How to Choose Music for Work

It's no secret that music makes work more fun, but it also makes you work more efficiently. Studies show that 90% of workers perform better when they listen to music on the job. The process of finding music for work depends on where you...
Method 1 of 2:

Finding Music that Motivates You

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    Listen to different genres of music to see what makes you feel most productive. You may already have a broad range of favorite artists and songs, but not every one of them will help you focus and get work done. Avoid songs you can't help dancing to (unless dancing is part of your job).
    1. Depending on the genre and style, music has the power to relieve anxiety, improve memory, and improve your mood.
    2. Ask your coworkers or people in a similar field about what music gets them in the zone.
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    Match your music to your task. Think about what you do during a typical day at work - are you sitting, standing, or moving your body? Reflecting on your daily tasks will help you decide what music you could turn on to motivate you to get the job done.
    1. Music with detailed lyrics can distract you from more complex mental tasks.[2]
    2. Music without lyrics (instrumental music) boosts creativity.
    3. People who are used to listening to music while working are able to listen to a wider range of songs without being distracted.
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    Play some rock, rap, or music with a fast bass-line if your job is physical. If your day primarily consists of strenuous physical activity, consider listening to something upbeat with heavy bass to get you into a rhythm.
    1. Try searching for workout playlists online to get into the groove.
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    Look for calming instrumental music if you work in an office setting. Music is helpful unless it is hindering you from focusing on your work. Try turning on some instrumental music to help block out white noise without distracting you with words.[3]
    1. Try looking at study playlists online to get focused.
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    Check out your music options online. The internet is the quickest way to find the perfect tunes to listen to at work. There are lots of websites and streaming services where you can find music and pre-made playlists for your time on the job.[4]
    1. Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play Music and Deezer require a monthly fee to access ad-free listening.
    2. Youtube, Soundcloud, and Bandcamp are free to use without an account but may not have all of the music you want to hear unless you pay.
Method 2 of 2:

Choosing Music for the Workplace

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    Ask your employer about copyright laws in your place of work. Before building the playlist of your dreams, you may have to navigate the legality of playing music in a public place. Most streaming platforms are considered business to consumer services rather than business to business services. Songs from these platforms can only be legally played for the individual who is paying for the service.[5]
    1. You must have a public performance licence to play music in a commercial space.
    2. Your workplace can obtain a license by working with all four Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) in your area which will cost up to $2000 a year.
    3. PROs have streaming services such as Cloud Cover Music that provide access to many of the songs owned by each PRO which costs as little at $16 per month.[6]
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    Create the right ambiance for your patrons. Setting the mood is an important part of customer satisfaction. Whether you work at a bar, a coffee shop, or a gymnastics studio, it's important to create an experience for each customer with the music that you choose to play.[7]
    1. Remember to get approval from your employer before playing any music to the customers in case they have their own rules about what is acceptable.
    2. If you work somewhere that is frequented by children, avoid music with lots of curse words or inappropriate imagery.
    3. The right music can actually boost profits![8]
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    Put on dance music at adult venues. If you work in a bar or a club, consider playing upbeat music with a loud bass that will make people want to get up and dance.[9]
    1. Check out the top 100 songs of the moment to get an idea of what songs people like to dance to.
    2. Try playing some rap, r&b, electronic, or funk music.
    3. Pay attention to which songs bring groups out onto the dance floor.
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    Play mellow music at studious workplaces. If you work in an office or a coffee shop, try playing mellow, low tempo music that will calm people down and allow them to focus on their tasks while enjoying the tunes. You want to play music that helps people stay productive and does not distract them.[10]
    1. Put on some classical, instrumental, or gentle indie tunes to get people's brains working.
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