Does Music Help You Study?

Does Music Help You Study?

Can listening to music actually help you study? If you’re like many students, you probably have a study playlist or love putting on some tunes while doing homework. In fact, surveys show around 60% of students listen to music while studying, and it’s often the most popular “side activity” for teens juggling revision with other tasks.

But does music really boost your concentration and memory, or is it just a pleasant distraction? This guide explores the science-backed benefits of study music, highlighting which genres help you focus (and which might hurt), and shares practical tips to make the most of music during revision.

Read on for the neuroscience behind music and learning, the best genres for studying, and tips to build your ultimate homework playlist (spoiler: Dukes Plus is even curating a special Spotify playlist for students!).

How Music Helps You Study: Science‑Backed Benefits

Studying can be stressful – but music might be the secret sauce to make it more enjoyable and effective. Researchers in psychology, neuroscience and education have found several powerful benefits of listening to music while studying:

Reduced Stress & Anxiety

Music has a direct impact on our nervous system and hormones. Relaxing melodies can lower the stress hormone cortisol and trigger release of dopamine – a feel-good brain chemical. In one study, students who listened to calming music had a milder physiological stress response during tough tasks. In short: music helps you chill out. This improved mood and reduced anxiety can create a better mental state for learning​.

Improved Mood & Motivation

Ever notice how a great song can instantly put you in a better mood? That mood boost isn’t just fun – it can actually improve learning outcomes​. Happier students tend to absorb and retain information more effectively. Neuroscience research shows music activates the brain’s reward centres, the same ones stimulated by things we enjoy, releasing dopamine. This reward response can motivate you to study longer and more enthusiastically. For example, teens with ADHD have been found to focus better on schoolwork when they have the right music in the background, likely because it increases their drive and interest.

Enhanced Concentration (Focus)

The right music can act like a “filter” for your brain, blocking out distracting noises and helping you maintain focus on your work. Instrumental and ambient music creates a consistent auditory environment that helps the brain settle into a focused state. Fascinatingly, a Stanford University study found that music (specifically classical) can “prime” the brain for attention by engaging prediction and memory mechanisms between musical movements. The researchers noted peak brain activity during the short silences between musical sections – suggesting that music trains your brain to anticipate and pay attention. In classroom experiments, even playing gentle background classical music during a lesson led to higher quiz scores compared to no music, presumably because it kept students more engaged and focused​.

Better Memory & Learning Associations

Do you have a song that instantly reminds you of a specific moment or feeling? That’s because music creates strong associations in the brain. Studies indicate that listening to music can improve memory formation. The so-called “Mozart Effect” – a term from research suggesting classical music boosts mental performance – hints that certain melodies may enhance recall and cognitive function​.

One study with older adults showed improved memory and processing speed after listening to classical music. For students, pairing revision material with particular tunes can serve as an audio cue – playing the same song later might prompt you to remember the linked information more easily. Some students even create playlists where each subject or topic has its own song, to trigger those memories during revision. While the Mozart Effect isn’t a magic spell, evidence does show music engages multiple brain regions (left and right hemispheres) simultaneously, which can maximise learning and memory potential.

Best Genres for Studying and Why They Work

Not all music is created equal when it comes to helping you study. The genre and style of music make a huge difference. The key is choosing music that enhances concentration without distracting you. Generally, the best study music is soothing, repetitive or instrumental – music that complements your focus rather than stealing your attention. Here’s a look at the top genres and sounds proven to help with concentration, memory, and mood.

Classical Music

Classical music is the old-school study powerhouse. Many students swear by it, and science backs them up. Classical pieces (think Mozart, Beethoven, Bach) are typically instrumental (no lyrics) and have structured movements that your brain can follow without getting bored or overwhelmed. Research has repeatedly linked classical music to improved cognitive performance: for example, students scored higher on memory tests and lectures when gentle classical was playing​. The so-called “Mozart Effect” suggests that listening to classical can temporarily enhance brain activity related to spatial reasoning and memory​. If symphonies aren’t usually your thing, try starting with film scores or piano instrumentals. Fun fact: Even if you’re not actively paying attention, classical music in the background can induce a relaxed, alert state – one Russian study found kids who “passively” heard classical daily had measurable increases in brain relaxation over time!

Lo-Fi Beats & Chillhop  

If you’ve seen the popular “lofi hip hop beats to relax/study to” streams, you know how beloved lo-fi music is among students. Lo-fi (low-fidelity) and chillhop are subgenres of electronic music that blend downtempo beats with mellow melodies. They often sample jazz, old R&B, or ambient sounds, creating a soothing, repetitive background groove. Crucially, lo-fi tracks typically have no vocals or only unintelligible vocal samples, so they won’t pull your focus toward lyrics.

Students love lo-fi because it’s engaging but not distracting – the gentle beats keep you from feeling bored or drowsy, yet the music stays in the background. Studies haven’t specifically measured lo-fi (it’s a relatively new genre), but its characteristics align with what researchers say is ideal for studying: soft, instrumental, and consistent. Lo-fi often sits around 60-80 beats per minute, mimicking a resting heart rate and promoting a relaxed alertness. Think of it as the modern equivalent of classical for Gen Z: it won’t overstimulate you, but it also won’t put you to sleep. Plus, the continuous mix format of many lo-fi playlists avoids the jarring silence between songs that can break your concentration. If classical feels too formal, lo-fi could be your go-to for sustained focus during homework marathons.

Video Game Soundtracks  

This one surprises a lot of people: video game music can be fantastic for studying. Why? It’s literally designed to keep you engaged for long periods! Game soundtracks are composed to enhance focus without distracting from gameplay. According to educators at Orion Academy, video game music is crafted to keep you absorbed and focused on tasks – a perfect recipe for studying. These tracks often maintain a steady pace and dynamic that drives you forward cognitively (imagine the upbeat themes from adventure games or the atmospheric music in puzzle games). They’re usually instrumental and loop seamlessly, so your brain stays in the zone.

Many students report that game music (from series like Zelda, Final Fantasy, or modern indie games) helps with memorisation and productivity. Because game composers avoid sudden loud surprises, you won’t be startled out of concentration. Instead, you get immersive background music that makes studying feel like levelling up in a game. If you haven’t tried it, check out our Study Playlist on Spotify – you might find that doing math homework with Mario or Halo soundtracks turns work into an epic quest!

Ambient & Nature Sounds  

Sometimes music with a melody is too much stimulation. That’s where ambient sounds and nature soundscapes come in. Ambient music (like Brian Eno’s work, or contemporary “drone” music) is minimalist and atmospheric, often with no real beat or tune. It creates a background ambience that drowns out distractions (like noisy siblings or traffic) while barely registering in your conscious mind. This can be ideal for students who find even instrumental tunes distracting. Ambient tracks or apps like white noise generators produce a constant “hum” of sound that aids concentration.

Similarly, nature sounds have been shown to soothe the nervous system and improve focus. A study at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that adding natural sounds to the background boosted participants’ moods and productivity. People working with nature sounds felt more positive and were more productive than those in silence. For studying, this means a rainforest or rainfall soundtrack can keep you calm and on-task. Pro tip – combine ambient music with nature sounds (many playlists do this, e.g. soft piano with rain sounds) for a doubly calming effect.

Instrumental Tracks

Beyond classical and lo-fi, any instrumental music that you enjoy and find relaxing can work wonders. Jazz instrumentals, soft acoustic guitar pieces, lo-fi remixes of pop songs (without vocals), or even instrumental world music (like Indian classical or lo-fi beats from anime soundtracks) all remove the lyrical distraction while keeping your brain engaged. The general rule: if it has no lyrics and isn’t too fast or loud, it can be good study music.

For example, instrumental jazz often has a smooth flow that can make study sessions feel more pleasant, as long as it’s the mellow kind (free-form or very fast jazz might be distracting). Acoustic covers or piano versions of your favourite songs let you enjoy familiar melodies without accidentally singing along to words. Some students also like film scores (e.g. Hans Zimmer or Studio Ghibli soundtracks) – these are crafted to be emotive yet sit in the background. Just be careful to choose tracks that won’t spike your emotions too much (i.e., maybe skip that heartbreaking movie theme during study!).

Ultimately, personal preference plays a role – one student’s concentration-boosting guitar solo might be another’s distraction. But across the board, instrumental music of various genres is a safe bet for improving focus compared to vocal music.

Genres and Music to Avoid While Studying

Just as certain music can help, some types can hurt your concentration. To keep your study session effective, steer clear of:

Lyrical Music in a Language You Understand

Catchy lyrics are basically distractions set to music. Your brain can’t help but process the words, which competes with the material you’re studying. Studies confirm that music with lyrics tends to impair reading comprehension and memory of what you’re working on​. So save your favourite pop or rap bangers for break time, not homework time.

Fast or Loud Music

If the tempo is too high or the volume too loud, music can overstimulate you and reduce your working memory capacity​. Heavy metal, hard rock, or uptempo EDM at full blast might pump you up, but they often make it harder to concentrate on complex tasks or retain information. One study aptly noted that “fast and loud background music disrupts reading comprehension”​ – your brain ends up fighting the music rather than focusing on the page.

Songs That Are Too Familiar or Beloved

This one’s personal. If a song either makes you want to sing along because you love it or makes you cringe because you hate it, don’t include it in a study playlist. Strong emotional reactions (positive or negative) can break your focus. You want neutral music that keeps you steady. That chart-topping track you’re obsessed with might be better as a reward after you finish your revision, not during!

Sudden Changes & Surprises

Be cautious of genres like experimental jazz, progressive rock, or any playlist that jumps abruptly between styles. When music has unpredictable shifts, your brain pays more attention to the music trying to figure out what’s coming – not ideal when you need that brainpower for maths or literature! Consistency is key, so playlists with a coherent mood and volume are preferable.

Tip: If you really prefer music with vocals, try songs in a language you don’t speak (so you’re less likely to get distracted by the meaning), or consider instrumental versions of those songs. For instance, K-pop fans sometimes study to K-pop instrumentals, and it works because they’re not processing the Korean lyrics actively.

Study-Friendly Music Genres & Their Benefits

To help you choose the perfect background music for your next study session, here’s a handy table summarising popular study music genres vs. their benefits (and things to watch out for):

(Note: Everyone’s brain is a bit different. While the above guidelines apply to most people, pay attention to what works best for you. If classical music stresses you out but nature sounds relax you – use that. If lo-fi makes you sleepy but movie soundtracks inspire you – go with those. The goal is to find audio that helps you study effectively.)

Practical Tips for Studying with Music

Ready to hit play? Before you dive into your next revision session with headphones on, check out these actionable tips to get the most benefit (and avoid common pitfalls) when using music as a study aid:

Keep the Volume Low

Study music should be in the background. If it’s too loud, it will dominate your thoughts instead of supporting them. A good rule of thumb is to set the volume low enough that you almost forget the music is playing.

Use Playlists or Long Mixes

Avoid constantly fiddling with song choices. Every time you stop to pick a new song, you break your focus. Use curated playlists or hour-long mixes so you can set it and forget it. (Dukes Plus is curating a special “Study Focus” Spotify playlist –check it out!) Also, consider using the cross-fade feature on music apps so songs blend together with no silence gap, keeping you in the zone.

No Lyrics (or Minimal Vocals)

We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: lyrics are distracting when studying languages, reading or doing heavy thinking. Choose instrumental versions of songs or wordless tracks. If you really miss vocals, try ones in a language you don’t know, or choral music where lyrics are less clear.

Pick a Tempo to Match Your Task

For math or tasks where you need to speed up, a slightly faster but steady tempo (say 100 BPM) can give you energy. For reading or memorisation, slower tempos (60-80 BPM) are usually more effective. Match the music to your desired mental state – upbeat to boost alertness, mellow to maintain calm concentration.

Avoid “Epic” Swings in the Music

Your study playlist isn’t the place for that head-banging guitar solo followed by a quiet piano piece and then a dubstep drop. Such contrasts can jolt your attention. Keep a relatively consistent mood/genre throughout a single study session. You can always switch playlists when you switch subjects or take a break.

Use Quality Audio or Downloads

If you’re streaming music with ads (e.g., free Spotify with commercials), be aware that a loud advert about the latest phone or movie can wreck your focus. Consider using student discounts for ad-free music, or download tracks so you won’t be interrupted. At the very least, have your playlist ready before you start, so you’re not searching for music mid-study.

Listen to Your Brain (Not Just Your Tunes)

Pay attention to whether the music is actually helping. If you find yourself reading the same sentence five times or drifting off, the music might be wrong for the task – or you might need a short break. It’s okay to study in silence if music isn’t working for you at times. Some days you might need it, other days you might prefer quiet or just ambient noise. Be flexible and do what optimises your focus.

Experiment to Find Your Style

There’s no one-size-fits-all. Maybe classical puts you to sleep but you discover that lo-fi jazz piano keeps you perfectly alert. Or maybe nature sounds feel lonely but movie soundtracks make you feel motivated like the hero on a quest. Try different genres from our list during different types of work (reading, solving problems, memorising) to see what pairs best. Over time, you’ll curate the ultimate personal study playlist repertoire.

Lastly, remember that music is a tool, not a crutch. If you rely on it and it helps, great – but also practice studying without it occasionally (for example, exam halls are silent!). The goal is to improve your concentration and mood in a way that ultimately makes you a stronger learner, with or without headphones.

Dukes Plus Study Playlist

Study Playlist

A playlist featuring the best focus-friendly tracks (from classical to lo-fi and everything in between) specially curated for students.

Listen Now

Sources

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Hallam, S., & Price, J. (1998). “Can the Use of Background Music Improve the Behaviour and Academic Performance of Children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties?” British Journal of Special Education, 25(2), 88–91. SpringerLink+2CiteSeerX+2Academia+2

Thompson, W.F., Schellenberg, E.G., & Husain, G. (2001). “Arousal, Mood, and the Mozart Effect.” Psychological Science, 12(3), 248–251. ResearchGate+1ResearchGate+1

Jäncke, L. (2008). “Music, Memory and Emotion.” Journal of Biology, 7(6), 21.

Kämpfe, J., Sedlmeier, P., & Renkewitz, F. (2011). “The Impact of Background Music on Adult Listeners: A Meta-Analysis.” Psychology of Music, 39(4), 424–448. Semantic Scholar

Hallam, S., & Godwin, C. (2015). “Actual and Perceived Effects of Background Music on Creative Writing in the Primary Classroom.” Psychology of Education Review, 39(2), 15–21. ResearchGate+1NASEN+1

Healthline (2022). “Music and Studying: What the Research Says.”
Healthline  https://www.healthline.com/health/does-music-help-you-study?utm_source=chatgpt.com