Listening to classical music while studying can improve test scores

Listening to music while Studying can improve focus, and studies reveal that works by classical masters such as Bach, Brahms, Mozart can also help improve test scores by improving sleep patterns and reducing stress.

Students commonly listen to music while studying, doing assignments or homework, be it at home or in college campus.

However, a few studies done in this area reveal that listening to classical music (and not other genres of music) seems to show dramatic improvement in test scores of students.

So if you have been listening to rap, rock while studying, perhaps it’s a good idea to switch over to classical music instead, in case you want to score more marks.

A 1993 study named “the Mozart Effect” found that listening to classical music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart improved spatial reasoning (capacity to think about objects in three dimensions).

However, follow-up studies found that the improved cognitive function was not Mozart-specific. Further, more research was required to test whether listening to classical music could influence information retention.

But a 2011 study of French undergraduates, published in Learning and Individual Differences, found that students who listened to classical music in the background while studying reach a heightened emotional state, making them more receptive to information, which helps them score better.

For this particular research, the French researchers played excerpts from Bach’s Third Brandenburg Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.

The beauty of classical music is that the listener reaches a relaxed state even without consciously listening to it.

Classical music also reduces test anxiety which further helps students fare well in exams.

Instrumental Music for Studying

Most students like to listen to music while studying, but music can also distract you, rather than help you concentrate on your studies.

Usually, songs with lyrics can distract that part of the brain which you use to repeat things to yourself, when you’re learning.

That is why it makes more sense to use instrumental tracks, without any lyrics, especially when preparing for exam study sessions.

Relaxing Studying Music

There is no denying that good music can help you get through your homework and revisions. While we all have our favorite songs, not all of them help you to focus you on your work or on studies. It might give you that break you need and even energize you, but it can also distract you from your work.