My mom do this. She listens to Classical Music while reading her books. I can't help but be amazed on how my mother could grasp two activities all together. I asked her once if she still can concentrate the thought of the book she's reading and she directly me, YES OF COURSE. I don't know if I'm not really gifted but I can't do this together.^^, CAN YOU DO THE SAME THING TOO, READING WHILE LISTENING TO MUSIC?
[question posted by zhaychel]
responses and comments:
Hmmm..well, yes! I can do both at the same time. Never realized that some people will actually find it hard to concentrate on a book while listening to music. Now that you've mentioned it... ;-) [slash23]
I just found it quite difficult because the type of music i'm listening doesn't allow me to concentrate. ^^, [zhaychel]
I can listen to music, hear my kids running around, and watch tv if I had to. I think I can do my homework better that way too. I don't like anyone asking me questions though because that is when I mess up and can't concentrate on both. crysurrender [andalond]
I can't also stand people around me questioning me about something or disrupts me by calling my attention because I'm losing my moment. ^^, [zhaychel]
aaaah yes!! classical music is perfect and great with a good book. It helps a mood even. I am not so sure pop music or any other kind would work , and words would be distracting.. here is an example.. movies all have music scores of wonderul music playing in the backgound while you watch the film.. it ADDS to the mood of the film. Ever noticed that?? Your mother is one smart lady!! [fjaril]
She really is!I guess you're right noisy music won't let you concentrate. ^^, [zhaychel]
There was once a scientific test regarding the brain that I took which actually said that reading a book or studying per se while listening to music make a person retain more information than just reading or studying in a quiet environment. I don't really know how true it is but they explained that the stress of doing two things at a time exercises your brain to work doubly hard, thus you retain more information than when the brain is at rest. We could safely say that the brain is like a person who doesn't know nor doesn't use his/her potential to the fullest. When faced with stressful situations, we often times realize that we are more capable of doing more than what we know. So, I guess that's the explanation of it. For me? Well, I could actually. I'm known to multi-task. I don't know, maybe I prefer the feeling of being too busy with many things all at once. I once had the opportunity to talk to several people online. There were several windows open and yet I could still remember and understand what they were talking. I also tried using my pc and my laptop at the same time. It was cool! [laydee]
I really appreciate your response, I just told my husband something very close to your explanation. I talked to him about how we have lots of pics and I should look through them bc I have some really cool ones. Then I added "but I will wait since I dont need another hobby right now. I have sewing out, writing on 4 different things, reading a few different books, raising my kids, being a good wife, teaching my daughter how to make friendship bracelets, making beaded necklaces, keeping up w/e-mail, starting a blog, keeping my house clean. I am sure I forgot a few along the way........but I really can attest to this. :0) [ladygator]
Yes, I can listen to music while reading. But it's not during exam time. It is for sue that while listening to music concentration on studies is not the fullest. But it is alright if I don't have any hurry. In usual days, I generally play songs on my mobile and study. [parulg]
I have music playing 24 hours a day, even when I am sleeping. I have listened to music like that for so many years that it's almost seems scary when there is silence. It's like a horror movie when everything gets quiet you know it's not a good thing. [WebMann]
Yes, I can do it. lol I can even read a book while watching TV but of course I cannot concentrate to both of them at the same time. But with music, I can read thoroughly especially if the song is slow like classical or a love song. But I can only do it if I am all alone in my room and the volume of the music is not too high. happy [iamcdy]
In my opinion, it is very easy to read and listen to music. For me the best way to read is to sit in my room with my favorite music on and read until my hearts content. Having music on while I read, helps block outside distractions. The only noise I hear is the music that I have playing. Usually when I was at home in my room, there was a lot of noise outside my bedroom. If I didn't have music on then it was harder for me to focus on my book. My mind would drift off to what was going on outside my room. I guess some people are more multi-talented than other people. It is all in what you like personally. It is all in your opinion. When I read, I like to listen to Godsmack, Angry salad, papa roach, sum 41, Metalica, Rob Zombie. I like to listen to all kinds of music. It really depends on my mood. I could listen to music with what ever I am doing. I even fall asleep to different kinds of music. You could say music is my life, along with everything else in my life. But now that I have a son I am forced to listen to the Wiggles and other kids music. But that doesn't mean once in a while I can't listen to my music. I can't go all day with out listening to my music, at least a little bit. In between listening to kids music. [anna_searles]
Yes, some people can concentrate more on what they read while listening to the music and some don't. I like listening to music while reading or sleeping, most of the time when I am at home I can do most things I want to do while listening to music. It's not because you are not gifted that's why you can't do the same, it's nothing to do with Gifts or talents. [lovelyvelle]
I always do this, but the music must be very soft. But sometimes when i too concentrate on my reading, i forget the music behind. But have some background music while reading is quite relax..... [zoneday]
Hi zhaychel. Yes, I like to listen to music or watch tv while reading. I don't like it too quiet. My husband can't do this but I can. I can concentrate on two things at once. [lilcee]
Lucky for you. Hope I can learn that too. There are thing that I can do at the same time except this one. ^^,, [zhaychel]
I like listening to music while doing other things like writing a poem or a story, read a book, study my lessons (when I used to go to school) and while working. Yeah, it's pretty easy since the music relaxes the mind (it depends on the music though). I didn't thought others find it hard though, hmmm.. now that's strange! Hihihi! lol Happy mylotting! [maple_kisses]
I almost always listen to music (often classical, like your mother) while I read. Often I do other things while listen to music, like draw. In fact, I cannot draw well without listening to music. Music tends to help me think rather than slow my thinking process. I think it is different for everyone. I must point out, though, that if I am studying for something or doing something that requires a lot of thought I always turn off my music, even though I could do it with the music on anyway. It's pretty much more natural if I do those things without music, I think. [sweeneyallanburton]
I can do this pretty well actually, but only if I'm listening to classical music. If there's any words in the song i can't do it because I end up just concentrating on the movie. Also I don't like listening to music if I'm reading a horror novel because it seems to ruin the suspense of the novel. So usually I only o it if I'm reading a funny novel, or an essay. [niqbloo]
No, I am unable to do this, because it will distract my total concentration.. So, I will have no music on while reading a book.. Your mom is very good! Hooray to her for being able to master this!happyhappy [cream97]
absolutely yes, i can do both of them. i will sing with the music and reading my book at same time. i did the that thing at my work time, i feel that's a good way to enjoy my work time, and very easy to finish my work. every morning, i will play some songs, and do my own work, if i like the song i will sing with it. but now i can not sing, because so many colleagues beside me...... [yyfrancine]
yes i could do it. i read novels with music..it is relaxing! [jazel_juan]
I like to read a book with a back music on.And it doesn't disturb me. [sunnbk]
You Mom is indeed amazing! I can't do that two things together. I can't be able to appreciate both. It must be one at a time. In fact when I am reading my favorite book, I want a quiet surrounding. I won't be able to understand if there would be any loud sound around me. It's okay to have just very soft music but certainly I can't also listen to that music but just concentrated on what I am reading. So I think your mother has some kind of amazing power. [salonga]
I can only do this if the song has no words, because I find myself focusing too much on singing or listening to the words of the song instead of reading. I prefer to read in quiet, but I think I could handle listening to classical music, for example. [kyliexo]
Yes,I am addicted to music,I can't do anything without music,its my life and blood,if you tell me to study without music,then I could not be able to study at all,actually music helps in concentrating our mind,because by listening to music your mind will only focus on study and music,and dosen't wander to many places [vibhuashok]
I can't!!!! it is hard to concentrate reading while at the same time listening to music? I want to do things one at a time. Maybe, she just use music as background but not really concentrating about what is the message of the music. But there are different learning styles. There are people who can learn better when they listen to music. Others do prefer to study in a quiet environment. Others can understand better when they read it loud.. so, different learning styles.. learning is not uniform so, we have different ways of doing things.happyhappyhappy [celestial052506]
Yes i can, sometimes, it help me to getting in the story or getting more relax while i'm reading. I love it because I got an ambiance. But other times, I not able, I just love the silent and be concentrate on the reading. It's always depend of my mood and where am I. If im on bus, i know people around me who are speaking maybe gonna disturb more than I I listen music during the bus travel. [julie85]
I've done it a couple of times already. I listen to slow Modern music while reading a novel but if I'm studying, I prefer that my environment is silent so that I can concentrate more. Try doing it, who knows you have your mom's talent too! [anne12d]
"you cannot serve two masters at the same time..." is all i can say. i can't do that either, because if i listen to music and at the same time, read a book, the tendency is, i will not be able to understand the book that i am reading. or the other way around. =) [manixxx]
i tried reading a book and listen to music but did not mange to do it. whenever i listen to music i tend to sing or murmur it. so it becomes difficult for me to concentrate on the book. some people can do it good for them . i am not so lucky enough to be able to do two things at a time. [peterbarretto08]
Classical music helps our brain to understand better what we are reading. I have read before that there is a study done by Japanese scientists between listening to classical musics and studying. It's says that listening classical music while studying helps students to understand what they are reading. I don't know how it is really works but I have tried it before and it works for me. I easily understand what I'm reading and studying without feeling exhausted. [katkat]
I can read while listening to music but I don't like to. I like it to be completely silent when I read. I hate it when my husband has his movies blasting while I am trying to read. I don't like reading in loud places at all. It is hard for me to concentrate but not impossible. [moneyandgc]
I like listening to music when I read. Sometimes music (strangely enough...) helps me tune out everything around me, which is partly why I like listening to music in order to better concentrate on my homework. (Unless it's a CD that I know very well--I'll sing along and THEN I get distracted.) But as for as Harry Potter goes, I'm not sure I'd like to listen to music while reading it, cause then whenever I would hear that music I would be reminded of reading the book, and it might make me sad, or slightly crazier.. [anitajayakumar]
yes i do it.but i put my heart on the books all [yuri860708]
Definitely. In fact, I can't read a book without listening to music. The melody helps me concentrate. It's weird but back in my college days, I always got to the cafeteria to study because they're always playing music there. I hate to study in the library because it's too quiet for my liking. I just fall asleep. [theredquill]
I used to read, listening to music too.But once I am in full concentration of what I am reading I just dont hear anything and when I am pulled to the music I just dont see anything in the book.If at all your mother manages the two ,it is really great and hats off to her.You know,women are great in multitasking. [srganesh]
I can read a newspaper or a magazine while I´m listening to music. But if I´m reading a really good book,I prefer silence. For me,it´s more easy to concentrate on the text if it´s silence [ennasus59]
yup, i can do it too ^_^ MOst of the time, i'm doing that when i'm studying for exams.. haha ^_^ Because plain studying is too bored and i need some stimulants thus i turn on my radio.. After sometimes, i will find myself singing along to the song instead but not concentrating on my notes.. lol And also, there will be times i'm watching tv, listening to music and studying at the same time.. hhe ^_^ Surprisingly, i can cope quite well with all the three, and i can study even better.. lol =D [kun2349]
I can read and listen to the music at the same, where the focus of my energy is reading the book, but, I can not do the reading while my focus is on the music. It's not about being gifted, it's just that your mom has the ability to focus more on reading while the music is being played. happy [tryxiness]
I can do it both at the same time especially when the music is Instrumental and that would be a good vibes to read a book which is also a horror..... [iyah10]
Yeah, I always do that. I always listen to music while I'm doing some other tasks, it can be reading or working. Sometimes, when I'm too concentrate on the book or on my work, I actually do not hear what's playing at the moment. I even watched television when I was preparing for exam last time. lol [kaka135]
Hi zhaychel, It is too hard for me too listen music and reading. I have tried this, but i often get confused where i left out while reading! Your mommy, is really gifted with this talent :) [forcashksd]
I do that all the time. I think my mind had gotten used to listening to music while doing almost anything. I study while listening to music, I do chores while listening. I even listen to music to fall asleep. I think that my mind had really adapted to having music always, and I have a hard time concentrating now without any form of music. It's like my mind doesn't function effectively when the surrounding is much too quiet. [jedd_opalla]
No i cannot do listen to music while i am reading.......If i am listening to music my mind is always in music ...can never concentrate on reading ..So I put the two activities separately.....no music while reading.. [himatmex]
yes i can easily do this, and most often i do so. i even write while listening music. it's quite enjoyable. It seems that the mind get much more relaxed. I mostly prefer slow music while reading. [v4vikas]
I read a book when I'm commuting on the bus and plus I'm listening to my music on the mp3 player. I find it easier to get into the book when I'm listening to music and its not classical music either. Its music from the 80's and country mixed with a little bit of love songs and disturbed as well. [Crysi23]
I absolutely cannot listen to music while reading a book. I can barely have any noise around when i'm reading a book. its not that I can't concentrate its because when i'm in a good book I don't want any distractions. [shymurl]
I am just like your mom. I also listen to classical music while reading or working on my computer. When I hear a particularly favorite part of an aria or concerto I will stop for a second concentrate on the music and then pick up again on whatever I was doing. [whiteheather39]
yes , i canlistentomusic & read. i also watch tv & read. not saying that makes me smart or anything like that. guess i just like to have some noise going around here. lol [ANTIQUELADY]
i can listen to music while i do things. in fact, i prefer to have some background sound when i'm reading or on the computer. i can't stand the ringing in my ears when the surrounding is silent. but most times i won't listen to loud music or songs with fast tempo. i believe your mom has the classical music as background sound only. most likely she won't be able to tell the last song that was on. cheers lollol [applefreak]
no,i must focus on my homework. if you listen to music,how you focus on your paper... although we have two ears,we only have one mind. [xialinye]
Hi there zhaychel! More often than not, I really listen to music while reading a book. I think that classical music, most especially, help stimulate our minds. So that is the kind of music I listen to when reading books. Well, yeah, sometimes I listen to other types of music too. I mean, not just classical music but whatever type of music that suits my mood. [dolce_vita78]
Not only can I listen to music while reading I can also watch the tv! I have always done it, I do not know how I do it I just know that I can. My dad used to say I could not possibly know what I am reading but I did and I could prove it to him as well. [gemini_rose]
Listening to soft music in the background, while reading, is almost like using the music as 'white noise' to filter out other noises that are more intrusive to reading. When I read, I sometimes use music, and sometimes a fan to filter out noises from traffic, conversations, televisions, etc. When I read without any filter noise, every little thing makes me look up to see what is causing the noise. Or, I end up listening to some one else's converation, even though I'm really not interested in it. [catdla1]
Any woman worth her salt can multi-task. That's how God made up. We can raise children and get dinner on the table and keep the house clean and run the errands and the list keeps going. I don't see men doing that very often and some women are better at it than others. [mlh8087]
I do this all the time. Music helps me concentrate. [Bd200789]
If it is soft classical music yes I would listen to it while reading. But I would not like to be distracted by anything else when reading. I prefer to concentrate on one thing. © ronaldinu 2008 [ronaldinu]
I can be easily distracted so prefer to read in the quiet but my husband likes to have music on so provided it isn't too loud then I can concentrate, but if it's too loud I find myself reading the same passage over and over again. [Charente]
i listen to music all the time and enjoy it. I can do almost anything else and still hear the music, even sing along once in a while. [savypat]
I believe this may be an extroversion not introversion skill. My husband, extreme extrovert, can listen to music and be on his computer answering emails. He doesn't read books so I cannot say that he would be multitasking like your mom or not. For me, I can EITHER read a book OR listen to music, but not both. Extroverts get their energy revved with many sensory activities at a time; for introverts this is generally de-energizing. I would think that if you read while listening to music, that you have to miss parts of either the song or the book. But being an introvert I wouldn't know since I can't process information that way. [patweber]
I can do it if I am listening to soft music like classical and jazz. However if I listen to pop or rock, I will eventually sing along with it >.< [ImNotFish]
I do admire those people that can read and listen to the music at the same time. Apparently I can't, I have tried this before and find myself singing with the music and not concentrating to what I'm reading , lol. I prefer to read in my room because its quiet. [CJay77]
Most of the time I can, & in fact, it HELPS me concentrate on the book. Very relaxing. It really depends on the music; classical, movie themes & new age (or, as Penn & Teller pronounce it--to rhyme with SEWAGE--NEWAGE...lol!) are best. The one time even THOSE make it impossible for me to multitask is when something comes on that's just breathtakingly beautiful. I get so carried away I not only don't see the =page,= I don't see ANYTHING except whatever vision is conjured up by the music. "Valse Triste," e.g., or the "Pier Gynt Suite," or the death aria from "Lucia de Lammamoor." (sp?) THOSE sorts of pieces. Maggiepie [Maggiepie]
If the music has no words I can do both, but if the music has lyrics I'd get distracted from the book most likely though I can't remember actually trying it before. [_sketch_]
I actually do! When I was in college I'd turn on the radio while I study. I even sing with it at times. Once I had to study at a friend's place and I study until, about two in the morning. She was asked me if I was able to study and I said yes, she told me how could I be singing while studying! [Chyzv88]
I can read and listen to music. I can also read, listen to music, write poetry, download stuff onto my ipod. Keep the kiddos in line and watch a movie. All the while keeping a convo going with my hubby. I think a lot of moms are like that. That is the Beauty of us, we truley are remarkable!!! Thanks on behalf of all moms that you notice this. [ladygator]
yeah, i did that... its kinda ok, it will not make you sleepy but your concentration is a bit off... but all in all, its still ok... its like, look right at the same time look left, ^^ see yah! [howardskip]
yes , i too do this.its really enjoying .if i dont play some music while im reading then i cant concentrate.I know its opposite but its true.Im habituat to that now.actully if im studying for exam then also i play music.i know its little odd but it do this. happy mylotting [ahmedafaque]
No,i can't listen to music while i am reading books,especially when i study,i don't like to anyone bother me,and i never meet one who can listen to music and study at the same time ,if anyone who can do the two things at the same time ,he must have especial gift i think [qinchenglim510156]
I prefer listening to music whenever I am reading a novel or simply when studying. It motivates me more and it kills the boredom especially when the lectures I am reading are not that interesting to read. What I could not stand is listening to my favorite DJs while reading a book. [jemalynjoy]
i love music. i can do and love to do work with music on but just with songs i love and familiar not rock music or like~ i enjoy it.music makes me happy and high efficiency in my work~ [tanstar]
yes - In fact, I think it's harder for me to concentrate if music isn't playing or the tv isn't on. Even when I was in school, I always listened to music or watched tv while I did my work. [reshadar]
yes some times.. it depends on such situation . I can listen to the music when iam reading book or newspaper.. but when its a tensed or serious situation for reading books for me there should be quite calm and a pin-drop-silence... but not all the time i can grasp both of then at the same time.it differs... Happy mylotting [chinna533]
if it's classical music or instrumentals, i can..it's really soothing..it's like i'm clearing my mind to put something new in it.. ..but if it's with lyrics, especially the songs that i want to sing along, i really can't concentrate..:p [daijean11]
I am a good multitasker, but sometimes other things distract me when I am trying to read. It happens to me a lot. [rvangeld]
I can listen to music and read a book at the same time. I used to study while listening to music. I used to have a strange way of learning things by using the beat of the music. Now, I can't do three things at the same time, as music, read and listen to someone talk to me. I can listen to all types of music while reading. This used to irritate my mom, because she couldn't understand how I could learn something while listening to music. Now, my oldest child, can't do this, she either has to do one thing at a time, or she gets lost. I don't know how my youngest will be, she's just now learning to read. [chertsy]
I always did something very similar to that. When I was a kid I used to have the television going while I worked on my homework. It is better for me to have background noise than for it be so silent. I can concentrate better with some noise in the background than complete silence. My kids are the complete opposite from me. They put on the television and then they forget about their homework entirely. Have a great day and happy myLotting!!! happy [schulzie]
My kids are the same. I tell them that if they want to do some in front of the tv. The work gets put to the side instead. I can do alot with a noisy background. [andalond]
Yes, i can often do it. I find it is wonderful, and i can get a lot . And I know many people think it is not right and it can make people confusing. But i like doing that. THAT'S ALL. [sexysare]
Yes.I can listen to music while reading.The music increases your imagination on what you read. [Guyferd]
that is fun , i have seen many reading and listening to musice at the same time. i have few friends who listen to music why that study for they exam too, and ther results will be high to. that is ther habbit to enjoy , bothe the things. i dont like listening to musice while reading, but i ways do some work, like writing and other stuff, by listening to music, i love that way. [kunthanraj]
Hello zhaychel. I tried listening to music while reading a book, I find it very difficult to concentrate, but maybe it depends on the type of music you are listening to. [ericajoyce]
No, I can't do it. I need complete silence. I could not do it when I was a kid doing homework either. I feel everyone, at least my children, need to have silence while studying. [soyporteno]
I have to listen to something when I'm writing, or doing anything on the internet, but I prefer not to listen to stuff when I'm reading. It's ok during the day, but if I'm reading in bed then it means I'm tired anyway and my concentration's not too good when I'm tired lol [louise99]
i love listening to music while reading... it boosts my concentration... [unagie]
yes i can, in fact listening to music while reading make me get into the book quicker and easier, of course i listen the music that fits the book mood like what is happen there, but not turned on hihg, i play it in the background so i can still concentrate, but for school book i tends not to play music.because well what kinda of music i would like that can fits WWWII..? [moonight]
Hi. Absolutely not!!! I cannot read while music is aslo playing....even classical would make me loose me concentration. The TV is the same...any kind of distraction and I can't focus on reading. Nadine [Nadinest]
I would rather have music playing while I read than to have it quiet, so yes, I can listen to music while reading a book. [idowrite72]
Yea I can do both. But I usually find myself paying more attention to the other. So I either read and miss everything I had just read or read and not really pay attention to the music. This usually happens only when im reading something complicated. If its something real easy to follow I can do both and pay attention to both. [loveyevi]