What Kind of Music is Best for Studying?

Are you the type of student that needs to listen to music while studying? Many are. Each year, it is becoming increasingly popular for students to bring and wear headphones at school, the library, and study hall. While wearing headphones certainly helps to block out noise, listening to music while studying can help increase productivity!

In 1993, the Mozart effect was a booming theory which claimed that listening to music composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart increased intelligence. While the theory has become more criticized and ultimately debunked, research has proven that listening to music while doing a task such as studying, does in fact increase productivity. Neuropsychologist Dr. David Lewis along with MindLab International conducted research that resulted in the finding that listening to music while working and studying radically improves speed and accuracy, and improves ones’ ability to proofread and problem-solve.

While listening to music has been proven to increase productivity, it’s important to acknowledge that not all music has the same effect on students. Whether you’re a fan of rap, bluegrass, or classical music, there are certain genres of music that help more than others. Typically, instrumental music - music without lyrics - is less distracting as you’re less likely to want to sing along.

Tip 1:

When looking for music to listen to while studying, seek out tunes that are soothing and relaxing, as music of this type can help students combat stress and/or anxiety while studying.

Tip 2:

Look for tracks that are a certain length. Similar to the Pomodoro Technique, playing a track or playlist set for a certain amount of time can help increase productivity. For example, if you know that your playlist is 1hr and 30 minutes long, you can work for this amount of time without interruptions and take a break when the track is finished.

Tip 3:

Seek out music that makes you happy! In some cases, students have reported that happy or positive-sounding music helps them with memorization. Some researchers say that being in a positive mood can boost memory formation. Whether you’re trying to memorize vocabulary words for the SAT or the construction of a cell for AP Bio, try listening to music that makes you happy.

Not sure where to look for study music?

Check out classical artists like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, or Antonín Dvořák. Classical music offers a variety of tempos, moods, and beats. Classical music is known for being both calming and harmonious, creating a peaceful and focused study environment. Listen here.

Classical music not your thing? Check out instrumental house music. This is a great option for fans of electronic dance music. The consistent beats can help you get into a groove! Spotify has great pre-made playlists. Listen here.

Finally, this recommendation is for science and music fans. Have you ever heard of binaural beats? Often used to tune instruments, binaural beats have recently become more utilized in the health field as they’ve been credited to help reduce anxiety, increase focus and concentration, lower stress, and promote creativity. Technically considered auditory illusions, binaural beats consist of two tones that have frequencies less than 1000 Hz, and the difference between the two tones can’t be more than 30 Hz.

When listened to in headphones, binaural beats offer two tones, one in each ear, that are slightly different in frequency. Listening to binaural beats can reshape your brainwaves to a frequency similar to that found in brains during meditation. By encouraging your brain to function in a manner that boosts mindfulness, your focus and concentration can also increase. Listen here.

For more tips on studying, specifically online, check out our best study tips blog!