How to Choose Music for Work: Step-by-Step Guide

This updated guide explains how to Choose Music for Work through clear steps, practical examples, and important checks that help prevent common errors.

Method 1 of 2:

Finding Music That Motivates You

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).
- Depending on the genre and style, music has the power to relieve anxiety, improve memory, and improve your mood.
- Ask your coworkers or people in a similar field about what music gets them in the zone.
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.
- Music with detailed lyrics can distract you from more complex mental tasks.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Music without lyrics (instrumental music) boosts creativity.
- People who are used to listening to music while working are able to listen to a wider range of songs without being distracted.
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.
- Try searching for workout playlists online to get into the groove.
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]XResearch source}
- Try looking at study playlists online to get focused.
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]XResearch source}
- Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play Music and Deezer require a monthly fee to access ad-free listening.
- YouTube, Soundcloud, and Bandcamp are free to use without an account but may not have all of the music you may need to hear unless you pay.

Method 2 of 2:

Choosing Music for the Workplace

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]XResearch source}
- You must have a public performance licence to play music in a commercial space.
- 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.
- 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]XResearch source}
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]XResearch source}
- 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.
- If you work somewhere that is frequented by children, avoid music with lots of curse words or inappropriate imagery.
- The right music can actually boost profits!^{[8]XResearch source}
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]XResearch source}
- Check out the top 100 songs of the moment to get an idea of what songs people like to dance to.
- Try playing some rap, r&b, electronic, or funk music.
- Pay attention to which songs bring groups out onto the dance floor.
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 may need to play music that helps people stay productive and does not distract them.^{[10]XResearch source}
- Put on some classical, instrumental, or gentle indie tunes to get people's brains working.

FAQ

What is the easiest way to Choose Music for Work?

Start with the requirements in this guide, then follow each step in order. Check the result after every major change so problems are easier to identify.