Using Music To Study
Pros, Cons, and Practical Tips
Music has long been intertwined with studying for many students. From background soundtracks to focused playlists, it’sawidely used tool for concentration and motivation. One of the most common questions I am asked about
study is whether music is effective or not. Below I have outlined the pros and cons of using music to study and some practical strategies for optimising its use in your study routine.
The Pros of Studying with Music
Enhanced Mood and Motivation
One of the biggest advantages of music during study sessions is its ability to elevate mood. Music can serve as a great motivator when faced with tedious or overwhelming tasks. Studies have shown that when people are in a good mood, their cognitive performance tends to improve, leading to better concentration and creativity. Upbeat tunes or familiar songs can make studying feel less like a chore and more like an engaging task.
Increased Focus in Noisy Environments
Music can act as a buffer against distracting background noise, particularly in busy environments such as cafés or shared living spaces. This is known as ‘white noise.’ By masking disruptive sounds, instrumental or ambient music can help maintain a consistent focus on your work.
Relaxation and Reduced Stress
Certain genres of music, such as classical or lo-fi (low- fidelity) beats, have calming properties that can reduce anxiety and stress levels, promoting better focus. Music can stimulate the brain’s reward centres, releasing dopamine, which creates a sense of pleasure and relaxation, helping students approach their studies with a clear mind.
The Cons of Studying with Music
Distraction from Lyrics
While instrumental music can be a great tool for focus, music with lyrics can be distracting, especially when studying material that involves reading or writing. Lyrics can compete for your brain’s attention, reducing your ability to process information effectively. This means the brain has to multitask between interpreting the lyrics and absorbing study material, which can slow down learning and comprehension.
Reduced Memory Retention
For some tasks, especially those that involve memorisation or deep focus, music can be counterproductive. Studies suggest that students may recall information less effectively when music is playing, particularly if the music is loud or has a fast tempo. This phenomenon is especially pronounced during tasks that require high cognitive demand.
Overstimulation
Loud, fast-paced music or complex rhythms may overstimulate the brain, making it difficult to concentrate. This is particularly true if you’re studying complex subjects such as mathematics or science. Too much auditory stimulation can overwhelm your brain, leading to fatigue and reduced study efficiency.
Interesting Facts About Music and the Brain
Classical Music and the Mozart Effect
The “Mozart Effect” gained popularity with claims that listening to Mozart could boost brainpower, particularly in spatial-temporal reasoning. Although these effects are not as strong as initially believed, classical music (especially Baroque with its 60-70 beats per minute) can promote a calm environment, helping with focus and relaxation during study.
The Role of Tempo
Music with a tempo of 60-80 beats per minute has been shown to be ideal for studying, as it mirrors the resting heart rate and induces a state of relaxation without making you feel drowsy. Ambient sounds, lo-fi beats, and slow jazz often fall into this tempo range, making them excellent choices for background study music.
Cultural and Personal Preferences
Interestingly, the impact of music on studying can vary based on cultural or individual preferences. While some students thrive with music, others find even the slightest noise disruptive. Knowing your own study habits and personal responses to music is crucial in determining whether it’s a benefit or a hindrance.
Practical Tips for Using Music to Study
Choose Instrumental or Lo-Fi Music
If you decide to incorporate music into your study routine, opt for instrumental music or lo-fi beats, which have minimal distractions. These types of music provide a consistent auditory background without interrupting thought processes.
Create a Study Playlist
Pre-select a playlist that matches your study goals. Avoid shuffling through songs or switching genres, as this can disrupt your flow. Platforms like Spotify and YouTube offer curated study playlists specifically designed for concentration.
Experiment with Volume
Keep the volume at a moderate to low level. Music that’s too loud can overstimulate your brain, while music that’s too soft may become background noise you don’t even notice. Find a volume that feels comfortable but unobtrusive.
Set Music-Free Study Times
For highly demanding tasks like essay writing, problem- solving, or memorising facts, create periods of total silence. Studies show that memory recall improves when students work in a quiet environment. Use music during less demanding study tasks, like
organising notes or brainstorming ideas.
Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Silence
If you’re easily distracted by background noise but don’t want to use music, invest in noise-cancelling headphones. These can create a peaceful study bubble, blocking out external disturbances without needing any auditory input.
Take Music Breaks
If you find music distracting during intense study, use it as a reward. Schedule music breaks (or dance parties!) to relax and recharge. After 20 minutes of focused study, take a 5-minute music break, then return to your work refreshed. The iStudyAlarm is a free app that can help with this.
Whether or not music is a helpful study tool depends on individual preferences and the type of task at hand. While it can boost mood and help mask distracting sounds, it may also detract from tasks that require intense focus or memorisation. The key is to experiment and find what works best for you. Keep in mind the type of music, the task at hand, and how your brain responds to sound. Ultimately, balance is essential, and sometimes, a quiet, distraction-free environment is the most effective setting for deep learning.
Published on Thursday, October 24th, 2024, under Study Skills