I come to Tools already understanding the power of music. I get very concerned when teens choose to listen to self-destructive music and tell me that it is music that understands them, that they can relate to.
I read a really fascinating book called Hidden Messages in Water, where a part of it talks about the affect music has on water, and so the affect it certainly must have on us as well, since we are the "watery" critters that we are.
I love music. I love to sing. I love to choose my music based on how I am, or want to be, feeling.
I love Pandora.com because I have control over the music, and yet I can explore new artists and sounds.
A Common thing I like to do is turn on lyric-less music, often of the softer, new-age variety, and play it softly in the background while I work on my PC. It doesn't disctract, but uplifts as I work.
Artists I like? Cuzco, Enya, etc. But so many others...even surprises like Blue October and the occasional NIN. :)
Have a great, musical day!