Re: classical music
I was also thinking that the main reason new age music would distract thought is because of the vocals having to be interpreted by the brain. So I was thinking as long as music was instrumental it would be fine. Possibly not As good as classical but some bands I really enjoy(nine inch nails), but thankfully half of their songs are instrumental. I am definately, however, learning to like classical music.Thank you for the thought.

I'm old, so my idea of a good time is listening to dentist office music, reclining in a comfy dentist chair, sucking down laughing gas and watching the mobile spin around. More often than not I find painting to be an aggrevating experience so I don't listen to a lot of agitated music. I find vocal music distracting if I'm trying to read or listen to someone speak but not particularly for painting. It's sort of like driving a car: it doesn't use the speech part of the brain until something requires you to scream.
By the time I'm laying down paint I find that I need a calm mind and steady hand more than I need to have the creative juices flowing. Nine Inch Nails doesn't do it for me. If you want to paint in a more aggressive, agitated style this probably wouldn't be an issue.
One problem with the classical radio stations is that they try a little to hard to cater to the needs of shopping malls and nursing homes. Try listening to some Bach organ music.
 
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