7 Benefits Of Studying While Listening to Music


Mark Barrow

Are you having trouble concentrating on your studies for extended periods of time? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, many of us face this challenge on a daily basis.

Poor focus can derail productivity and make it difficult to retain information. However, incorporating music into your study routine can be an effective way to enhance your academic work. Music has the power to improve focus, reduce stress, increase productivity, boost memory retention, enhance creativity, improve cognitive performance, reduce distractions, and enhance relaxation.

In this blog post, we will delve into the 7 benefits of listening to music while you study and revise. Let’s go.

Student writing in a book wearing headphones

1. Improved Focus and concentration:

It can be a challenge to maintain your concentration amidst the various distractions you encounter throughout the day. Listening to music while you study can help create a more focused environment by drowning out background noise and keeping you engaged with your work. Certain types of music, such as classical or ambient music, have also been shown to enhance focus and cognitive function, making them a great choice for study sessions. More about this later.

2. Enhanced Mood

Not only can music enhance your mood and uplift your spirit, but it can also create a positive and energetic atmosphere that helps to motivate you throughout your study sessions. By listening to your favourite tunes, you can make your study time more enjoyable, allowing you to stay focused and productive for longer periods.

3. Reduced Stress and anxiety:

Music can be a great tool to help relax the mind and body, making it easier to focus on studying. When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, listening to music can help you unwind and find inner peace. This is especially important during exam season or when facing academic challenges.

Studies have shown that music can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. The soothing melodies and rhythmic patterns of music can help calm your mind and alleviate feelings of anxiety and tension. So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, try putting on some calming music to help you relax and focus.

Student writing and holding a phone while wearing headphones

4. Increased motivation and productivity

Music can be a great tool to enhance your enthusiasm and energy levels while studying, leading to increased productivity. Maintaining high levels of efficiency during study sessions can be challenging, but music can help by creating a stimulating environment that keeps you engaged and focused on your task. The right music can boost your energy, improve your concentration, and motivate you to achieve your study goals, resulting in greater academic success in less time.

5. Boosted Memory Retention

Music can be helpful in improving memory and recall, especially when studying for exams. Memory retention is critical for effective learning and information processing. Music has been proven to enhance memory performance by stimulating the brain and creating a conducive environment for information processing. Studies suggest that certain types of music, such as classical music can improve memory retention and cognitive function.

6. Enhanced Creativity

Creativity is a valuable skill when writing essays and solving complex problems. Music has the power to stimulate creativity by activating different areas of the brain, and inspiring innovative thinking. By listening to music while studying, you can tap into your creative potential and approach your tasks from new and imaginative perspectives.

7. Enhanced Relaxation

Studying can be a stressful and demanding activity that can have a negative impact on your mental and emotional well-being. However, listening to music can be a great way to promote relaxation and create a calming atmosphere that helps you unwind and destress during study breaks.

By incorporating soothing melodies into your study routine, you can create a sense of tranquility and relaxation that rejuvenates your mind and body. Whether you’re preparing for a final exam or working on a major project, incorporating music into your study routine can enhance relaxation and help you maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and self-care.

Student holding a pencil and wearing headphones

Should you revise in silence or listen to music while studying?

Music isn’t always a must. Tasks that require close attention to detail (like proofreading or referencing) would be better performed in quieter environments. Plus, if you are listening to music, you should set the dial so it is at a low enough volume where your mental voice is loud and clear.

What’s the best type of music to listen to while studying?

When it comes to studying, the type of music you listen to can play an important role in helping you concentrate. However, it’s important to note that not all types of music work for everyone, so it’s essential to find the right genre or playlist that suits your preferences. Here are some examples and sources of music that can help you study better:

  • Instrumental music: Listening to instrumental music can help you focus better by freeing up the part of your brain that processes language, letting you focus on both reading and writing.
  • Listening to classical music, such as piano or organ works by Bach or Beethoven, has been proven to enhance information retention. Music with a good rhythm can help you maintain focus and stay in the flow.
  • Video game music can provide a good amount of background noise without being overly distracting. The likes of World of Warcraft, Skyrim, and some Witcher tracks are great to listen to. Video game music is designed to help keep you engaged in a game, but it can also keep you engaged in your study.
  • Ambient sounds can boost creativity. According to a 2012 research published in the Journal of Consumer Research, ambient sound, which consists of recordings of actual environments like a coffee shop, library, or the peaceful outdoors, can help you focus better while studying and enhance your creativity. It is a scientifically proven tool that is often overlooked.

Study Music Playlists:

There are lots of ready made study-specific playlists available to help you focus on your work without the distraction of finding the right songs. You can easily avoid being sidetracked by unsuitable playlists and get straight down to work with the right music. Here are some options for you to try.

  • YouTube study music playlists: Searching for ‘study music’ on YouTube and you’ll find hundreds of playlists created specifically to help you relax and focus. The genres include ambient study music, lofi hip-hop, soothing jazz, and ambient sounds. However, there’s lots of choice, so make sure you find the right one for you.
  • Study music playlists – You’ll be able to find your perfect study soundtrack from the below playlists, all have been put together by other students. There’s over 70 hours of music here:

Studying while listening to music offers a myriad of benefits that can enhance your academic performance and overall well-being. From improved focus and enhanced mood to reduced stress and increased productivity, music has the power to transform your study experience and make learning more enjoyable and effective. For more tips on how to improve your study setting and create the ideal learning environment, check out our blog on How to Create a Productive Study Environment in Your Dorm Room.

Whether you prefer instrumental music, ambient sounds, or upbeat tunes, the key is to find music that resonates with you and helps you stay engaged and motivated throughout your study sessions.

Whatever music you choose to listen to while you study and revise, you can find your perfect study space in one of our top quality student homes. We have over 180 flats and houses to choose from, in all of the most popular student areas in Liverpool. View all of our available student properties in Liverpool here.