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Staying focused while studying can be tough, but creating a distraction-free environment and staying organised with a clear plan can make a big difference. Music can also play a role in boosting productivity, as long as it’s the right type. Studies show that music can enhance concentration, increase motivation, and improve memory, making study sessions more effective. Explore how music can support your learning and find out which tunes help you stay on track.
Listening to music while studying can be helpful, provided it’s the right kind. Research shows that music can enhance focus, concentration, relaxation, motivation, memory, and overall study enjoyment.
Keep reading to find out how music can enhance your academic performance and explore the best songs to add to your playlist for productive study sessions.
Benefits of listening to music while studying
If your parents, teachers, or lecturers have recommended listening to Spotify or iTunes while studying, there’s a solid reason behind it. While you’re likely aware of the benefits of studying music, there are several advantages to incorporating music into your study sessions across various subjects.
Of course, not all types of music work equally well, and certain subjects or study methods might not suit background music. However, for most students, the benefits of listening to music while studying are numerous.
How is music beneficial to students?
Music enhances a variety of experiences—whether it’s a night out, a meal, a car ride, a flight, a workout, or even a walk. Listening to music can increase motivation, help you study for longer periods, make tasks more enjoyable, and improve cognitive function. Let’s dive into the science and real-life examples that back up these benefits.
Advantages of listening to music while studying
#1 Music helps you study
In the 1990s, Dr. Gordon Shaw introduced the Mozart Effect theory. After years of studying brain theory and spatial reasoning, he conducted research with students and discovered that listening to Mozart’s “Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major” regularly boosted their IQ by nine points.
While later studies didn’t always replicate these findings, indicating the effects can vary between individuals, listening to Mozart or similar music is unlikely to reduce intelligence and may enhance your brainpower.
How does music help you study?
Music can significantly improve your study sessions by helping you stay focused and study for longer periods. More study time typically leads to better learning, but studying can often feel tedious.
Listening to music, especially for subjects that don’t interest you, can make them more engaging. This keeps you from giving up too soon, helping you endure and continue studying.
Is music bad for studying?
Music can become distracting during study sessions if it changes too frequently. Opt for music with longer, repetitive tracks and avoid constantly switching songs or using medleys. Many find music less effective for studying languages or reading fiction, as these activities require your brain to imagine and visualise, which can be interrupted by frequent music changes.
#2 Music helps you focus
Endurance and focus form a powerful combination. If you have a wandering mind, staying focused can be challenging, especially when distractions arise as soon as you begin studying. Music can be helpful, particularly when reading dry textbooks, memorising facts, or solving problems.
Why does music help you focus?
Your mind can easily wander during activities like these. Adding gentle sounds creates a white noise background that helps you stay focused, blocking out distractions like traffic noise or voices.
However, both your body and mind sometimes require silence. Avoid constantly filling every moment with sound. Make time each day to remove all audio stimulation, giving your ears and mind a chance to rest.
How can listening to music help you focus?
In this video, you’ll discover how music can enhance your focus on tasks and when it may not be as effective in maintaining concentration.
#3 Music helps you concentrate
Similar to improving focus, gentle music can help you concentrate on your tasks. Brain scans reveal that music activates both the left and right sides of the brain, which can enhance learning abilities. Engaging various areas of your brain promotes its health. Since brain cells can deteriorate from inactivity, it’s crucial to keep them active. Boosting your brainpower can be as simple as listening to soothing music.
How does listening to music help you concentrate?
As with the other benefits mentioned, the type of music you choose makes a difference. Skip the heavy metal and opt for classical or chill-out music. Listening to music even when you’re not studying, can enhance your ability to concentrate when you do sit down to work.
How does music affect concentration?
Music helps alleviate anxiety and process emotions, allowing your brain to focus on tasks rather than being consumed by worries. Have you ever noticed how much clearer you think after meditation or a massage? You can solve problems more effectively and think more clearly. The same benefits apply when you listen to the right kind of music.
#4 Music affects academic performance
A primary school in Bradford made headlines for significantly boosting its SATS results by integrating more music into the curriculum. Despite being in a disadvantaged area with traditionally lower academic performance, the school experienced positive results. Many students spoke English as a second language, and music helped break down communication barriers, improving engagement, satisfaction, and achievement.
Studying music has long been linked to improved performance in mathematics. Introducing music at a young age also fosters cognitive development. For parents, enrolling children in music lessons offers many benefits beyond learning an instrument—it’s a valuable life skill with far-reaching advantages.
Does listening to music affect academic performance?
A Cardiff Metropolitan University study examined music’s impact on reading comprehension and found that participants faced difficulty concentrating when music was playing. This issue was particularly evident during reading tasks. Although there is no definitive evidence linking music to overall academic improvement, many people believe it has a beneficial effect on performance.
This is likely attributed to the variety of benefits that music provides. However, its effectiveness largely depends on whether the music you select enhances focus or becomes a distraction.
How does listening to music improve academic performance?
Music can impact academic performance by guiding the brain’s attention. Research from Stanford University, using brain imaging, revealed that peak brain activity frequently occurred during the silent intervals of longer musical compositions. Music aids the brain in processing events, enhancing its ability to focus more effectively on important tasks.
#5 Music helps motivate study (so you enjoy it!)
One of the hardest challenges in studying is getting started and maintaining focus. Bring fresh energy to your study sessions by incorporating your favorite music. Curate a personalised playlist that complements your learning journey. Just like listening to a motivational song before a performance or an audition, select tracks that help foster a productive mindset. Stay focused on your goals and feel motivated by the results you’ll achieve.
Listening to music while studying research
We frequently talk about how singing benefits both the brain and body, improving mental and physical well-being. However, you don’t have to create music yourself to reap the benefits. Research shows that listening to music stimulates the release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that boosts your mood and makes you feel good.
These advantages stem from the vibrations of sound and the emotional experience music creates as you listen.
Listening to music while studying – an experiment
We’ve explored the types of music that are most beneficial to listen to. In an experiment involving undergraduate medical students, many found music to be a distraction. However, those who listened to soft music answered 75% more questions correctly than those who listened to fast-paced tracks. The conclusion is clear: if you want to excel academically, it’s best to avoid dance beats or electronica while studying.
#6 Music improves memory
If you love singing, it’s an excellent way to multitask and enhance your memory. Learning lyrics and notes can boost cognitive skills and may even help fight diseases like Alzheimer’s over time.
Your brain, much like a muscle, improves with consistent practice. The more you memorise and learn, the stronger your memory becomes. This enhancement isn’t limited to music—it extends to academic learning as well. Listening to music can elevate your mood, and being in a positive emotional state is linked to improved memory function.
How can I improve my memory for studying?
Here’s a fun and effective way to boost your memory: learn a new song every week! It’s a great method to recall facts and stories from your school, college, or university. Experiment with different memory techniques to discover what works best for you. Here are some useful tips to help you get started.
Listening to instrumental music while studying
Memorising song lyrics is a great way to improve your memory skills. However, it’s essential not to combine this with studying. Set aside time to practice recalling lyrics separately as a memory exercise. When studying, choose instrumental music without lyrics to maintain your focus.
Avoid listening to instrumental versions of songs you already know while working. The familiar melodies might prompt you to mentally sing the lyrics, which can help reinforce them in your memory. While this is beneficial, it can also distract you from tasks that require concentration.
#7 Music helps you relax
Listening to music is beneficial for your mental health and can help you unwind. Feeling calm and relaxed is known to boost academic performance. Stress is a common challenge for students and can negatively impact productivity. Finding ways, such as using music, to reduce stress and improve well-being can lead to greater success and happiness. Incorporating music into your daily routine, whether for work or personal activities, is a smart and effective choice.
How does music help relieve stress?
Listening to music can synchronize your heart rate with its rhythm. For those experiencing stress, it’s often recommended to listen to calming tunes, like classical music, which can help lower your heart rate to a normal level. If you’re feeling nervous before an exam or performance—heart racing and palms sweaty—try playing soothing music, focus on breathing steadily, and close your eyes. This can help you relax, slow your heartbeat, and promote a sense of calm.
What kind of music is good for studying?
Consider how you want to feel while studying. For some, a surge of adrenaline can be helpful during exams or when cramming, providing a quick burst of energy.
However, during long study sessions, when you need to absorb information or work on a dissertation, it’s better to choose calm and soothing music, like jazz, folk, or classical. These genres are perfect for maintaining focus without being so relaxing that they make you feel sleepy.
Streaming platforms and YouTube offer numerous pre-made playlists, saving you the time you would otherwise spend creating your own during study sessions.
Disadvantages of listening to music while studying
Choosing the wrong music can have drawbacks. Avoid songs with lyrics, as they can distract you and tempt you to sing along. Also, steer clear of your favourite songs, even in instrumental versions, as familiar melodies can capture your attention.
Some people find any noise distracting while studying. If you’re one of them, find a quiet place without screens unless necessary for your work. Keep your phone on silent and out of reach to avoid interruptions from notifications, which can disrupt your concentration.
If you enjoy listening to music while studying, that’s great! Just remember, don’t let your favourite playlists take over your study time. Choose music that fits the task at hand. It’s helpful if you enjoy the music you’re listening to, as it can boost motivation, but it’s best not to play your absolute favourite songs. Exploring different genres and periods can also be beneficial during study sessions.
While classical music might not be as popular among younger listeners, it offers superb compositions for studying. Expanding your musical taste to include styles you typically wouldn’t choose could help enhance your academic performance.
Conclusion
Listening to music while studying offers several benefits. It helps improve focus by blocking out distractions, creating a calm background for learning. Calming music reduces stress, fostering a more relaxed environment. Additionally, it boosts mood and motivation, making study sessions more enjoyable. Classical and instrumental music are particularly effective for memory retention, aiding in information recall. Music also helps with time management, maintaining a steady rhythm during tasks. It can stimulate creativity, providing new perspectives. Ultimately, listening to music during study makes the process more enjoyable, turning it into a positive, productive experience.
