Best Music for Studying to Engage Your Brain

Some students pick a playlist before reaching for the books, while others find even faint background music distracting when trying to research or write an assignment. The jury is out on the best option for studying, but many students agree that listening to the right kind of music certainly puts a little pep in your step!

Still, the best music for studying depends on the personality, mood, and tastes. The music that soothes and boosts focus during studying in one person can make another feel like pulling their hair out. If this sounds like you, today’s your lucky day since we have lined up great music genres and tips that will set you in the right frame of mind. Take a look at this post to find good music for your next study session.

What Type of Music is Best for Studying and Which Ones Should We Avoid?

The link between music and effective studying depend on the genre. Good music for studying puts you in a good mood and is not too fast or too loud. Also, background music should reinforce your learning process by having few or no lyrics. That’s perhaps why some people prefer listening to instrumental music without vocals.

Studying is a deeply personal process, and experimenting with different types of background music can’t hurt. Still, there is music that can sabotage your efforts no matter how strong your study ethics are. Most students agree that it’s best to avoid distracting genres, such as heavy metal, techno, and dubstep music. Other people find it difficult to concentrate on any type of music with lyrics since they get caught up in the words. Experimenting is key in determining the best music for studying.

Interestingly, listening to music and sounds that you don’t enjoy can affect your brain function, making it hard to focus. Thus, the best way to incorporate music into studying is to create your playlist in advance to avoid fumbling into new or distracting songs every few minutes. Also, do not listen to the radio since the dialogues and commercials in between songs can be distracting. Lastly, listen to music at moderate levels and keep the length of the playlist equal to your study time to help you know when to take a study break.

Can Listening to the Best Music for Studying Really Make You More Focused and Productive?

There is no consensus on the relationship between background music and productivity, but some scientists say that music improves concentration and performance in complex subjects like physics and computer science. Consider these reasons why you should incorporate some background music while studying.

  • Drowns out other noise. If you’re studying in a café or an open-plan office, you’re likely to hear music, sniffing, and shuffling from people around you. Listening to classical music for studying through headphones can shield you from distracting noises, boosting your focus.
  • Brings positivity. Sometimes, studying can feel monotonous and dull. However, listening to a happy tune can make boring subjects more appealing.
  • Boosts productivity. Happiness boosts productivity and efficiency, and the right kind of music will definitely put you in a good study mood. In most cases, students who like to listen to music appear happier and less anxious compared to those who don’t listen to music.

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The Best Genre of Music for Studying and the Benefits

Most students don’t enjoy studying, but the majority of them find revising for exams or completing assignments less difficult while playing music in the background. Here are some of the genres of music that are considered scientifically best music for studying.

Classical music: best for boosting concentration

You might consider listening to classical music when studying science or other STEM subjects because it’s known to create a harmonious and peaceful study environment that increases focus and mental performance. Popular classical tunes you can try include compositions by Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven. Some classical music has the power of a full orchestra, while others contain simple instrumentations. So experiment and listen to different classical pieces to determine the one that works for you.  

Instrumental rock: best for drowning out the noise

Instrumentals are another popular option for students since it has minimal distractions. Instrumental rock is easy to listen to since it has no lyrics, so you won’t find yourself singing the lyrics while studying. Some options you can try to boost your concentration while studying history or creative subjects include Polyphia and Explosions in the Sky.

Ambient music: best for improving mental performance

This genre incorporates different types of music, such as slow, electronic, or atmospheric dance music. Electronic music is a popular choice for college and university students who find it helpful and enjoyable while writing homework. Other types of ambient music sound like a hum in the air that blends well into the background noise, so you can listen to it for a long duration without being distracted.

Jazz: best for firing creativity

Many people misunderstand Jazz music, with the majority thinking that it’s too loud and contains complicated sounds. However, Jazz notes are usually made of a lower tempo that’s ideal for studying. Smooth jazz can aid concentration and get your creativity firing. Jazz is perfect when you’re studying complicated disciplines like math or physics.

RnB: Best for improving your mood

This genre is not for people who get easily distracted by music that contains lyrics. Chances are that you’ll spend too much of your study time singing lyrics rather than studying. However, if you desire a relaxing tune while studying English, I would recommend RnB music since it will put you in the right mood and drown out any noise around.  

Nature sounds: Best choice when reading and writing

Spending time in nature is always relaxing and good for your physical and mental health. It turns out that listening to nature sounds can have a similar effect. For example, listening to the sounds of rainfall, waterfalls, birds, and waves can boost your mood and focus. Nature sounds can also help you write effectively, stay on task, and mask intrusive sounds.

The Best Music for Studying is the Music You Enjoy!

Music can reduce monotony and boredom while studying. It can also increase your focus and make the process more enjoyable. Try out the genres recommended in this article to identify the one that adds zest to your studying.

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Anton Varshavski