The best music for studying: What to listen to while studying
The best music for studying can be an incredible tool for focus. Today, we’re going to cover some top tips on what to listen to while studying, and where you can find the best study music. So, let’s tune-in and begin…
While some people still consider music to be a distraction, studies suggest the right tunes can improve your concentration, boost your mood, and help you accomplish your goals.
The key to success is funding the best study music. You’ll need something capable of putting you in the right frame of mind. Yet at the same time, it’s important not to end up singing along to your favorite hits when you’re supposed to be focusing on the task at hand.
For most people, finding the right study friendly radio stations takes time and some experimentation to discover what kind of music helps you concentrate.
Fortunately, we can speed up your path to success.
Here is your guide to the best study music…
What is the best music to study to?
Figuring out what kind of music you can study to is a personal adventure. Different people respond to music in their own unique ways. Some people might even prefer to stick with complete silence while they’re working on equations or struggling with their dissertation.
For some people, the best option will be classical music, while others will prefer funky songs or pop music (without lyrics in most cases). One study even found children did better on tests when listening to Blur during study sessions.
Whatever you choose, the right station for you will be one capable of:
- Keeping you relaxed.
- Honing your thoughts on a specific topic.
- Drowning out distractions (other noises).
- Improving performance in high-pressure situations.
- Reducing stress.
If studying is getting on top of you, and you’re thinking of getting some research proposal help, try some of these options to get you started.
Best music to work to: Classical
Ask most people “what type of music helps you concentrate?” and they’re likely to say “classical”. Classical music might not be your thing for chilling at home, but it’s excellent for getting your mind in the right place for studying.
In fact, psychologists have discovered a concept called the “Mozart Effect”. This research states listening to Mozart can temporarily enhance your spatial temporary reasoning performance.
Confused? Basically, the Mozart Effect indicates using classical radio stations for studying can help your ability to think up solutions to problems. The Mozart Effect indicates this music activates a part of your brain which helps you be more creative.
In general, you’ll be looking for classical music playing at around 60 beats per minute, as this significantly reduces stress, and keeps you focused.
Stations might include:
Best radio station for background music: Nature sounds
Sometimes you don’t need a discernable beat in your music to help you concentrate. Visit some of the biggest college radio stations, and you’ll notice many of them play nature sounds like waves and babbling brooks to help students study.
Nature sounds aren’t just there to help you fall asleep. Researchers have found these sounds are excellent at improving focus and mood. In fact, nature sounds are often recommended for work radio stations, because they can make workers more productive.
The sounds of nature are excellent for masking harsher, more distracting noises like typing, people talking in the background while you try to focus, and more. In some cases, nature sounds can even restore your cognitive abilities.
If you’re looking ambient radio stations online, try:
Even white noise can be an excellent alternative to sitting in silence.
Cinematic and lyric free radio stations
If you’re having trouble concentrating with ambient sounds and classical music, why not try something a little more dramatic? Cinematic music, and music without lyrics can help to entertain and inspire your mind, without distracting you with words.
Music like the Inception soundtrack, or the soundtrack from Cloud Atlas are great options for this kind of listening. You could even try making your own schoolwork radio station with tracks from your favorite video games.
The most important thing to remember when choosing lyric-free music for studying, is it needs to put you in the right frame of mind. Anything that’s going to increase your stress isn’t a good idea, so don’t choose a song that reminds you of a difficult level on your favorite game.
Check some instrumental radio stations like:
Can music help you concentrate?
If you’re searching for the best radio stations to listen to while you’re studying, your main focus will probably be finding something to help you concentrate. So, ask yourself, “what kind of music helps you concentrate?”
Have you encountered any sounds which seem perfect for focusing your mind when skipping through commercial free radio stations?
Some research indicates it’s not the type of music – but the tempo that matters most. Studies show songs with between 50 and 80 beats per minute enhance creativity and stimulate learning.
One researcher, Dr. Emma Gray, even worked with Spotify to find the beats most likely to place the brain into an “alpha” state for learning.
You may already know what music helps you concentrate, if you’ve ever encountered relaxing sounds which often leave you deep in thought. Songs like “Chasing Pavements” by Adele, and “Last Goodbye” by Jeff Buckley, already fall into the ideal 50-80 beats per minute category.
If you’re struggling to find something with the perfect tempo – don’t worry too much.
Before you give up on your work and seek high-quality academic writing assistance, you can always try simply listening to your favorite music turned down low.
Although it’s best to stay away from music with lyrics (as it can be distracting), listening to music you like improves your mood and productivity.
Studies prove listening to the sounds you already enjoy can enhance your ability to complete tasks quickly and come up with creative ideas. The only time this won’t work is if you’re listening to distracting songs, with an ultra-fast beat or a lot of words to keep track of.
Create your own playlist
Music is a wonderful thing. Studies constantly show listening to the right sounds can change the way we think and feel – often on a significant level.
For a stressed-out student, answering the question, “Does listening to music help you concentrate?” could give you another tool in your studying arsenal.
Just remember it takes time to find the perfect playlist for your needs.
Over time, you’ll be able to pinpoint songs across various radio stations which help to place you in a state of deep thought and focus. Pay attention to the names of these tunes and try creating a playlist of your own you can turn to when you really need some extra help.
Ideally, you’ll want a playlist which lasts at least 40 to 50 minutes. This will give you plenty of background and ambient noise while you work – but it also reminds you to take a study break from time to time.
Keep the volume low – listening at a moderate level is often best, and remember to take it easy – if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need to turn the sound off, do it.
If you decide listening to radio gives you the best balance of sounds for your concentration levels – make sure you load up any stations you want to listen to in advance. Some will allow you to download playlists in case you lose internet connection.
It’s also a good idea to avoid any radio stations with a lot of chatter between music segments. As mentioned above, human voice is often distracting.
Radio Fidelity: For the love of radio.
