Whether you're preparing for an intense exam, writing a major term paper or trying to get ahead of your homework assignments, being able to focus and retain the information effectively is crucial. If you've ever looked for creative ways to help you stay focused, you may have tried listening to music while you work, and maybe you've wondered if it helps or if it's just a distraction.
So, does music really help you study? The answer is yes — when you find the best kind of music for your studying style.
Depending on your music tastes, there are probably particular songs and genres that you find more engaging than others. When it comes to deep study, though, smooth instrumental music is most likely to help you focus. Options like classical music, binaural beats, meditation music or nature sounds can calm you and help your brain work more efficiently.
If you're listening to songs with lyrics, it may cause more distraction. Energetic, upbeat tunes like hip hop, pop or rap can initially boost your mood and give you the confidence to tackle an intimidating assignment or stack of textbook chapters. Once you get into studying, though, your brain often can't decide between listening to the words and retaining the information you're trying to learn.
When you're listening to study music, choose your songs strategically. If you're about to start studying and you feel overwhelmed, give yourself a few minutes to listen to a fun, fast-paced song to boost your confidence. Then, once you hit the books, try a soothing instrumental piece to coax your brain into deeper focus.
If you've found a type of music that you know won't cause distractions for your personal study style, you can benefit from popping in your earbuds or putting on headphones while you work. Listening to effective study music can help you on several levels:
Music can engage your brain and help you learn more effectively while also helping you feel more relaxed, so give some study tunes a try when you tackle your next assignment.
If you're stuck on an assignment and need personalized instruction or guidance, reach out to 24HourAnswers. Our expert tutors are available 24/7 to explain points of confusion, walk you through problems step-by-step or give you feedback on your work.
To get started, schedule an online tutoring session with one of our tutors, and let us help make your study sessions more successful and productive.