Does Listening To Music Help You Study: Top 6 Tips to Try

Have you ever wondered if your favourite tunes could improve your studying efficiency? Imagine turning your study sessions into a perfect blend of productivity and pleasure.

We all have our own different styles of learning: some like to study outdoors surrounded by nature, others may prefer the silent tranquillity of a library. And then there are those that like to listen to music whilst studying. But does listening to music actually help you study? In this article, we will explore the intriguing relationship between music and studying, whereupon we delve into whether music can truly help you focus, retain information, and alleviate the stress of studying. From the soothing strains of classical music to the rhythmic beats of lo-fi hip hop, we uncover how different genres can influence your study habits and overall concentration.

Key Points:

• Explore how music stimulates brain activity, enhancing memory and learning capabilities.
• Determine which music genres are the most effective for studying and their reasons for efficacy.
• Receive guidance on incorporating music into your study habits for the best outcomes.
• Gain understanding of potential negatives and strategies to overcome challenges when studying with music.

Does Music Help You Concentrate? The Influence of Music on Study and Concentration

The question of whether listening to music helps you study has been a topic of research and debate for years. While music isn’t a magical solution that can solve complex academic challenges instantly, it does have certain beneficial properties. Numerous studies suggest that music can significantly reduce stress, alleviate anxiety during tests, and potentially increase performance in high-pressure academic settings.

Music’s effect on the brain is quite remarkable; it can improve focus and help maintain a productive rhythm while studying. Music not only aids concentration but also helps the brain’s ability to receive and interpret information, as well as elevate the mood of the learner, decrease blood pressure, stabilise heart rate, and contribute to the overall learning environment.

For those looking to use the full potential of music for studying, the key lies in selecting the right type of music. It should be engaging enough to keep you alert but not so demanding that it distracts. Creating a personalised playlist can be particularly effective, providing a set amount of study time with a clear endpoint, which helps in managing time and maintaining focus.

What Type Of Music Helps You Concentrate? 

Can music help you study? Not all music is created equal, after all, especially when it comes to studying. Here are some genres and tips to consider when building your study playlist:

• Classical Music: Often hailed as the top choice for studying, classical music can increase mental alertness and mood. Does classical music help you study? Yes, as it tends to include complex compositions that stimulate cognitive activity without causing distraction.
• Ambient and Spa Music: These genres provide a soothing background noise, perfect for those who prefer a more laid-back approach to study music.
• Nature Sounds: Incorporating sounds like rain, wind, or rustling leaves can create a calming atmosphere conducive to concentration and relaxation.
• Electronic and Chill-Out Music: These genres are suitable for those who might find classical music too intense. Tracks with minimal lyrics are ideal, allowing for a focus on tasks without lyrical distraction.
• Lo-fi Hip Hop: Known for its smooth, easy listening quality, lo-fi hip hop is a popular choice for students. It offers a consistent rhythm that helps maintain steady study pace without becoming intrusive.
• Jazz: This genre can stimulate creativity and reduce stress, which are both valuable when engaging in intensive study sessions.
• Ambiance Playlists and Soundtracks: Custom ambiance sounds or movie/game soundtracks can be incredibly effective in creating an immersive study environment. These can be tailored to fit the exact mood you’re looking to cultivate, from a cosy coffee shop vibe to a serene rainforest backdrop.

Not sure if classical music is your thing? Here are the greatest pieces of classical music that might win you over.

The Advantages of Listening to Music While Studying

Still unconvinced on whether listening to music will help you to study? Here are our recommendations on why you should give it a try:

Reducing Stress and Boosting Mood 

Does listening to music help you study by improving your mood? Absolutely. The emotional effects of music are well-documented, with numerous studies indicating that music can profoundly lower stress levels and elevate mood. This sets a positive stage for effective learning. Research has shown that listening to relaxing music during a psychological stress test can favorably impact the autonomic nervous system, as well as the endocrine and psychological stress responses, making the study environment more conducive to learning.

Improving Focus Research 

Certain genres of music, particularly classical music, can facilitate not just learning of new material but also its interpretation. This type of music helps the brain to concentrate better on tasks and improves the ability to predict outcomes, helping cognitive functions that are critical for studying.

Motivation Boost 

Studying can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but music might just be the motivation you need. Music aids in stimulating the same reward centres in the brain that are activated by other pleasurable activities. This can be a significant motivational boost, especially during long study sessions or breaks. 

Memory Enhancement 

Can music help you study and improve your memory? Older adults seemingly perform better in memory and processing tasks while listening to classical music. This insight points to the beneficial effects of music on memory retention, making it a valuable tool for learners of all ages.

Potential Drawbacks of Music During Study Sessions

No study method is without its faults; ultimately, it is up to the learner to discover what learning style suits them best. Sometimes this involves dabbling between what may or may not work for them. Here is why listening to music may not benefit you whilst studying:

Impact on Working Memory 

Listening to music, especially tracks with complex layers or lyrics, can negatively impact your ability to manage new information. This is because music can sometimes compete for cognitive resources that are crucial for learning new material.

Reading Capability

If the genre of music that you are listening to is more distracting e.g., fast, loud, lyric-heavy, it might not always be helpful, as it can interfere with reading capabilities. Certain types of music might disrupt reading processes, reducing the ability to understand and retain written material. However, slow or soft music such as ambient, spa music or soundtracks from TV and film has been shown to have little to no negative impact on reading skills, suggesting that the choice of music is key when studying material that requires deep concentration.

Try out these recommended soundtracks to study to.

Does Music Help You Study? 6 Best Practices and Tips To Follow

When it comes to integrating music into your study sessions, the playlist you choose will determine the success of your studying techniques. Be sure to follow these six key practices and tips for guidelines on maximising concentration:

1. Select Slow, Instrumental Tracks: Music with a slow tempo, such as classical pieces like Beethoven’s “Für Elise,” which typically ranges between 60-70 beats per minute, can help you to focus and lengthen retention times.
2. Avoid Complex and Lyrical Music: Music that is heavily layered or lyric-intensive tends to demand more cognitive resources, which can detract from your study efficiency.
3. Moderate Volume: Keep the volume low enough so it doesn’t overpower your thoughts but high enough to mask distracting ambient noise. The music should complement, not dominate, the learning environment.
4. Avoid Interruptions: Choose playlists that are free from commercials and interruptions. Constant breaks in the music can cause your concentration to waver.
5. Neutral Preference: Opt for music that you neither strongly like nor dislike; overly familiar tunes might lead to engagement with the music rather than your studies.
6. Personalised Playlists: Tailor your playlists to include music that positively affects your mood and energy levels, which has been shown to improve memory performance indirectly.

Improve Study Environments with NCC Home Learning

Incorporating music into your study routine can be particularly effective when undertaking our online courses. Whether you are enrolled in one of our creative online courses or our broader range of online learning courses, you can nevertheless find the perfect match for your educational needs. Integrating music into your independent study time whilst partaking in these courses can transform your learning environment, making it more engaging and productive.

Use Music To Help You Study

In conclusion, the use of music while studying has its evident benefits, from reducing stress and improving focus to boosting motivation and memory retention. By choosing the right type of music and setting the appropriate volume, you can create an ideal study environment that complements your learning activities. Remember, the key is to keep the music as a subtle backdrop to your studies, elevating the atmosphere without becoming a distraction.

Further reading:

Want to learn more on how you can improve your studying techniques? Try these articles for further reading – 

• How to study at home
• Working and studying at the same time

FAQs

Sources

Roberts, M.S., (2024) Classical music for studying: the 14 greatest pieces for brain power. Classic FM. [online] Available at: https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/classical-studying-music-for-brain-power/ [accessed 06/01/2025]

Waxwork Records. (2023) The 7 Best Soundtracks to Study to. [online] Available at: https://waxworkrecords.com/blogs/know-the-score/the-10-best-soundtracks-to-study-to [accessed 06/01/2025]