I have noticed a couple of my friends who keep their music system on while studying. Like, I prefer reading or studying in silence. Still, very light instrumental music sometimes suits me while working. I don’t know maybe it develops a sort of rhythm in my mind or whatever. But yeah! I love music. And I had this doubt only a few months back. As of now, I know the reasons behind it.
Well, it seems like a very debatable topic. I found that I was not alone in this doubt. As some people say that they can focus a lot with the help of music. And then, there is another set that believes that it is very distracting and it is almost impossible to get work done with any sort of background music. So, let’s clarify the things better.
Actually, various reasons prove music helps us in study and other works. I’ll explain you all one by one.
1. The Mozart Effect
Since it is being debated so much we need to bring some scientific aspect to our question.
So, according to a study conducted in the 1990s, it was observed that a certain type of music was created by Mozart that helped pupils with improved spatial reasoning and better test scores. This change in scores and better reasoning was actually monumentally enough to be known as the Mozart effect since then.
But with the Mozart effect being helpful, we can also say that the effect is temporary and does not really create an impact on your IQ.
2. Proven to Ease Stress
It has been proven by a study which was conducted in Russia, that listening to music, particularly classical music for around 45-60 minutes a day helps in the relaxation of the brain. We can actually see in this manner that we are overflowing with emotions all the time which can be happy, sad, bitter, or even harsh.
And it is not usually the happiness that we can not handle, it is actually the negative and the sad emotions that take a toll on our lives.
So, music in such cases helps you unwind and stay a little unaffected by these; so that you do not feel overwhelmed. It helps you to focus better. This helps in learning more effectively and eventually getting better results.
The Icy Whiz team talked to Samson Edwards, Writer at Promoting Peace Through Art: Insights from Post-Punk Icons, about the relationship between music and productivity. Here is what he said:
“As a blog writer and author, the relationship between music and productivity is a nuanced and personal experience.
For many, music serves as a backdrop that can either enhance focus or serve as a distraction, depending on the individual’s work habits and the type of task at hand.
Certain genres of music are often associated with increased productivity. Classical music, for instance, with its complex structures and lack of lyrics, is frequently cited as beneficial for concentration and focus.
The Mozart Effect, a term coined from studies suggesting that listening to Mozart’s compositions might induce a short-term improvement in the performance of certain kinds of mental tasks known as “spatial-temporal reasoning,” exemplifies this idea.
Similarly, ambient music or sounds can create a calming environment that helps minimize stress levels, thereby improving concentration. Music with a steady, upbeat tempo can also be motivating during physical tasks or routine, monotonous work.
Conversely, music with lyrics can sometimes be distracting, especially when engaging in language-based tasks such as writing or reading. In these cases, the words in the music can compete with the linguistic processes involved in the work, potentially reducing efficiency.
Personal preference plays a significant role in how music affects productivity. Some individuals find that any music, regardless of genre, disrupts their focus, while others may feel that music personalizes their workspace and enhances their ability to work.
Silence, on the other hand, is often the preferred state for deep concentration and studying. It eliminates auditory distractions and can help one to fully engage with the material or task.
However, for some, complete silence can be unnerving or too intense, leading to a preference for soft music or ambient noise to break the quiet. I am in the latter of these groups.
Habit also influences the effectiveness of music on productivity. If someone habitually listens to a particular type of music while working, they may come to associate that music with focus and productivity, regardless of the genre.
This conditioning can make the music a powerful cue for entering a state of flow.
In conclusion, the relationship between music and productivity is highly individualized. While certain genres and styles may generally be more conducive to focus and concentration, ultimately, it is the individual’s personal preference. Mine is for as much music as possible, anytime.”
3. Helps with Anxiety
Anxiety attacks have become so common these days, and there are a lot of ways to deal with anxiety. But not all ways are easy or quickly accessible. People can also feel anxious about literally anything in the world which can be really small or really big, but a solution is needed for both.
So, if we take the example of college-attending students, they are always under some stress. Be it the submission of an assignment, upcoming exam, or sometimes just general competitiveness or fear of the future.
In such cases, music is the number one source for relieving anxiety. Also, studies conducted by Cambridge University show that hip-hop music helps students relieve stress. It has something that helps you uplift your mood and you feel better and high-spirited. Generally, also, you can listen to music as it really helps to bring down your crippling anxiety and makes you feel better about yourself and your mental situation.
4. Improves Brain Functions
We have now seen that music elevates mood, helps battle anxiety and it reduces stress. But we haven’t still thought about why is it so. I’ll explain that. Listening to music helps us because it is a cognitive exercise for the brain, and helps in its training
People who are aware of this, start training the brain with music at an early age and thus have much healthier brains. However, age doesn’t matter. You can use music whenever you understand its importance.
Marc Köhler, Student and Software Developer at Zenquiz talked to the Icy Whiz team about optimizing productivity with genre-specific music. Here is what he had to say:
“Balancing my studies with a side job as a software developer means I need to optimize my productivity. I use different genres of music to help me focus.
For coding, I find that electronic music and lo-fi beats create a rhythm that helps me stay in the zone. When I switch to studying, ambient sounds and music without lyrics are what I prefer.
If I listen to lyrics-heavy music like rap, I get more easily distracted—especially when reading!
To me, coding while listening to music can be incredibly relaxing and helps me get into a focused zone. The right soundtrack, like house or techno, creates a soothing background that makes long hours of coding feel less like work.
When I listen to good rap music, I find myself in a better creative state. This state of relaxation and concentration was crucial when I built Zenquiz, my AI quiz generator.
I wanted to help students improve their learning experience and knowledge retention by providing useful, tailored quizzes that enhance study sessions and support efficient learning.”
5. Memory and Music
When you listen to a new song, you catch the lyrics within 3-4 times of listening to it, but if you do the same with your research data or any document analysis it does stay the same. We can even recall lyrics of songs that we probably heard five years ago. But if we go down the line, and I ask you to explain to me a Physics formula from your college year you just can not.
This is because our brain picks up patterns to learn new things. That’s why songs have patterns meaning, certain rhythm, tone, or catchy music. They have lyrics that are either so eloquent or so quirky that they are immediate attention creators.
Another aspect that is seen when associating our memory with music is that certain music has a high recall value. This may be because that music is related to a certain event or occasion or a person and the song then retrieves their memory.
Music in this sense can help you go back and relive a happy memory or sometimes even sad, but it definitely does hold a lot of sentimental value for all humans.
We interviewed Samuel Jackson, Co-Founder of Guyker, on how instrumental music boosts focus and motivation. Here is an excerpt from the interview:
“As an entrepreneur in the guitar and guitar-parts manufacturing business, I’ve found that music significantly impacts my productivity. I often listen to instrumental rock or classical guitar music while working, as it enhances my focus and keeps me motivated without distracting lyrics.
For tasks requiring deep concentration, I prefer ambient or electronic music with a steady, calming rhythm. However, there are times when I need complete silence, especially during strategic planning or complex problem-solving.
Overall, the right music can boost my efficiency and creativity, but knowing when to switch to silence is equally important for optimal productivity.”
6. Helps you Focus More
Music is said to improve your focus. This is because it activates the part of your brain that is involved with attention. It helps to make better predictions and use our memory formation to come to those.
Although the focus can be increased in both negative and positive manner. This basically depends on what kind of music you are using to train your brain to complete any task at hand.
I’m sure now you guys also have a better understanding of music’s effects and how it helps us to do certain tasks in a better manner. Yes, music does positively affect our brains and body. Because it leads to the activation of both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously and this in turn leads to better learning and stronger memory building. This is why it enhances any activity that you’re doing.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on May 30, 2024 by Pragya
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I always thought I was the only one doing it, but damn, am I amazed there are actual studies proving it!!
really opened my eyes on why does it occur.
for me, i like to listen to jazz instrumental or classical music when i’m studying. it really helps me concentrate much better. but you have to know when you need to focus more on your book and turn the music off.
Music effects all our nerves. I will try this hack while studying. Found very useful.
Music can be a great companion. I can listen any music when I have a headache or doing my assignments. But when it comes to study I prefer complete peace. I tried every kind of music to accompany me and my studies but nothing worked.
I can agree with it, without a doubt, music is the best thing for me. It helps me with most of the things, and study is one of them, it keeps my mind calm and composed most of the time.
As someone who loves studying with music, this article was a treasure trove of insights. Learning about Mozart’s effect, linking Mozart’s music to improved reasoning and test scores, was intriguing. It was also fun to learn that the impact of music on our brains and bodies, attributes it to the simultaneous activation of both hemispheres, ultimately enhancing learning and memory building.
I am one of those people who can hardly concentrate when there is music. I get easily distracted which is why I am always shocked when my friends say otherwise. However, I now understand that the music I choose to listen to when studying can make a huge difference. I will try Mozart music for sure.