Doing chores around the house -- vacuuming, cooking, etc., I’ll put on music that elevates my mood and energizes me -- Rock, typically. For years, I’ve brought a boom-box into the bathrooms and played Led Zep when scrubbing toilets, sinks and tubs, (with the door shut, that is. My wife abhors the sound of Plant’s voice).
I’ve experimented with writing while music is playing. I’ve found that this can actually free up the creative flow by distracting/occupying the left brain. This works only for the initial, "down-loading" step of the writing process. I find it’s counterproductive to try to revise/edit to music. I’ll also journal or write letters with music playing.
I’ll watch youtube videos of performances unavailable on CD. Naturally, this is a visual as well as auditory experience.
Then, of course, there are the times when I sit in the listening chair with the express intention of focusing solely on the music. I especially enjoy it when my wife joins me in this activity. We either listen to Jazz or various types of acoustic music in the Newgrass, Country, Singer-Songwriter, Folk or Americana genres on such occasions.
And, when I play guitar, I’m listening as well.
I don't see how anyone could read and listen to music at the same time, though.
