Music and studying: How the right music can help you study

Written by: Helene Ausserwöger, 03.10.2024

Do you prefer studying with music in the background or in complete silence? If you prefer quiet, here’s a tip: Music is said to help with studying, and Mozart’s works are believed to make you smarter. Playlists for concentration and studying are booming on popular music platforms. But to what extent are these effects scientifically proven? And how can you create the perfect playlist to stay focused for hours? These are exactly the questions we will be answering for you today.

Table of Contents:

How Music for Studying Can Help

Music accompanies us through many life situations and can play a supportive role when studying. Many people use music to boost their concentration, motivate themselves, or create a pleasant learning atmosphere. But how does music actually impact our learning performance?

Whether listening to music while studying is actually helpful, is something you have to find out for yourself! ©Adobe Stock

What does science say about it?

The question whether music truly makes us smarter while studying is controversial in the scientific community. Some studies confirm a positive effect, while others disprove it. 

One frequently discussed phenomenon is the so-called “Mozart effect.” In 1993, a study showed that participants performed better on an IQ test after listening to Mozart. What initially led to a Mozart boom was quickly debunked, as it couldn’t be proven that the music was responsible for the improved results. Therefore, it’s not accurate to claim that music alone necessarily leads to better learning performance.

However, it has been proven that music positively influences the brain: consistent sounds enhance concentration without causing distraction, especially for auditory learners.

Whether listening to music while studying is actually helpful, is something you have to find out for yourself! ©Adobe Stock

Better performance through music?

In this sense, music can help with studying and lead to better performance. Rhythmic or relaxing sounds stimulate the brain and create a state that allows for more productive work. Additionally, listening to music releases more endorphins, lifting your mood and boosting motivation while studying. Ultimately, the benefits of music during learning largely depend on individual study habits and the type of music itself.

Learning with Music: What to Keep in Mind

The most important factor to consider is yourself. Ultimately, it all depends on your personal preferences and needs. You won’t enjoy studying if you’re listening to music you dislike. You also won’t be able to concentrate better if you listen to slow music when you’re already feeling tired.

While scientific recommendations can be helpful, they don’t always apply 100% to everyone. So, you have almost complete freedom when selecting your music. However, there are a few aspects to keep in mind:

  • Very emotional music, the kind that makes you want to sing and dance along, isn’t ideal for studying as it can be too distracting.
  • When trying to memorise material, especially vocabulary, instrumental music is better since you won’t be distracted by song lyrics.
Use your study break for some creativity and create a playlist! ©Adobe Stock

Creating a Playlist

If you’d like music for your next study session, it makes sense to create a playlist in advance. Having your own playlist gives you the advantage of selecting music that you enjoy and that gets you into the right mindset. 

Neurologist Eckart Altenmüller explains that music we like can enhance our performance. This means you’ll feel more motivated, stay focused longer, and have more fun while studying. Your playlist should be at least two hours long – this allows you to work without constantly needing to select new songs, which could interrupt your flow.

Tempo

The tempo of the music significantly affects your concentration. While slower songs tend to calm us, faster ones have an energising effect. You can use this to your advantage: Fast-paced music can help wake you up if you’re feeling tired.

Behavioral psychologist Dr. Emma Gray has specific tempo recommendations based on the type of task you’re working on:

  • Logical subjects (Math, Physics, Biology): She suggests slow music with 50-80 beats per minute. These rhythms are said to stimulate the left hemisphere of the brain, responsible for logical thinking.
  • Creative subjects: For creative tasks like art, you should listen to music with around 145 beats per minute, as this is thought to stimulate the brain’s right hemisphere – the creative side.
  • Humanities: Songs with 80-145 beats per minute can activate both hemispheres, aiding in tasks that require a combination of logic and creativity.

However, neurologist Eckart Altenmüller disagrees with strictly associating tempo with specific brain regions. He believes that music activates and connects the whole brain. So, you can use these recommendations as guidelines, but don’t feel restricted by them. Simply find out what works best for you!

The Best Music For Studying: Styles and Genres

If you’re wondering which music genres are particularly good for studying, there’s no definitive answer – the choice largely depends on your personal preferences. However, there are certain music styles that help many people concentrate and stay focused.

Maybe Mozart really does make you smarter – give it a try! ©Adobe Stock

Classical Music for Studying: Why It’s So Effective

Although the Mozart effect has been debunked, classical music still holds a prominent place. Classical music is especially popular for studying because its speed and tempo are often well-suited to concentration. Major keys, in particular, can have a mood-lifting and motivating effect. Additionally, since there are no lyrics, there’s nothing to distract you.

Here are a few recommendations for classical music:

Maybe Mozart really does make you smarter – give it a try! ©Adobe Stock

Lo-Fi and Chillout Beats: The Modern Soundtrack for Focused Learning

Lo-fi beats have become a hidden gem among students. Why? It’s simple: the gentle rhythms and soothing, steady melodies create a pleasant background that’s not too energetic nor too monotonous. The repetition of simple sounds allows you to stay focused for longer periods without being distracted by sudden mood changes in the music. Thanks to their unobtrusive nature, lo-fi beats are ideal for long, concentrated study sessions.

Here are a few popular options:

Maybe gentle music is just what you need to get into the perfect study mode! ©Adobe Stock

Instrumental Music: Gentle Study Tunes

Instrumental music, such as soft piano or acoustic guitar pieces, enhances concentration by not having lyrics and being less distracting. There are often calm versions of pop-songs that are particularly good for studying. Artists like Ludovico Einaudi or Max Richter offer albums filled with beautiful, soothing melodies that make for great learning support.

Here are a few recommendations:

Ambient Music: Peace for Concentration

Ambient music provides calm, instrumental sounds that are perfect for boosting concentration and minimising distractions. With its gentle, often spheric and elongated tones, ambient music creates a pleasant background atmosphere that makes studying easier.

Here are a few suggestions:

Nature Sounds and Meditation Music: Combining Relaxation and Focus

Nature sounds like rain, ocean waves, or birdsong create a calming study environment that reduces stress and enhances concentration. When combined with meditation music, they help clear your mind, allowing you to study more productively. These sounds are an excellent base for a balanced study session.

Here are a few options:

Music and studying: Can Music Help You Study and Focus?

The question whether music is helpful or harmful for studying cannot be answered directly. Many studies show that the right music can enhance concentration, while the wrong choice can be distracting. Classical music and instrumental pieces are excellent options, whereas songs with lyrics often have a disrupting effect.

Ultimately, using music while studying is a personal matter – you need to determine for yourself whether and which music boosts your productivity and creates the optimal learning atmosphere. The best approach is to experiment with different music genres and create your own study playlists.

Hopefully, you’ll soon discover the perfect soundtrack for your studies! And if you’re looking for more helpful tips for effective studying, you can find them here!

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