Listening passively versus actively

[LovesBachandGershwin]

How often do you sit or lie down and just listen to a piece of music without doing anything else. I find that most of the time I am listening while working on the computer, doing work, or driving in the car where I am listening passively. I find in someways that its easier for me to take in the music passively, rather than actively focusing on it but I do enjoy just listening to music while in bed or when running. Do you all mostly listen to classical music actively or passively.

[Krummhorn]

Interesting question, LBG ...

For me, it's both.

Like you, when working at the computer, I'm listening to internet radio. When doing housework (yes, the man needs to help the gals with this, too) I'll put on something like Mozart or some other 'energetic' works of music.

In the car, around town, it's usually the local soft rock station, or the University's local PBS Classical radio station. When traveling long distances, I'll bring along a mixture of CD's for passing the long hours behind the wheel.

At home, for serious listening, I put aside all other activities, turn the lights down low, and let the music flow all around me.

[Crash2991]

I usually listen to music actively

When I do work it is usually completely silent no music. Since I cant drive I listen to the music directly and think about each part of it even while I am in a car. If it is a concept album I try to find the story in the album.

The only time I listen to music passively if it is while I am reading a book trying to make a soundtrack

[Art Rock]

Rarely nowadays, music is always in the background at home, never at work. I used to do this some time when I was single. I remember one evening, turning off the lights altogether and listen to the majesty of Gorecki's third. It was an awesome experience.

[zlya]

I can't listen to music while doing anything that involves my mind, reading, working, programming, etc. The music distracts me too much, so I can't concentrate. However I need my music for doing those boring physical tasks, like ironing and cooking and cleaning. My mind can wander away and listen to the music, and before I know it, the housework's done!

[toejamfootball]

When I listen to music I like to be totally focused on the music.. unaware what is going on around me. I can listen to music doing boring chores (dishes, vaccuming) but its like I hear it but I am not in it.. If you know what I mean.

For istance I will put in a CD and start to clean.. every once in a while I will actively hear the music but not for the whole time while I am cleaning.. if that makes any sense.

One time I was activley listening.. I was focused on the music and only the music. Then my Dad walked in the room and I must of jumped a foot in the air. :P

[Fretless]

I listen passively most of the time, simply because I usually have too many things I like to/have to do. But if I really want to appreciate the music, I have to listen actively and focus on it exclusively. There are a few bands I can drive/work and listen to, and eventually appreciate, but for most quality music, whether it's prog or jazz or technical metal or contemporary classical, I have to listen with nothing else going on.