Everybody’s ideal study environment is different. Maybe you need a quiet, library-style space with no sound at all, or maybe you need the buzz of noise behind you. Either way, what’s in your ears when you’re doing your Online Learning at home is important. If you plan on listening to music while you study, choosing the right kind is essential. Good tunes can calm you down, help you work better, raise your mood and help you stay focused. So, what type of music is considered the best for studying? Here’s some ideas, according to CNET, Fastweb, and Study International.
First, a little bit about creating a playlist
Don’t wait until it’s time to hit the books to decide what you’re listening to. Instead, decide it in advance, and make a playlist in your spare time, so it’s ready to go when it’s time to get to work. That way, you’ll just have to push play, and you can stay focused. Another tip is to keep your playlist to around 40-50 minutes, and use its ending as a reminder to take a study break when it’s over. Also, when it’s on, keep the volume to a minimum so that you can hear yourself think.
Songs without lyrics are usually a good choice
When you’re reading words, you don’t want another set of competing words in your head, so instrumental music, regardless of what it is, is often a good way to stay focused.
Classical Music
There used to be this theory called “the Mozart effect,” where it was believed that listening to classical music would make you smarter. That theory’s been debunked, but it’s still good music to study to, and studying makes you smarter. Aside from Mozart himself, Baroque classical music by Bach, Vivaldi and Handel are good choices too, simply because the music is composed of 60 beats-per-minute, and studies have shown that that tempo can specifically reduce stress, and encourage relaxation.
Jazz
Along the same lines as classical music, jazz is another musical form without lyrics that can also reduce stress, and has been linked to enhanced creativity.
Electronic Music
Chilled-out modern electronic music can also be good for deep studying and serious concentration. Subgenres include Ambient Trance, New Age and Trip Hop, and yes, this is where the “Low-Fi Hip Hop Beats to Study To” video comes in.
Background noise
Sometimes, it doesn’t have to be music you’re listening to. Playlists of background noise like nature sounds or ocean waves, or more man-made noises like TV static or an air conditioner’s hum, can be a good choice if you’re the type that’s distracted by any kind of music. This type of sound is sometimes also known as ambient music, and can keep your mind engaged at a more subconscious level.
Feel free to experiment, but remember the point
There’s no hard and fast rule about what music is bad for you, but energetic, loud music like dance beats or heavy metal are probably not good ideas. Truly, though, it all comes down to personal preference. Feel free to experiment and find out what suits you, because the worst outcome is a slow work day. After all, it’s the studying part that’s the most important, and the point of the music is to not distract you, but put you in a productive, effective headspace.
By Anthony Geremia