I find that classical music helps put me in a place that is very calming and allows me to express emotion through my body. I played clarinet as a child so I guess I have a bit of a musical ear.
This may sound funny but as much as the 'Today' show matured me it also was something of a cocoon. I'd been happy there. I never went into the boss's office and pounded my fist on the desk saying 'Give me more money! Give me a prime-time show!'