Everyone finds music pleasurable. Evidence shows that music is one of the most culturally universal sources of entertainment in the world. However, recent studies have suggested that the benefits of music go way beyond entertainment. Of course, there is evidence showing that more than 55% of college students love listening to music as they study or work on tasks.
Some concerns have been raised that listening to music when studying or working on assignments may be distracting and can cause students to lose concentration. However, evidence has emerged to show that music benefits brain development and, depending on the genre you choose, can help boost concentration and comprehension.
It should be reiterated that every individual has their own views and different tastes when it comes to music. This means that what works for you may not be ideal for someone else. In this article, we explore the benefits of music for college studies, whether as a study aid or a tool for socializing.
What Is the Theory of Music and Academics?
Imagine having a dreaded chemistry exam around the corner, but unable to focus on the books. Your attempts to give it your everything turn into lethargic sessions with minimal understanding of the course concepts. The more you stay up late at night to work on tasks or study, the more fatigued and isolated you feel. What if there was a more engaging and beneficial study habit that could see you become more efficient and productive?
You have possibly heard that music helps with stress management and is a source of entertainment. However, recently experts have started to recommend music as a study companion. Evidence shows that music has numerous positive effects on the human brain and body. It activates the left and right hemispheres of the brain simultaneously. This can then maximize learning and enhance the student’s ability to recall concepts. The understanding is that music can help the students complete tasks on time without the need to engage an online essay writing service.
What Are the Benefits of Listening to Music?
We should emphasize that studying while listening to music isn’t for everyone. Some people find that they can focus better in complete silence and isolation. However, most students report that music helps improve their focus and allows them to concentrate better when working on complex or boring tasks. Here are some notable ways in which turning on your favorite tunes can bring benefits.
- Music Helps With Stress Management
One of the most established benefits of music relates to its use as a therapeutic tool. According to evidence, listening to music promotes healing and can enhance your mental and emotional health. When used alongside standard therapeutic strategies, music offers additional restorative benefits for people struggling with anxiety and depression. The benefits of music for your emotional state may be realized by playing an instrument, listening to your favorite tunes, or using music alongside guided imagery.
Music can make you feel good as it causes the release of more dopamine, which is a feel-good hormone. The point here is that listening to music can have a profound impact on your feelings. Quick-tempo music helps you concentrate and be more alert, while upbeat music generates feelings of optimism and positivity. Slower tempo music allows your mind to relax and unwind after a busy day, making you feel soothed and helping you release the stress accumulated during the day. In other words, music is an effective tool for stress management and relaxation.
- Music Improves Memory
As a universal language, music goes beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. You may find that certain songs trigger specific memories and help you recall events. Other than just triggering nostalgic recollections, music has been shown to benefit those struggling with dementia. It also plays an important role in helping people focus better when studying or working on tasks.
This means that a college student studying while listening to music can concentrate on tasks better. Of course, not all types and genres of music will be ideal for studying. Experts recommend classical music played in low volumes to help you remember material effectively.
We tend to see memory as an indicator of people’s intellectual abilities. After all, most tests in academic settings evaluate the student’s ability to recall concepts and facts. Without memory, we would not be able to pass down information through generations. According to experts, music is one of the few elements we can manipulate to influence memory. For instance, singing has been shown to help patients as they recover from brain injury or stroke.
- Music Shapes Motivation
Another notable benefit of music for students dealing with hectic schedules and complicated projects is that it helps them stay motivated. College life tends to be fast-paced, with tons of responsibilities and commitments. Sometimes you may find yourself overwhelmed and questioning whether all the work is worth it. Motivation is crucial to succeeding and you will need to keep reminding yourself that college success will set you up for career progression.
You should also remember that succeeding in your academics demands considerable time spent studying every day. Staying committed to your study schedule while working on assignments can be challenging, especially since there are more fun things you could be doing on campus. Sacrificing movie time with friends to go through your notes or work on that lengthy assignment will require some motivation.
This is where music comes in. Studying with music gives you something to look forward to and helps you stay on task for longer than you ordinarily would. Evidence shows that listening to your favorite music as you study can be just as effective as promising yourself some type of reward for getting through a study session.
- Music Enhances Concentration
Do you find yourself easily distracted when working on a task? Are you always checking social media when you should be working on an important assignment? Listening to music can help you block off distractions, allowing you to focus better on the tasks at hand. According to a recent study, people listening to music get to engage certain areas of their brain, responsible for allowing people to focus and pay attention. In particular, you will find that listening to classical music will allow you to extend your study sessions and make them more productive by boosting your focus.
The point here is that playing music can reduce other distractions and help you improve your study habits. Experts recommend that students create dedicated study spaces to help them focus better and get the motivation they need to succeed. In addition to having a dedicated study space that helps you focus; you can also add music to the mix and enjoy a distraction-free experience. Remember, you can lighten your schedule by having someone else help with your homework. Read this royalwriter review to see how students can find and work with online tutors.
- Music Reduces Test Anxiety
Most people fail to perform in tests as well as they should because of anxiety. Here, test anxiety is that nervous feeling you may get when almost sitting down for a test. While it is normal to feel some pressure ahead of an important event like a test, certain levels of anxiety can diminish your ability to perform. In other words, test anxiety is a serious barrier between students and academic achievement. The good thing is that you can reduce such anxiety considerably by turning on your favorite tunes on the headphones. With music, you will feel less tension as you review your notes and prepare for the test.
Which Type of Music?
It is important to note that not all music is ideal for studying. According to experts, certain genres, when played too loud, can be distracting and may be counterproductive. So, when it comes to specific types of music that can help you study, there are a few genres to consider. Of course, everyone has a unique learning style and musical preferences. This means that what works for you may not necessarily work for another. So, it is a good idea to experiment with a few options before settling on a selection of music for your study sessions.
That said, the most recommended music genre for studying is classical music. Research shows that classical instrumental music helps you study as it is relaxing and calm. Classical music also helps with stress relief and has been shown to support mood regulation. Ambient sounds can also help you study and can be instrumental during meditation or therapy. Other types of music students can listen to when studying include Jazz and nature sounds.
The Bottom Line
Listening to music as a college student helps in multiple ways. The right kind of music can help you concentrate better, remember concepts, and fight test anxiety. In other words, music can help you improve your academic performance. Furthermore, emerging studies suggest that music could have an important role in pain management.
