The Positive Attributes of Listening to Music while Studying

 by Isabella T

While some parents (and teachers) may argue that listening to music while studying can be distracting, especially if you would rather start jamming to your favourite artist instead of knuckling down to that difficult maths question or starting that history essay. But I can say that music has actually given me the motivation to start that tricky piece of schoolwork and aided with keeping focus and concentration. 

In terms of concentration, music can help you maintain that focus and tune out any kinds of distractions. 

Background noises such as loud friends, noisy neighbours or a disruptive household have all been tuned out, leaving only you and your books. Your focus has been honed in and your concentration has improved, thanks to tuning out any disturbances. Also, by physically having your headphones in, you are less prone to any interrupting conversations, as anyone with social awareness can see that if you have two AirPods plugged in, you do not want to be disturbed. One may say it's antisocial behaviour, I would call it academic weapon behaviour. 

As well as forcing you to focus in and tune out your surroundings, music helps to be a good motivator. If you are listening to an upbeat rhythm with a catchy melody, it helps the brain to release serotonin, in particular when it's your favourite song. This in turn gives you an optimistic approach to studying and keeps you motivated to start revising the subject you've been avoiding to revise, or tackle the topic you just did not understand even after going to multiple clinics. My personal recommendations for motivation would be Wham, Arctic Monkeys or Raye, but any artist can do the job.

More technically, listening to music boosts both the left and right sides of the brain. With the diversity of rhythms, tunes and beats activating your more creative side, the right, your left side is simultaneously stimulated due to the ‘logical’ process of doing academic work. This, therefore, boosts your brain activity and makes you more active and ready to learn more efficiently. Furthermore, music while studying has been described as a mnemonic device: a memory technique that helps you remember and recall information. Listening to music you know and are familiar with helps activate your hippocampus, which controls recognition memory. This can help you remember the notes you’re taking, or how to answer a particular equation, which can come in handy for the imminent revision exam-takers are having to do. 

In conclusion, music has proved to have positive effects on your studying! With its proven attributes to aspects of revision such as concentration, focus, and recall memory, listening to your favourite songs can help you be productive and finish those homeworks you’ve been putting off. Thank me later. 

Sources: 

Listening to Music While Studying - The Pros & Cons [Upd. 2024] (primesound.org)

Study with Music: Pros and Cons of Listening to Music While Studying (avidii.com)

Music listened to while writing this:
After The Love Has Gone by Earth, Wind and Fire

Ant Pile by Dominic Fike

Everything She Wants by Wham!

Uuuu by Steve Lacy

Ivy by Frank Ocean

The Chain by Fleetwood Mac

When The Sun Goes Down by Arctic Monkeys

In Your Eyes by The Weeknd

Flash by C.A.S

Touch by C.A.S

Siegfried by Frank Ocean

Baby I’m Yours by Arctic Monkeys

Somethin’ Stupid by Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra

The Bad Thing by Arctic Monkeys

Worth It by RAYE

Eyes Without A Face by Billy Idol

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John Sesame Syrup by C.A.S