The world is a very noisy place, and for those of us who love to get lost in a good book, this noise can be a massive hurdle. I cannot tell you how many times I have sat down with a gripping novel only to be distracted by the sound of a lawnmower outside, the hum of a refrigerator, or the distant chatter of people in a cafe. For years, I thought that absolute silence was the only way to enjoy literature truly. I would seek out the quietest corners of libraries or wait until everyone in my house was asleep to get through a few chapters. However, everything changed when I discovered the concept of “My Reading BGM Songs.” BGM, which stands for background music, is not just about filling the silence. It is about creating a curated auditory environment that shields your mind from the outside world and pulls you deeper into the pages of your book.
When we talk about my reading BGM songs, we are looking at a very specific type of audio. This is not the kind of music you blast in your car or dance to at a party. Instead, it is a functional tool designed to enhance focus, mood, and immersion. If you have ever felt your mind wandering while reading a difficult text, you know exactly how frustrating it can be to read the same paragraph five times without absorbing a single word. By using the right kind of background music, you can actually train your brain to enter a “flow state” more quickly. This state of mind is where time seems to disappear, and you become completely absorbed in the story. In this long guide, I want to share my personal experiences and the practical steps you can take to build your own perfect reading soundtrack.
The Psychology Behind Music and Reading
You might wonder why adding more “noise” would help you concentrate better. It seems counterintuitive at first. However, the science of psychoacoustics suggests that constant, predictable sound can actually mask unpredictable background noises that would otherwise startle your brain. Our brains are wired to pay attention to sudden changes in our environment. A door slamming or a car horn honking triggers a micro-alert response in our nervous system. When you listen to steady, instrumental background music, you are essentially creating a “sound cocoon.” This consistent layer of audio smoothens out the environment, allowing your prefrontal cortex to stay focused on the task of decoding language and imagining scenes.
The type of music you choose is absolutely critical to this process. Not all music is created equal when it comes to reading. For instance, the “Mozart Effect” has been discussed for decades, suggesting that classical music can improve spatial-temporal reasoning. While the science on that is still debated, many readers find that the structure and rhythm of Baroque-era music, like works by Bach or Vivaldi, match the natural pace of reading. The music provides a sense of momentum without being overly emotional or distracting. It feels like the music is pushing your eyes across the page at a steady, comfortable rate.
Matching the Mood: Genre Pairing
One of the most exciting things about curated reading BGM is the ability to match the music to a book’s genre. This is where the real magic happens. Imagine you are reading a high-fantasy novel like The Lord of the Rings. If you play soft, lo-fi hip-hop, it might feel a bit out of place. But if you layer an ambient forest soundscape with distant, ethereal Celtic harps, the entire experience is elevated. You aren’t just reading about Middle-earth anymore; you feel as if you’re standing in it. I personally love to find “dark ambient” playlists when I am reading a psychological thriller or a gothic horror novel. The low drones and minor keys create a sense of dread that perfectly complements the tension on the page.
On the other hand, if I am reading a non-fiction book about productivity or science, I prefer something very “clean” and minimal. This is where lo-fi beats or “chillhop” come into play. These tracks are usually built on repetitive, soothing drum loops and simple melodies. They provide a steady pulse that keeps me awake and alert without demanding my emotional attention. For romance or contemporary fiction, a soft solo piano or some light jazz can make the reading session feel like a cozy afternoon in a Parisian cafe. The key is to experiment. Do not be afraid to switch tracks if the “vibe” isn’t matching the chapter you are currently in.
Why Lyrics Are the Enemy of Reading
If there is one golden rule I have learned in my years of curated reading, it is this: avoid lyrics at all costs. Our brains have a limited capacity for processing language. When you read, your brain is busy turning written symbols into sounds and meanings in your head. This is called subvocalization. If you listen to a song with lyrics, your brain is also trying to process those spoken words. This creates a “bottleneck” in your cognitive processing. You will find yourself accidentally reading the lyrics of the song instead of the words in the book, or worse, you will stop understanding both.
I remember once trying to read a complex history book while listening to my favorite indie-folk artist. The music was beautiful, but after twenty minutes, I realized I had no idea what happened in the last three pages. My brain was too busy singing along in my head. Since then, I have strictly stuck to instrumental pieces. Even “foreign” lyrics that you don’t understand can be distracting because your brain still tries to figure out the phonetic patterns. Stick to the instruments, the nature sounds, and the atmospheric drones. Your comprehension levels will thank you for it.
My Personal Journey with Soundscapes
To give you a bit of personal context, I wasn’t always a believer in reading BGM. I used to be a “silence purist.” Any sound was a sign of a weak mind or a lack of discipline. But as I grew older and my life became more cluttered with responsibilities and noise, I found it harder to find that silence. I lived in an apartment with thin walls, and the constant sound of my neighbors’ television was driving me crazy. I couldn’t focus on my books, and my love for reading began to fade because finding a quiet space felt like a chore.
Out of desperation, I put on some noise-canceling headphones and played a track of “heavy rain on a tin roof.” It was a revelation. For the first time in months, the walls of my apartment seemed to disappear. I was no longer in a noisy city; I was in a cabin in the woods. That simple track of rain sounds acted as a bridge back to my love of reading. From there, I started adding soft instruments and eventually discovered the vast world of “My Reading BGM Songs.” Now, I have specific playlists for every mood. I have a “Stormy Night” list for mysteries and a “Sun-Drenched Library” list for light-hearted novels. It has turned my reading time into a multi-sensory ritual that I look forward to every single day.
How to Build Your Own Reading BGM Library
If you are new to this, start small. You don’t need a fancy setup or expensive subscriptions. You can find thousands of hours of free reading BGM on platforms like YouTube or Spotify. Search for terms like “ambient reading rooms,” “bibliophile BGM,” or “instrumental study music.” One of my favorite types of videos to look for is the “ASMR Reading Room” style. These often feature a visual of a cozy library with a fireplace, and the audio includes the subtle sounds of pages turning, a crackling fire, and, maybe, very soft classical music in the distance.
Another tip is to pay attention to your volume levels. The music should be a “background” element, not the main event. If you find yourself humming along or focusing on a specific instrument, the volume is likely too high. I keep my reading music at about 15-20% of the maximum volume. It should be just loud enough to mask the sounds of your environment, but quiet enough to fade into the periphery of your awareness. Think of it like a scented candle; it should provide an atmosphere, not overwhelm the room.
The Role of Technology and Gear
While you can certainly listen to music through your phone’s speakers, I highly recommend a good pair of headphones. Over-ear headphones are generally better for reading because they are more comfortable for long sessions and provide better natural sound isolation. Suppose you have noise-canceling headphones, even better. They allow you to keep the music at a lower volume because you don’t have to “out-loud” the external noise; the technology handles the background hum for you.
Also, consider using apps that allow you to mix your own sounds. There are several websites and apps where you can slide different faders to create a custom mix. You might want 40 percent “Rain,” 20 percent “Coffee Shop Chatter,” and 40 percent “Soft Piano.” This level of customization allows you to create the exact environment that makes you feel most creative and focused. It turns you into the conductor of your own reading experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Aside from the “no lyrics” rule, another common mistake is choosing music that is too high-energy. I love movie soundtracks, but listening to the “Avengers” battle theme while trying to read a quiet character study is a recipe for a headache. Epic music is designed to get your heart rate up and your adrenaline pumping. Reading, for the most part, is a low-energy, high-focus activity. You want music that keeps your heart rate steady. Avoid sudden shifts in volume or tempo. A song that starts soft but ends with a crashing crescendo will pull you right out of your book.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to change your mind. Some days, your brain needs silence. If the music feels like it is “cluttering” your head, turn it off. The goal of “My Reading BGM Songs” is to serve the book, not the other way around. Always be willing to adjust based on your mental state and the complexity of what you are reading.
Conclusion
Finding the right “My Reading BGM Songs” is a personal journey that can completely transform your relationship with books. It is about more than just noise; it is about intentionality. By choosing sounds that complement your reading material and block out the distractions of the modern world, you are giving yourself the gift of focus. Whether it is the soft pitter-patter of rain, the complex layers of a Mozart concerto, or the steady pulse of lo-fi beats, the right soundtrack can turn a simple reading session into an unforgettable adventure. So, the next time you pick up a book, take a moment to set the stage with sound. You might be surprised at how much deeper you can go.
FAQs
1. Is it better to read in silence or with music?
It depends on the individual. However, for those living in noisy environments or with a busy mind, background music (BGM) can act as a “sound blanket,” masking distractions and helping maintain focus.
2. What is the best genre for reading BGM?
Lo-fi, classical, and ambient nature sounds are the most popular. The best genre is usually one that matches the emotional tone of the book you are reading, but remains instrumental and non-distracting.
3. Can I listen to music with lyrics while reading?
Generally, no. Lyrics compete with the words on the page for your brain’s processing power, which can lead to poor comprehension and a lack of focus.
4. How loud should my reading music be?
It should be kept at a low volume, usually around 10-20%. It should stay in the background of your consciousness, not be the center of your attention.
5. Where can I find good reading BGM?
YouTube and Spotify have vast libraries of “Reading Room” ambiance, “Study Beats,” and “Classical for Reading” playlists.
