Music For Learning and Studying
Cameron Wright
Kent State University
Music
Students today have to be prepared to study for classes whether they are high school, undergraduate or graduate courses. Being prepared for tests can be a daunting task. When preparing for class assessments, is the best way to study to listen to music or is silence better? If listening to music, what is the best type of music to listen to? Listening to classical music is the best way to study and prepare for assessments because classical music relaxes the mind to prepare it for learning and focusing.
Several research articles and papers have been written on whether listening to music or silence is better for study habits. Max Baker (2016) states, “research has shown that performance in tasks involving memory and concentration was better in a silent environment, though studying in place often disturbed by talkers, sneezers, or traffic, few students have access to a silent study space” (para. 4). This article refers to having silence. Silence is not normally accessible to most people studying. If someone is studying in a quiet public place, there will still be distractions. When studying in the comfort of home, there could be other possible distractions such as family members, possible animals, water dripping, or flies buzzing to name a few examples. So, for some, silence is the best way to study, but silence is not usually possible.
Some researchers believe listening to no music is better for studying, however, one type of music to listen to while studying is classical. Baker (2016) states, “Classical music is generally viewed as the best to listen to whilst studying, however there is no decisive research to back this. What has been proven is that listening to music which is constant in state, has a steady a repetitive pulse [sic], and is not too loud is better for concentration than inconsistent musical styles, meaning you should probably avoid listening to anything labeled ‘Mathcore’ when trying to be productive” (para 5). Classical music has no type of lyrics or vocals with it. Typically classical music has a consistent, steady beat. So, many people believe classical music would be the best music to listen to. Several different researchers found the same information when looking at brain activity and dopamine secretion while listening to classical music. Michael D’Alimonte (2016) states from research with classical music scientist found, “using brain-imaging technology, the researchers found a notable increase in the “activity of genes involved in dopamine secretion…synaptic neurotransmission, learning and memory, and down-regulated…neurodegeneration”” (para. 15).
In other research, Baker (2016) found, “listening to music has been shown to cause the release of dopamine, meaning that it is a pleasurable, rewarding experience which can relax an individual” (para. 6). From this research it appears listening to classical music helps relax an individual while studying. This helps them to retain more of the information they are reading and be able to apply the information at a later time. Music can be a very useful tool. “It provides a non-invasive noise and pleasurable feelings, to effectively neutralise the unconscious attention system’s ability to distract us” (Burnett, 2016, para. 9).
Classical music is not the only type of music people listen to and feel is beneficial to study with. People listen to other types of music as well when they study. Cheri Lucas (2017) quotes Brewer who says, “Students of all ages-that includes adults – generally find that music helps them focus clearly on the task at hand and puts them in a better mood for learning” (para. 3). By Brewer’s findings, it may not matter what type of music one listens to but what they find is calming or beneficial. “Brewer calls the use of music throughout the day “positive mood management” and suggests that various styles of music are appropriate for different types of activities” (Lucas, 2017, para. 4). Although all types of music may be good to listen to for different situations, what type is best for studying? Lucas (2017) also quotes Brewer, “When studying, writing and reading, play instrumental music to sustain concentration…classical music of the Baroque era, like Bach, Handel, or Mozart work particularly well” (para. 4).
Michael D’Alimonte (2016) suggests, “video game music is designed to “help with concentration without putting a strain on your mind”” (para. 18). For anyone who has listened to video game music, it usually has no words and the music tends to repeat the same beat or rhythm. Some may find this relaxing enough to listen to while studying. Others may fine it monotonous and distracting because of the repetitive and digitized nature of the music.
Another type of music that can be used is jazz. “Usually lacking vocals and with irregular tempos and rhythms, jazz music is an excellent genre to choose when you need to hit the books” (D’Alimonte, 2016, para. 10). Another study with jazz music found jazz musicians who were creative while playing jazz, “areas of the brain linked to creativity and linguistic cognition were far more active, making some believe the same can happen when individuals simply listen to jazz music” (D’Alimonte, 2016, para. 11). D’Alimonte is claiming creative musical minds are able to listen to whatever type of music they play and have better cognition of what they are studying. Would this be effective for other musicians with other types of music? It could be possible for someone who plays country music or rock music on an instrument to also have this creative brain activity.
Are these types of music best to use for studying? According to Burnett (2016), “we seem to have two attention systems: a conscious one that enables us to direct our focus towards things we know we want to concentrate on and an unconscious one that shifts attention towards anything our senses pick up that might be significant” (para. 6). Although the linguistic cognition may be more active from these other styles of music musicians play, the brain may be distracted by the lyrics and not be able to focus on the material being studied because the unconscious could shift the attention. Burnett (2016) also states, “instrumental music would be less disruptive compared to music with lyrics or classical auditivie text because of the added verbal aspect” (para. 17). Background words impede the words being studied.
In Brewer and Pappalardo’s study, the two were asked, “to suggest activities that use music to boost memory and make learning more sensory or interactive” (Lucas, 2017, para. 5). Some suggestions Brewer and Pappalardo made were, “embark on a learning journey, fuse audio with visual, use bass to remember verbs, tie tunes to tasks, and take a walkabout” (Lucas, 2017, para. 6). Each of these activities suggested using different types of music from classical music, bass, rap, or songs with other lyrics and changing those lyrics to the content being studied. Thus, incorporating all types of music can help with learning and studying. Most importantly though, “when studying, writing, or reading, play instrumental music” (Lucas, 2017, para. 4).
D’Alimonte (2016) believes, “whatever you like that fits your fancy could be the best music to study to, at least for you. While your favorite tracks may be riddled with verbose lyrics and complex rhythms, some experts believe that your simple enjoyment of such music can help your brain maintain a strong level of production” (para. 25). D’Alimonte believes it comes down to personal preference of enjoyment. Janina Lehmann and Tina Seufert (2017), “revealed that music characteristics like tempo and intensity have an influence on learning outcomes: […] instrumental music disturbs learners less than music with lyrics (as cited in Perham and Currie, 2014, para. 6).
In conclusion, many types of music appear to work for studying. A body can be conditioned to listen to different types of music. Although studies suggested different styles work, most often, it reverted back to classical music being best. Most people are not conditioned to using classical music but studies done on the brain show it is not favorable to have words or other distractions happening while studying. In the end, you can condition your body to relax to any type of music (classical being less invasive for your brain activity) which makes you able to focus and ultimately study and learn better.
References
Lucas, C. (2012, May 25). Boost Memory and Learning with Music. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/boost-memory-and-learning-with-music/
Burnett, D. (2016, August 20). Does music really help you concentrate? Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/education/2016/aug/20/does-music-really-help-you-concentrate
D'Alimonte, M. (2016, April 14). How The Types Of Music You Listen To While Studying Can Affect Your Grades. Retrieved from https://www.mtlblog.com/lifestyle/how-the-types-music-you-listen-to-while-studying-can-effect-your-grades
Lehmann, J. A., & Seufert, T. (2017, October 13). The Influence of Background Music on Learning in the Light of Different Theoretical Perspectives and the Role of Working Memory Capacity. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01902/full
Max Baker iStudent. (2016, March 02). How music could help you to concentrate while studying. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/student/student-life/Studies/how-music-could-help-you-to-concentrate-while-studying-a6907341.html