When I was a kid, my mother would play Billie Holiday on my Barbie Radio every night, even
if I had friends over. I would try to turn it off during the night, but she would sneak in and turn it back on. Years later, I was having dinner with her, and she was playing the same songs for our cats! Curious, I asked her why she would play this music for me, and she said that it made me smarter and assumed it would do the same for our Bengals. This experiment is known as The Mozart Effect, and while the studies have been controversial, I believe it rings true to an extent because I am starting my Master’s Program in one week!
The Mozart Effect is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to finding music that improves concentration and memory. There are many other studies on different genres of music and the effect they have on our brains. To know what we’re looking for, we have to also know the science behind studying and how it works.
The Science Behind Music and Concentration
The Mozart Effect hypothesizes that listening to classical music can enhance cognitive abilities, especially in children (No cats were used in this testing). Despite the mixed data, there is evidence that music can help us focus and study more effectively. Certain parts of the brain associated with concentration and memory are activated by certain tempos, instruments, and other musical elements.
The parts of the brain that are most important when studying are:
Prefrontal Cortex: Responsible for short-term memory and attention.
Hippocampus: Involved in long-term memory formation.
Amygdala: Helps in processing relevant information.
By stimulating these areas, the right music can create the perfect environment for studying. However, personal preference is always a factor, so study playlists should be personalized to your own needs and goals. Below, I’ve created an exhaustive list of different types of music that are for any and everyone, and it’s not just for students! Anyone who needs to sit down and focus should read this; Our posts have shown that music can improve every area of our lives, from the CEO to the high school freshmen. Hopefully, you’ll discover what works best for you!
Types of Study Music
1. Jazz Music
Jazz, with its improvisational style and soothing melodies, can be a great background for studying like reading and taking notes. The smooth rhythms and rich harmonies can help create a relaxed yet focused atmosphere. It also is more unpredictable, allowing you to stay on high alert.
For an example of a great jazz playlist, click here!
2. Classical Music
Classical pieces from composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach, are often associated with improved concentration. The structure and complexity of classical compositions can help to enhance cognitive functions and maintain focus. It also can help us retain information longer and has even proven to reduce risks of memory loss!
3. Nature Sounds & “Color Noise”
If you’re a true music lover, sometimes music will prompt you to dance, sing, and overall can be distracting at times. If you can’t seem to find anything that settles you, nature sounds and noises that are labeled as pink, white, brown, etc. will be very productive for you. These sounds tune out background distractions and help to narrow our attention for more targeted tasks like tests, discussion posts, or preparing research. A 2019 study found that white noise played at a low frequency enhances learning significantly more than working in silence. What can’t music do?
I will be doing a post on the different color sounds and their benefits, so stay tuned if you’d like to know more! In the meantime, you can find the perfect playlist of white noise & nature sounds here.
4. Binaural Beats and Frequencies
Binaural beats are created when two slightly different frequencies are played in each ear, creating a different frequency altogether. Theta and Delta frequencies, in particular, activate your mind as if you were in a deep meditative state. These are effective for getting into a deeply concentrated state, and also can help you remember information long-term. In my experience, it is best for annotating textbooks and research with lots of run-on sentences and fancy words (you know the ones). Delta waves have even been hypothesized to help people with ADHD or ADD!
For my theta playlist, click here.
For some ideas on delta waves, click here.
If you’re curious about all binaural beats, click here for a more inclusive playlist.
5. Chill Electronic Music
Chill electronic music combines soothing beats with melodic undertones, creating an uplifting and motivating background for studying. It’s modern, fresh, and can keep your energy up during long study sessions.
6. Lo-Fi
If you remember the disappearance of the mysterious Shiloh Dynasty, you’re probably familiar with the Lo-Fi scene. Lo-Fi existed long before them, but what’s so great about the genre is there are many kinds to choose from, such as Lo-Fi jazz, hip-hop, and even afro-beats (these are just my personal favorites). This kind of music is most popular for studying and is known to stimulate the brain and improve concentration. It’s also a lot of fun to listen to remixes of your favorite songs! I would recommend this for light studying, such as taking notes or reviewing your work.
For a general Lo-Fi playlist, click here. I’ve added all the genres I mentioned and then some, so feel free to add the ones you prefer!
Creating a Playlist
Now that you have a sense of what types of music might work best, it’s time to create your own study playlist. Consider the following tips:
Mix It Up: Include a variety of genres to keep things interesting. It keeps your brain on its “toes” and keeps you high alert - perfect for a study session. You might start with some classical music, transition into chill electronic, and end with lo-fi.
Know Your Preferences: If you find that certain music distracts you, skip it. Not all music works for everyone, so it’s important to tailor your playlist to your own needs.
Set the Mood: Consider the environment you’re studying in. If you need to block out noise, headphones with binaural beats might be best. If you’re in a quiet space, nature sounds could be more effective.
Time Your Sessions: Choose songs that match the length of your study sessions. For example, you could have a 25-minute playlist for a quick recap session, or a longer one for extended study periods.
Stay Consistent: Stick with the playlists that work for you. Consistency can help condition your brain to associate certain music with focused work.
Closing Thoughts
Music can be a powerful tool to enhance your studying experience, but the key is finding what works best for you. Whether it’s the soothing sounds of jazz or the deep focus provided by binaural beats, the right playlist can make all the difference in your academic journey. So, experiment with different types of music, create your perfect study playlist, and let the tunes guide you to success this school year. Good luck and study hard!
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