality of finishing an amazing series and trying to cope with the loss—certainly one of the biggest bookworm problems.
Instrumental music is the top choice of background music for most readers, as it doesn’t have lyrics to divide focus and overstimulate the brain. The gentle notes of the piano or an orchestral symphony may be a good fit for you. Instrumental pieces boost comprehension and successfully block out outsider noises, so they are great companions for reading outside. Except for the piano, the cello and other instruments can contribute to instrumentals. There are many groups like the Vitamin String Quartet that put their own spin on popular songs and their melodies are used in many historical Romance series like the beloved Bridgerton or Reign.
If you want to experiment with instrumental music, check out these playlists:
Classical music is unlike any other type of music. With countless pieces and composers to choose from, it’s the perfect background music to bury your nose in a book with no disturbances. Just like instrumentals, classical pieces have no lyrics to cause you to lose focus. The “Mozart Effect” theory further supports this argument, as it seems that spatial-temporal skills improve after hearing his compositions. Perhaps the same could be said for Bach or even Tchaikovsky. Just remember to keep the volume moderate to create the perfect reading atmosphere.
For those of you who want to look into classical music for your reading session, check these out:
It is a well-known fact that New Orleans is the birthplace of the swing and blue notes we call jazz. But it’s the Harlem Renaissance spanning from the 1920s to the 1930s that made jazz spread like wildfire amongst African-American communities and even innovated the genre by adding the piano to the jazz band. The interesting rhythms of jazz and the improvisation of the artists can lull you into the perfect place of serendipity, allowing you to immerse yourself in a book and even have a more interactive experience.
For our jazz loving-bookworms, here are some playlists:
Another kind of music you can try is ambient, with its atmospheric vibes and soft melodies, it can help you delve deeper into your reading without disturbing your peace. Ambient music is not something that has been thoroughly explored, but as writer Jon Dale explains, there are many readers who resonate with it. Without a traditional structure, ambient music focuses on tone and offers a soothing background that perhaps can help with stress relief as well.
Give these playlists a try if you are curious about ambient music:
Perhaps, our personal favorite, film scores can not only soothe the reader and improve cognition, but they can also help a bookworm visualize the scene they are reading or create a mental image of the characters. Music from epic movies like “Lord of the Rings”, “Harry Potter” and even the classic “Pride and Prejudice” can greatly improve the reading experience. The score from many Miyazaki movies is also a good idea when reading, especially for anime fans— we have read many a scene with the soft tunes of “Howl’s Moving Castle”.
Here is a playlist to get into film scores for your reading:
And what if none of those types of music is for you? Well, then, noble bookworms, perhaps the solution is even easier. Perhaps a playlist matching the mood of your preferred book is the way to go. Whether it is a Lofi playlist, nature sounds, meditation music, or hip hop, if it matches the pace of the book, then it will most likely help you concentrate and delve into your story with gusto. As we have said, there is no right option for everyone, but perhaps you can find a pairing that works best for you. And if you do keep notes in your journal, your reading will never be monotonous or boring ever again.
Here are two playlists with a variety of sounds you can perhaps vibe with:
We hope we have convinced you to try to pair your reading with calming music, and you will find our tips and tricks useful when next picking the playlists. Aside from the many benefits of listening to music while reading, there are many other tricks on how to be a better reader and many useful websites for book lovers. Whether you're reading fiction or nonfiction, in your own language or in English, the most important thing is to enjoy it and to wear your bookworm name like a badge of honor.
If you want to read more articles about being a bookworm or even about specific series you like, join our Newsletter to stay updated!
Here are a few common questions that many bookworms have and their answers.
Yes! Listening to music while reading can help boost your concentration, improve cognitive abilities, and even help with memory tasks. Keep in mind, though, that the right type of music is essential to experience the benefits. Orchestral, instrumental, study, or even concentration music is perhaps the best choice to pair with your reading.
If you cannot concentrate on your reading when listening to music, then perhaps you have chosen the wrong playlist. Loud or agitated music along with too many vocal parts does not promote harmonious reading and forces the brain to try and keep up with all the changes in the tempo and the words of the song and on the page. A thorough research and careful choice of playlist can provide better results for your reading session.
Always living in her own enchanted little world, Christina discovered the magic that can be hidden within the pages of a book when one dares to take a closer look from a tender age. An avid reader, she is constantly inspired to delve into the secrets woven between the lines and challenges herself to find her own voice amidst the chaos. She is a dedicated fan of the classics, but the supernatural creatures that have tormented readers for years are her kryptonite. The mastery it takes to infuse the author's essence, molded by the era they grew up in to their innermost desires fascinates her. Undoubtedly, putting her passion and knowledge on paper has a mesmerizing allure on her, and following the steps of so many other dreamers before her she wishes to leave her mark in the literary world. Guided by T.S Eliot’s haunting words: “I will show you fear in a handful of dust” she intends to wreak havoc in the minds of her future readers.
