It Helps,...A LOT! I always try to find a piece of music that I can "set the mood" with. I try to find something that fits the moment in a story that I'm writing about so I have music from video games and movies diverse range of moods and feelings. I also have lots of classical music and classicaly inspired music, mixed with a generous helping of ambient electronic music. Music is my best way to get inspired!

I concur with that!

Before, not during. There is definitely weight to the idea that you have to be in a particular mindset to write well. I'll usually listen to whatever strikes my fancy, something smooth, not aggressive like what I listen to when I workout. That'll get my mind where it needs to be. After that, music is a distraction. Particularly if it has lyrics. I'm trying to work with the words I'm writing. Throwing around a bunch of other ones is no help at all. I need quiet so that I can hear my muse. Focusing is hard enough for me as it is, but eventually I get settled in and the hours pass like minutes. It's a very satisfying process all in all. I tried to write every day before I figured out how drastically it was affecting my sleep.

I take back all the mean things that I said about music while writing.  luchs makes fantastic music that seems tailor-made for this purpose. I've never felt so inspired! Ok, done gushing. I'll go away now.

It certainly helps when programming.
But it highly depends on the music itself

No music at all. Actually the best writing enhancer for me is about 1/4 bottle of Jack Daniel's. Your results may vary.

Pffffftttttt! lol.
Just down some whiskey and roll with it.

I was taught this phrase by a person of latin origin.
"en vino veritas" That would be the Italian version.
Anyway latin rules. And really anyway your Muse comes is a good way.

Music helps, but it has to fit a particular mood for me. I find that pop, country, metal, and most rock doesn't do it for me as much as this or that song from musical theatre or simple soundtrack instrumentals. YMMV.

Helps me like no other...usually I wont be feeling inspired until I hear just the right song. Then it's on repeat for HOURS. xD

Music can help put me in an atmosphere similar to that of what I'm trying to write about. However, I don't dedicate just one specific genre or band or whatever per story. I go by what my ears desire to hear. Psychologically (maybe), I've trained my brain to use music to tune out distractions to allow myself to flow as I write. So long as there is something that I can listen to which will hold my interest for hours on end, I can write for hours on end.

I don't write, but I usually find that music helps me with everything else, so I'd have to say that it would help me. xD