People perceive and consume music differently. They lead different lifestyles and find satisfaction in different music genres, songs, and tempos. What sounds amazing to one person can sound terrible to another. The same applies to students.
Students have different preferences for music. But what most of them fail to recognize is how great music can be for their learning. Music is known to improve the mental health of students, boost their mood, and for some, even keep them focused while they study.
Not everyone can study with music in the background, but many students find this to be the preferred way to learn. The music in the background keeps them fresh and focused, as well as inspired to learn more. For some, this music has to be really quiet and lyric-free. For others, it needs to be noisy and have harsh tones. There are students who listen to metal music when they study, and it's the best way to learn for them.
Listening to their favourite music genre tends to make people happier. Music releases emotions of pleasure by increasing your dopamine levels. In fact, experts say that there's an entire neuroscience of music, and research shows that listening to music can trigger the release of dopamine, the happy hormone, in our brains.
To be more, music is known to relax people when they enjoy the genre or the song. It reduces stress and anxiety and helps them solve issues better because they're in a better mood. Listening to music increases dopamine, but reduces cortisol levels. Increased cortisol levels equal enhanced stressed, which is often the biggest enemy of student learning.
There are two things you can do to relax and meet all your deadlines. Firstly, you can hire ca.edubirdie.com to write your papers while you study for the upcoming exams or classes. Secondly, you can turn on your favourite music in the background and see if it distracts you or helps you study.
If it's the first, it doesn't matter what kind of music you've chosen. It only matters what effect it has on you.
There's no rule of thumb as to which music will influence your learning. But, there are some genres that are more popular with students who study than others because of their style. In the past, classical music was considered to be the best study music, especially because of the so-called Mozart effect that helps you study more effectively and boosts your intelligence. So, let's begin there.
Classical Music
Classical music remains the most researched and most frequently linked genre in terms of improvements in cognitive abilities. It has been linked to improvements in spatial reasoning, increased IQ, and a boost in attention and focus.
Seeing how this type of music is even used to treat depression and beat stress in psychotherapy, it's definitely something to try out, even if you're not a fan of it or listen to it in your spare time.
Jazz
Jazz is known to be relaxing and since it lacks lyrics same as classical music, it's also one of the preferred choices for students who study with music in the background. Listening to jazz is linked to reducing stress, which is the most frequent reason why students lose focus when they learn.
If you don't like pop or metal music with their lyrics in the background, you should definitely try some relaxing, lyric-free jazz music.
World Music
World music includes some amazing instruments that most students have never seen or had the chance to hear. It has the amazing power of soothing your thoughts and relaxing your mind, which is crucial for when you're trying to focus on your academic work or relax during those short breaks in between.
Background Noise
This isn't a music genre per se, but you'd be surprised to learn how many students use it when they study. There are literally learners who can't study with music in the background, but can perfectly relax and focus with some background noise.
If your study place is too quiet for you, you might want to try this out. Or, try some nature music to see if it soothes you and removes the distractions.
The bottom line
In the end, it all comes down to which genre, volume, and songs you like to listen to when you study. As a matter of fact, it all comes down to whether or not you want to listen to music at all. As soon as possible, you should try and find your best study spot and time, as well as the techniques you use to master the materials.
Author's BioEmma Rundle is a psychotherapist. She has her private office in Melbourne, Australia, where she helps people fight off stress, depression, and other psychological problems. In addition to this, Rundle works part-time in a college in her city, helping out students that deal with constant stress.