The Ink-Pot and the Palette

That's interesting. I absolutely can't read with television or music or even much outdoor noise.

But I have found that sound tracks intended to enhance study, relaxation, or concentration can be really helpful. Ocean waves, running streams, soft rainfall, coffee shop tracks, rhythm-free meditative music, and binaural beats have all enhanced my focus for both reading and writing. There's a ton of them on Youtube for free.