...do you actually listen to the music, or do you just hear the noise?

Put the music on & keep doing whatever work u have....either in office or in home.Im not a waster to have nothing to do.....

I listen to the noise...

I usually do one of the following:

Personal cd/md player
CD player downstairs in the house
Mastering headphones on computer.

i agree with Zlat in the sense that you cannot truly hear music unless there are no other distractions.

i sit in a chair and listen.

I second that. But I also always have music playing when working. Helps me concintrate. The only time I don't have music playing is when talking on the phone, making music, or playing a game. I can't do either while listening to music.

I have music when doing nearly everything, don't get me wrong, but there are certain types of music that you really have to listen to actively to "get".

Anyways, yeah, thanks for your replies.

PS: Equinox your avatar is scaring me

i agree....even i work while listen to music...it certainly helps me concentrate...but not when im playing games or reading book or playing games

i really find walking and listening is a great way to really focus on the music. it has become a great hobby of mine.

i mostly listen to music when im doing work, it makes it more entertaining and i usually sing along to whatever is playing. i also listen to music when i got to sleep, although it does get a bit annoying when you cant remember which song you listened to last.
but, i cannot listen to music when im reading a book, it distracts me when i am reading.