I used to be the kind of writer who needed silence.
Then I became the kind of writer who could write with music, as long as there were no words.
For many years, I used music in my classroom with a strict no words policy.
Then I started writing a book. And had a tough time writing at the beginning.
I began noticing bands in the acknowledgement section of books.
So I thought, maybe I should make a playlist in my itunes just for writing.
It worked wonders. When I put in my earbuds, everything was silenced.
I focus on writing.
The words come more freely. The distractions leave.
Now I encourage my students to write with their ipods . . . and to make a special playlist just for writing.
No rules — just songs that will block out the world outside and the thoughts on the inside which hinder writing.
What an odd mix I have.
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It’s amazing how music can put us into a state of hope, frenzy, bliss and everything in between. I know that the stories that music tells can shape a new story within all of us.
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I like a little music when I’m working, too. Thanks for sharing the playlist. There are some great selections and many bring back a few memories. When listening, certain songs in the past have spurred a piece of writing! Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
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I’ve read a few novels with playlists from the book in the back. I always loved that idea.
I can’t wait for your book to be ready. I can tell it is going to be great!
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I love to play music when I am writing or doing school work. I also play music regularly in the classroom. Usually instrumental only. Often piano music by George Winston. Students love it and will request that we put on music if I forget. Your thoughts have me thinking about my “no words” policy. My post today was a text to text connection to a slice I wrote during the Olympics. I enjoy your writing and thanks for sharing your playlist.
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I always played music during my writer’s workshop time for several reasons! I felt it ignited creativity, helped student focus and set the volume level for the class. We ranged from listening from classical to Disney. Looking over your post helped me realize that perhaps this fit some student’s needs but not others and in encouraging students to use their iPods it could meet their needs better. Thanks for sharing the great list too!
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I like to listen to music, but my biggy is the house has to be clean before I can write. In a house with all men…that is hard to accomplish.
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The Bangles? I don’t think I’d ever get my part of the book written if I had them on the background (or any music for that matter). Though, I admire the fact you can write so well with music!
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I, like Kevin, have difficulty listening passively to music, but perhaps that is because I am a trained musician and former music teacher. I must have complete silence to write effectively. I also realize, however, that everyone is different; what works for me does not necessarily work for others. Therefore, it is important to allow kids to provide the background/environment that is right for them.
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Music also moves and motivates me. Thank you for sharing your great list of songs!
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There are days when I need silence to write, days when the music is inspiration, and there are other days when I need to walk around the room and “talk to myself” planning the writing aloud. As teachers, we need to remember that not all students use the same mode of inspiration every time and therefore knowing your students as writers, I believe, is the key to finding a balance in the classroom.
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Man, am I disappointed–I couldn’t see your play list. I was hoping to catch some new tunes. I, too, like music and I’m still on the no words jag–especially when grading. I set up my computer’s iTunes playlist (minus holiday songs) and keep the remote handy to flip to the next one if it gets in the way.
I’m listening to Ordinary Miracle by Sarah McLachlan right now–loved it on the Olympics, so downloaded it the next day. I’ll keep trying to see your list.
Great post!
http://peninkpaper.blogspot.com
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I love this idea! It is amazing how the writing process…even as adults…tends to evolve.
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Great playlist!
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Our internet filter has blocked your playlist (editorial comments withheld). I TOTALLY can’t work with noise…ever…but I know some of my kids NEED noise (you know, the whole Ruby Payne poverty noise thing), so I try my hardest to have some music during work. Sometimes I play music when they’re just having a loud day to block out the noise of them!
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What a great list of songs, the ones I know of course. I generally write with some sound in my house, although right now there’s only the wind chimes on my porch. Usually MSNBC is on. That’s a constant.
I think it’s great too that you are modeling a strategy for your students. How cool that they have a teacher who’s a writer of books.
Interesting, I understand why Kevin can’t listen to music passively.
Bonnie
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Bravo for letting kids use what works for them! All too often we impose our rules and our comfort zone not theirs. One of the reasons I love to write is because my high school allowed students to do whatever it took to be creative. There were very few rules.
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This is reminds me of teachers who do allow their kids to use ipods because, for some, it can help them focus and work. I haven’t gotten there yet, but I am open to the possibilities.
Although I love music, I have trouble writing with it on in the background. I seem to want to concentrate on the music (What chord is that? What is the refrain?) rather than the writing at hand.
Kevin
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