What Kind of Study Music Actually Works

There is a lot of music on YouTube that claims to help with studying and doing homework. I know it takes ages to find the right music to help you focus becaus

e, let's be honest, we are all procrastinators. So, I decided to share some of my own experiences and research on the subject to help everyone find the music that best suits their needs.

As you might see in the forum post called Back to School, I usually have a hard time getting into the zone. So, I wanted to open up the discussion on that. Feel free to check that out and join in on the discussion.

According to the National University, “Music activates both the left and right brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memory,” says Dr. Masha Godkin, a professor in the Department of Marriage and Family Sciences at National University.

So, I would like to share my personal study music I listen to that helped me get through studying everything ranging from the SAT to music history. Also, I recommend using the Pomodoro technique with your music listening, which serves as a timer for studying. The Pomodoro Technique has 25-minute stretches of focused work broken by five-minute breaks. After four consecutive work intervals, I usually take a longer break, around 15 to 30 minutes. This technique really saved my sanity while studying for the chemistry finals.

Below are some types of music that the National University’s research recommended for studying:

https://www.nu.edu/blog/can-music-help-you-study-and-focus/

• Go Classical: The soothing sounds of classical orchestra music increase mood and productivity, making it great for studying.

• Spa Music: Ambient sounds that you would expect to hear on a soundtrack during a spa treatment can help you relax

• Nature Sounds: Like ambient music, the sounds of babbling brooks, birds, wind, and rain are calming and make great background noise. You can even create your own mix with websites like Noisli. 

• Electronic Music: New Age and ambient EDM music are good choices for those who don’t like classical music. Any music with little to no lyrics is best. 

• Lofi hip hop: This low-key, unobtrusive type of music is perfect for studying because it incorporates a low BPM, natural sounds, and often doesn’t have lyrics.

• Jazz: Listening to jazz can boost creativity and reduce stress, the arch enemy of memory ability. Try searching for mellow or chill jazz for optimal concentration.

• Ambiance playlists: There’s been an explosion of videos and playlists designed to bring the right ambiance into your space. From a “fall coffee shop bookstore” with mellow jazz to a “cozy cabin ambiance” with rain and fireplace sounds, there’s bound to be something to match your study session mood.

• Film or game soundtracks: Choose your favorite video game or movie soundtrack for your next study session. Or look for a compilation of soundtrack scores online.

Here are some tips for listening:

This is based on the National University’s studies and my personal experiences.

• Tempo: Studies suggest that music with 60-70 beats per minute, like Beethoven’s Fur Elise, is the most beneficial in helping students focus longer and retain more information. So try to look for music that has a similar tempo.

• Volumn: Keep the volume of your study music comfortable so that the music doesn’t drown out your own thoughts. Remember, you have to focus on studying, so you can’t let the music distract you.

• Lyrics: This usually sparks some controversies, and I love listening to music with lyrics. But I will admit, it can become distracting sometimes. So, I suggest that we listen to music with no lyrics when we are reading or writing, the two activities where you have to formulate your own words. Now, I am not saying that you can’t listen to your favorite songs now. I love Taylor Swift, so I would usually put on Taylor Swift’s soft piano music or Lofi version while I read or write. That way, I can still enjoy my favorite artist while focusing. But if we are doing art or math, work that doesn't necessarily involve extensive linguistic formulation, I think some lyrics can actually make the studying experience more enjoyable.

Now, again, if you would like to try out my study playlists, everything is linked in the video library. I hope my playlists can help give you an idea of what a study playlist can look like. Also, I hope to share my experiences and some research that can help you make studying more enjoyable and easier.