A common debate amongst students today is whether listening to music while studying is beneficial. Music has proven that it can boost memory, but distracting and complex music may have different effects.

   Students in the Sycamore district often listen to music when they study. 27% of Sycamore High School students prefer to listen to pop music while studying, 14.4% listen to classical music, 9.3% listen to alternative, and 8.8% listen to rap. An article from The University of Arizona found that the best genres of music to listen to while you study are minimalist, classical, piano, and low-fi music. 

   There is something called the “Mozart Effect;” which states that listening to Mozart can enhance your learning abilities. Scientists think that listening to classical music and spatial reasoning–the ability to see three-dimensional shapes in your mind–are related because they are similarly processed in your brain. Music can activate multiple areas in our brains, specifically the parts that plan, organize, and regulate our thoughts and emotions, and our sense of direction. Research has also shown that listening to music like Mozart’s can improve test scores. A study conducted by Baylor University found that listening to classical music while studying or during lectures can help you better memorize what you are studying. 

   Music can help the brain to pay attention. Researchers from a Stanford study conducted an experiment in which they used a music composition from the 1800s, and they found that music engages the parts of the brain that are correlated to paying attention. Music has proved to increase the overall focus level in students. 

  Classical, minimalist, and low-fi music have beneficial effects on students. Listening to music while you study can increase your memory, focus, and test scores.

Citations

“Best Study Playlists – Study Music, Focus Music | University of Arizona Online.”            Online.arizona.edu,         online.arizona.edu/news/best-study-playlists-study-music-focus-music.

Classical Music for Studying – Tutor Portland. 3 Nov. 2020,  tutorportland.com/classical-music-for-studying/#:~:text=During%20this%20process%2C%20the%20music. Accessed 18 Sept. 2023.

“Does Music Help You Study: Science Says There Are Many Benefits.” Florida National University, 13 Aug. 2019, www.fnu.edu/benefits-studying-music/#:~:text=Rather%20than%20distracting%20college%20students.

“The Mozart Effect (Explaining a Musical Theory) | Incadence Music 

Therapy Blog.” Www.incadence.org,    www.incadence.org/post/the-mozart-effect-explaining-a-musical-theory#:~:text=The%20Science%20Behind%20the%20Mozart%20Effect. Accessed 18 Sept. 2023.

“2019: Is It OK to Listen to Music While Studying? – University of Wollongong – UOW.” Www.uow.edu.au, www.uow.edu.au/media/2019/is-it-ok-to-listen-to-music-while-studying.php#:~:text=Music%20can%20put%20us%20in%20a%20better%20mood&text=This%20is%20based%20on%20research.