I prefer it quiet when I sew, but my sewing area is in the den and if my hubby comes in to work on that computer (he has 3 set up), then I can forget the quiet. He is learning (took 49 years) that I do like it quiet, so he does try to keep it down. Sometimes I like soft background music. I do use the time to call my BFF and talk using the headset to the cordless phone. Like others have said, it's all according to my mood.
Happy sewing!