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50 Relaxing Tracks for Concentration: Calm Meditation Music for Brain Exercises, Exam Study, Learning, Reading and Working

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Classical music for studying: the 14 greatest pieces for brain power

5 April 2024, 14:35

By Maddy Shaw Roberts

Need to get your head down? Science suggests these are the perfect classical works for studying.

Music can make or break a revision session. So, we put together a countdown of the perfect classical music to set you on the path to success.

Listen on Global Player: ‘Classic FM Revision’ live playlist for concentration

Salzburg Symphony No. 1 (‘Divertimento in D major’) – Mozart

The perfect, high-spirited slice of musical motivation to throw you head-first into your study session. Extensive interplay between the violins will drive you on and set you up for an efficient day of revision.

Mozart - Divertimento in D major, K. 136 (1772)

Canon in D – Pachelbel

An easy-but-a-goodie. The way Pachelbel’s Canon builds on that one, steady cello line makes it the ideal concentration soundtrack.

Pachelbel's Canon in D - Off the Staff

Gymnopédie No. 1 – Erik Satie

Take a deep breath, a warm sip of tea and listen to this beautiful, minimal piano piece. Sometimes, the simplest melodies can bring the deepest thoughts…

Satie - Gymnopédie No. 1

Goldberg Variations – Bach

A masterpiece of classical repertoire. Bach ’s music has a deep, disciplined measure and precise structure that make it the ideal soundtrack to a stimulating study session.

Variation 5 from Bach's Goldberg Variations

Academic Festival Overture – Brahms

Time to up the pace a little. Brahms is the perfect pace-quickener for when you need to blast through long passages of text – and when that brass fanfare hits, it’s just pure joy.

Bernstein - Academic Festival Overture (Brahms)

Time (Inception) – Hans Zimmer

Intense, moving and disturbing: Zimmer ’s main theme for Inception has the power to take you into a world of pure focus, determination and brain power.

Hans Zimmer - Time (Official Audio)

The Well-Tempered Clavier – Bach

Fingers starting to feel a bit clumsy on the old laptop keys? J.S. Bach ’s Well-Tempered Clavier is a masterpiece of precision, designed to train your mind as well your keyboard technique.

Lang Lang – Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier: Book 1, 1.Prelude C Major, BWV 846

Etudes – Chopin

Lunch break is over, you’ve had a coffee, now let’s get back to it. The ambitious arpeggio passages in Chopin ’s fiendish Etudes are the perfect brain-trainer.

Chopin: Etudes Op.10 and Op.25 (Fialkowska)

Piano Concerto No. 23 – Mozart

It’s long been rumoured that listening to Mozart is good for focusing ( some studies even say it could make your baby smarter). While there may be no proof in that particular pudding, the gorgeous rising melodies and beautifully balanced rhythms in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 will guide you into the right mindset.

Mozart -Piano Concerto No 23 A major K 488, Maurizio Pollini, Karl Bohm

The Hours – Philip Glass

A genius work of minimalism. Simple layers on simple layers build, creating beautiful cross-rhythms to spur you on in the moments where it feels like the revision may never end.

The Hours - Philip Glass

Etudes – Debussy

Debussy designed each of his etudes to focus on a different practice technique. The perfect framework for an efficient study session.

Mitsuko Uchida - Debussy, Douze Études (complete) [1989]

A Beautiful Mind – James Horner

For those moments when you feel like your brain just isn’t up to it, pop this on. Horner ’s gorgeous orchestration and spinning melodies give you the power and drive to make you feel capable of anything.

A Beautiful Mind 01: A Kaleidoscope of Mathematics (James Horner)

I Giorni – Einaudi

A gentle, hypnotic piece to bring you peace while you work, and to help you breathe if you ever feel like there’s just too much on your plate.

Ludovico Einaudi - I Giorni

Moonlight Sonata (I) – Beethoven

A slow, hypnotic set of arpeggios lulls you into Beethoven ’s most loved solo piano piece. Reflective and calm, it’s the ideal background music to your studies.

Pianist creates mesmerising visualisation of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata

Listen now to Classic FM Revision on Global Player – our non-stop, live playlist for ultimate concentration.

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The best music to listen to while you work or study

They say classical music makes the best study tunes, but are we really limited to Bach and Mozart?

You've probably heard that classical music is good for studying, taking tests and doing creative work. This idea stems from the " Mozart Effect ," a term coined in 1993 when scientists discovered that listening to Mozart's Sonata for 10 minutes resulted in better spatial reasoning skills -- a particular type of intelligence that involves visualizing and manipulating images in your brain. 

The findings in that 1993 study got blown out of proportion, however, and classical music became synonymous with intelligence: so synonymous, in fact, that in 1998, then-Governor of Georgia Zell Miller proposed sending a classical cassette tape to every baby born in the state, free of charge, so that the babies would become smart. 

Even though the Mozart Effect has been more or less debunked in the time since, some experts still argue that music can offer other benefits to our brains -- namely, concentration and productivity. 

Read more: How to create the best exercise playlist for better workouts

How can music help us focus?

Consider these few reasons why music might help you plow through your to-do list: 

Elicits positive emotions: People tend to be more productive and efficient when happy ( recent research confirms this ), and the right kind of music can put a little pep in your step. People who listen to music, in fact, may be happier overall than people who don't listen to music.

Makes you feel upbeat: Sometimes, work and life just feel drab. If you've been feeling bored, a happy tune can make lackluster tasks seem more appealing. 

Drowns out other noise: If you've ever worked in a coffee shop or an office with an open floor plan, you've probably been driven up the wall by the sounds of someone sniffling or shuffling their feet. Listening to music, particularly through a good pair of headphones , can drown out distracting noises.

Read more:   Best music streaming: Spotify, Apple Music and more, compared     

If you can't stand the sounds of your work environment, use music to drown them out. 

Can music really make you more productive?

Research on music for productivity is inconclusive, to say the least. Some studies show that background music can improve your episodic memory and overall cognitive performance , yet other research suggests that background music can actually be a detriment to your ability to focus and learn . Still others say that it has no effect one way or another .

There are factors that affect whether background music works, too: Some research suggests that background music needs to be free of lyrics in order to promote productivity ; other studies say simply that whether music aids in concentrating depends on how much a worker likes or dislikes the music . 

Note that the studies discussed in this section measure something different than the aforementioned Mozart Effect. While the Mozart Effect measures the ability of music to enhance intelligence after the music stops playing, research on music for productivity investigates background music, or music that plays while your attention is primarily on something else (your work).

Read more:   Best turntable under $300 in 2020: Audio Technica, Pro-ject, Fluance and more   

40 gorgeous headphones for people who are sick of black

What kind of music helps us focus? 

With the fact that there's no real scientific consensus in mind, it's worth looking at the handful of research studies on different types of music and their ability to aid in concentration.

Classical music

Despite the muting of the Mozart Effect, some research still suggests that classical music can help people learn and focus (just not as impressively so as the 1990s would have you believe). For example, one study found that college students who listened to classical music during lecture learned more than those who listened to the same lecture without classical music. Some research suggests, however, that classical (or any type of complex) music is best when performing simple tasks , rather than complicated ones.

Ambient music

Ambient music is a style of gentle, tone-based music that utilizes ambient sounds like the hum of an air conditioner or the buzz of TV static. Ambient music often lacks a true beat, usually doesn't have lyrics, and ends up blending into the preexisting background noise -- this is why ambient sounds like white noise are often used at sleep aids . 

In terms of focus and productivity, one study found that white noise can help people with ADHD ignore noisy environments and perform tasks with more efficiency. There's still a lot of work to do, however, when it comes to understanding when ambient noise helps and when it doesn't , according to recent research from the University of Alberta.

Nature sounds

We already know that spending time in nature is good for our physical health. It turns out that listening to nature sounds, even when trapped in an office, can boost your mood and promote deep focus . Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York found that soothing nature sounds, such as rainfall, can mask intrusive sounds and help workers stay on task. 

This Nature Sounds playlist on Spotify has more than one million monthly listeners, a good indication that the playlist works for something, be it relaxation, sleep or focus. 

Test your music system with these great rock tracks

What type of music to avoid

Just as particular styles of music can help you focus and get things done, other styles can sabotage your efforts no matter how strong your work ethic. There's no research that explicitly compares the effects of different types of music on productivity, but most people can probably agree that it's best to avoid distracting styles, such as dubstep music and heavy metal, while working. 

Truly, though, it all comes down to personal preference. And it's not as if experimenting with background music can really hurt -- we're talking about music here, not whether a food additive is safe or not . The worst outcome is a slow day at work and perhaps a bit of scolding from your boss. 

You should know yourself well enough to understand what types of music and sounds help you focus, and which ones don't. If you find yourself struggling to focus with '80s classic rock in the background, maybe it's a good idea to turn off the Guns N' Roses and switch to something with less electric guitar.  

It's worth experimenting to find out what kind of music helps you focus. I personally can't listen to any music, regardless of style or tempo, that has lyrics. I've tried and tried and failed. I just get too caught up in the words and can't concentrate on the task at hand.

Instead, I've found that I focus much better when listening to soft electronic music or nature sounds (particularly rain and waterfalls). Some of my most productive days have been the result of simply switching on a floor fan to block out distracting noises. 

In the end, as with all things, do what works best for you.   

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Getting Through College and surviving Adulthood

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“I Studied To This”: 12 Best Study Playlists on Spotify

Are you in dire need of some serious study motivation? Look no further than the array of study playlists available on Spotify that are specifically designed to help you focus and concentrate.

Whether it’s classical music, ambient noise, concentration-inducing beats, or something else that helps you zone in, the right playlist can help make studying much more productive.

I love studying while listening to music! In fact, it’s one of my favorite ways to get in the zone . And sure, some people think music is just a distraction – but not me! A good playlist can be an incredible motivator to power through those tough assignments.

If you’re into music, you probably have entire playlists dedicated to different activities; one for when you want to dance around your room, another perfect for when you need motivation, and one more for chilling out.

The same goes for studying: specific playlists can help make focusing easier and give you that extra Oomph… of inspiration when you need it most.

Related: How to Ace Exams Like a Boss: 11 Exam Tips for College Students!

Related : How to Get Good Grades in College: The Ultimate Guide

To get you started on your search for the perfect study-focused playlist, here are some of my favorites :

You’re Studying? Give your brain something to jam to – A Guide to the Best Concentration Playlists on Spotify!

1. brain food.

This is the perfect study playlist if you’re feeling unmotivated or just sick of studying all day. The songs in this playlist are very upbeat and will have you bobbing your head in no time.

There aren’t any lyrics , so it won’t distract you while working on your homework or cramming the night before a big exam. It might even help boost your mood and get you through the rest of your study session.

2. Instrumental Study

Some people prefer to study and focus in silence, so this playlist is perfect for them. The songs are instrumental and have no vocals, which should make focusing much easier.

This playlist is also a great choice if you’re trying to focus and stay alert or if you need something calming after a long day of studying.

3. Motivation Instrumental

This playlist is perfect for whenever you’re feeling unmotivated. The upbeat and energetic songs will have you feeling better in no time.

This playlist has a mix of slow , sad songs and fast, upbeat ones, so it should be able to match whatever mood you’re in.

4. Jazz in the background : Best study playlists on Spotify

This playlist will help you get your studying mode on when you don’t feel like working or when you’re not in the mood to study. When studying for an important test, it can be very difficult to stay focused for long periods.

This playlist has a collection of soft jazz music that does not distract you. It gets you in the mood to do more. This playlist is perfect for when you just need a little push, inspiration, or motivation.

5. Deep Focus

This playlist is just what you need for those marathons of studying. It features soothing rock music that will help keep you focused while you put in the hours.

The tranquil tunes have no lyrics so as to not disturb your study sessions. It features music that’s soft and mellow, like a rock-infused lullaby–so it’s perfect for those times when you just need to get stuff done.

Plus, it’ll keep you from getting distracted or losing focus. It’s great for when you want to sit down and do schoolwork for hours on end.

6. Intense Studying

This playlist is not for the faint of heart. The songs are very motivational and are all sort of fast-paced and upbeat. Intense studying is made up of energetic piano music so that it will have you on your feet in no time.

The music on this playlist is the perfect choice for whenever you’re cramming for an exam or trying to finish up a big project.

7. Totally Stress-Free : Best study playlists on Spotify

This playlist is ideal if you need a break from concentrating! It’s got all kinds of tunes – so whatever vibe you’re feeling, we’ve got you covered. Time to relax, kick back , and let the music take over!

OR , if you’re feeling like embracing the work, this is the perfect soundtrack to get your creative juices flowing. Let’s focus and get to work!

8. Study Power Hour

This playlist is the perfect study buddy — it’ll keep you motivated and focused so you can breeze through those courses.

Plus, when you need a break, it’ll help you relax and unwind . So throw this playlist on and get ready to ace your exams!

9. Chill Lofi Study Beats : Best study playlists on Spotify

This playlist is your one-stop shop for studying: it features relaxing tunes, instrumentals, and upbeat bops; guaranteed to help you stay focused and make the task at hand much more bearable.

With its laid-back beats and variety of instruments, this playlist will keep you from getting bored so you can actually ace that test!

10. Creativity Boost

Often when you’re studying or doing homework, it’s hard to think of new ideas and get inspired. This playlist is great for when you want to start brainstorming for creative writing or for when you need a push to come up with new ideas for your next project.

11. This Is Mozart: The Best study playlists on Spotify

The songs in this playlist are all instrumental and will help you focus, but at the same time, they’re not too calm and won’t put you to sleep. This playlist is perfect for when you need a math or science heads-up or just want to focus on your homework.

12. Upbeat Instrumental Music

This Spotify playlist is a great way to relax and chill while still getting down to business with your studies. Instrumental music helps keep you focused, so you can make the most of those studying sessions.

Whether it’s an intense all-nighter or just a casual afternoon , the Upbeat Instrumental Music playlist will keep your concentration levels sky-high and help you reach peak productivity. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to ace those study sessions!

So there you have it!

With these awesome Spotify playlists, you can now get your studying done and still relax and chill. You no longer need to choose between a good time and achieving success in the classroom — now, you can do both!

And when things look too hard or overwhelming, just take a moment to listen to these awesome playlists and you’ll be able to get right back into it with renewed focus.

So here’s me wishing you lots of luck on your study sessions and exams, and let’s make studying a cool thing Again !

“Studying? No sweat! Just add some music and you’ll be acing that exam in no time!”

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Enhance your focus: 8 best music to study and concentrate

Picture this: you’re at a library, preparing to complete your assignment or revise for an upcoming exam. 

But your friends are busy chatting, loud chattering noises flood the space, and ambient noises distract you. 

Usually, you would struggle in this kind of environment — but that doesn’t have to be the case when you have a playlist of the best, science-backed music to study and concentrate. 

Certain types of music, particularly those with a slow tempo, can relax even the most tense of  minds. Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America/Getty Images/AFP

Why are certain genres of music more effective in helping you study than others?

It’s  been proven  that listening to certain types of music in specific situations can boost productivity and mood, from enhancing the quality of your workout to reducing stress and anxiety. 

As a student, you would have crafted or listened to a study focus music playlist at least once in your life. 

You may have noticed that listening to certain genres improved your concentration, especially if you’ve been studying in louder environments such as cafes. 

Or perhaps you enjoy going to the library, slipping your headphones on, and listening to songs while you work. 

If this sounds like you, you’re one of the thousands of students who do the same thing. 

A survey showed that around  60% of students  tend to listen to music while studying. Researchers also found that listening to music was the  most popular side activity  for teens who juggled studying with another task.

Not all music does the job, though. A  University of Toronto study found that loud music negatively affects reading comprehension, agitating rather than focusing the listener. 

Similarly, the  University of Wales  found that sometimes, music — especially music with lyrics — can worsen a student’s working memory and reading comprehension. 

What are the best music to study and concentrate?

1. classical music.

Classical music is one of the best music to help you study and concentrate. 

There’s a theory dubbed  “The Mozart Effect”  that suggests this genre of music can enhance brain activity and arouse your brain to focus.

There are also several studies done where students listening to classical music did better on quizzes than students with no music.

Suggestions:

• ClassicFM  (a free radio streaming platform that plays famous classical pieces)
• “ Study Playlist: Classical Music ”  on Spotify
• “ Classical Music for When You’re on a Deadline ”  on YouTube

2. Lo fi music

We’ll be lying if we say we’ve never Googled “lo fi chill for studying” several times in a week. 

“Lo-fi” stands for “low-fidelity,” a type of sound recording that uses distortion, hum, background noise, or limited frequency response — making it distinct from live recordings.

Whatever it’s made of, playing lo-fi chill for studying makes us relax, focus, and ultimately,  study better . Research says this is because these “flaws” trigger our cerebrum — the uppermost part of the brain — to help us focus.

Speaking to Hyde.edu, student Haley Bounds says lo-fi music can  keep her focused  while she completes her assignments. “Sometimes,” she says, “I actually lose track of time doing homework or reading my books.”

• “ 3 Hours of Music for Studying for Concentration and Focus ” on Spotify
• “ Lofi Hip Hop Radio 📚 — Beats To Relax/Study To ” on YouTube
• LofiCafe (a website to stream lo-fi music to study and concentrate)

Video game franchises like the “Legend of Zelda” have some of the best music to study and concentrate. Source: Richard A. Brooks/AFP

3. Video game music

This might surprise you, but video game music is actually one of the best music for homework. 

According to  Orion Academy , video game music is designed to  keep you absorbed and focused  — which is also great for memorising. 

When your brain is focused on just melody, it’s taking a break from trying to break down the lyrics of a song and thus increases your performance.

Video game music tends to stay at a relatively low, constant volume too. This prevents you from becoming distracted by sudden increases in volume.

Since video game music is generally fast-paced, your brain will be constantly engaged in the task at hand.

• “ Video Game Soundtracks ”  on Spotify
• “ Video Game Study Lounge ” on YouTube
• Choose favourites from this  list  and create your own playlist

4. Nature sounds

Nature sounds relax our nervous system. Researchers at  Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute  have discovered that natural sounds boost moods and focus.

The study found employees were more productive and had more positive feelings when nature sounds were playing in the background while they worked.

Nature sounds include the soothing sounds of the rain, ocean waves on the beach or even the jungle. Some prefer listening to bird calls and animal noises.

From the peak of Everest to the deepet ocean beds, there are millions of nature sounds to experiment with and find the best music for homework that works for you.

• “ Relaxing Nature Sounds for Sleeping – Natural Calm Forest Waterfall Music Meditation Sound for Study “  on YouTube
• “ Nature Sounds For Concentration ”  on Spotify
• “ Rain Sounds + Stream for Sleep, Focus, Studying | 4K Nature Video White Noise 10 Hours ” on YouTube

Binaural beats play two slightly different tones in each ear, creating a unique sound in your brain. Source: Miguel Medina/AFP

5. Binaural beats

Binaural beats are like a secret weapon for studying and concentrating. They work by playing two slightly different tones in each ear, creating a unique sound in your brain. This sound has a powerful effect on your mind and can help you focus and retain information better.

When you listen to binaural beats, they stimulate your brainwaves and bring them into a state of calm focus. They can shift your brain from a busy, distracted mode to a more relaxed and attentive state. Picture giving your brain a gentle massage — helping it to tune in and concentrate on the task at hand.

These beats also help synchronise your brain’s left and right hemispheres. The result? You’ll find it easier to process and remember information.  

• “ Focus Music, Binaural Beats Concentration Music for Studying, Super Intelligence ” on YouTube
• “ Pure 40 HZ Binaural Beats: The Frequency for FOCUS, MEMORY, and CONCENTRATION ” on YouTube
• “ Super Focus: Flow State Music – Alpha Binaural Beats, Study Music for Focus and Concentration ” on YouTube 

6. Isochronic tones

Isochronic tones are like a superhero soundtrack for studying and concentrating. They are powerful audio pulses that have a remarkable impact on our brainwaves. When you listen to isochronic tones, your brain responds by syncing up with these rhythmic pulses, creating a state of focused attention.

Unlike binaural beats, isochronic tones don’t require headphones. You can easily hear them through speakers — making them a convenient tool for enhancing concentration and study sessions.

The rhythmic pulses of isochronic tones help to stimulate the brain and bring it into a state of deep focus. They promote alpha and beta brainwave patterns, which help to boost alertness, concentration, and information retention.

Suggestions: 

• “ Harmony Streaming ” on Spotify 
• “ Upbeat Study Music for Concentration – Peak Focus Isochronic Tones ” on Youtube
• “ Increase Concentration with Study Focus Isochronic Tones – Electronic ” on YouTube 

Music is the food of the soul — in the case of rhythm and blues, it may even be the best music to study and concentrate.  Source: Pius Utomoi Ekpei/AFP

Are you someone who easily gets distracted? Then RNB may not be the best music to study and concentrate. 

There’s a high chance you might spend too much time jamming to the lyrics of the song instead of focusing.

While music in this genre generally has lyrics, many RnB fans reported feeling more relaxed, focused, and less stressed, which may have a positive impact on their ability to focus and learn.

Suggestions”

• “ Study R&B Smooth Songs ” on Spotify”
• “ Chill R&B Beats Mix – Beats to Relax and Study (Vol.) ” on YouTube

Zero in on the chants of monks, one of the most effective music to study and concentrate. Source: Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP

8. Meditation music

Gentle rhythms and soft tones promote a meditative state of mind. It helps to clear mental clutter and boost your concentration. 

What’s more, meditation music often incorporates nature sounds, such as flowing water or bird songs. These natural sounds have a soothing effect on your mind, promoting a sense of harmony and tranquillity.

We recommend daily meditation (HeadSpace and Calm are our favourite apps) for overall better performance in school or at uni. 

• “ Deep Meditation Music To Achieve Calmness and Bring Positive Energy ” on Spotify
• “ The Sound of Inner Peace 14 | 528 Hz | Relaxing Music for Meditation, Zen, Yoga & Stress Relief ” on YouTube
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March 3, 2020

Does Music Boost Your Cognitive Performance?

The answer depends on your personality

By Cindi May

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Music makes life better in so many ways. It elevates mood , reduces stress and eases pain . Music is heart-healthy , because it can lower blood pressure , reduce heart rate and decrease stress hormones in the blood. It also connects us with others and enhances social bonds . Music can even improve workout endurance and increase our enjoyment of challenging activities .

The fact that music can make a difficult task more tolerable may be why students often choose to listen to it while doing their homework or studying for exams. But is listening to music the smart choice for students who want to optimize their learning?

A new study by Manuel Gonzalez of Baruch College and John Aiello of Rutgers University suggests that for some students, listening to music is indeed a wise strategy, but for others, it is not. The effect of music on cognitive functioning appears not to be “one-size-fits-all” but to instead depend, in part, on your personality—specifically, on your need for external stimulation. People with a high requirement for such stimulation tend to get bored easily and to seek out external input. Those individuals often do worse , paradoxically, when listening to music while engaging in a mental task. People with a low need for external stimulation, on the other hand, tend to improve their mental performance with music.

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But other factors play a role as well. Gonzalez and Aiello took a fairly sophisticated approach to understanding the influence of music on intellectual performance, assessing not only listener personality but also manipulating the difficulty of the task and the complexity of the music. Whether students experience a perk or a penalty from music depends on the interplay of the personality of the learner, the mental task, and the music.

In the study, participants first completed the Boredom Proneness Scale , which is a personality test used to determine need for external stimulation. They then engaged in an easy cognitive task (searching for the letter A in lists of words) and a more challenging one (remembering word pairs). To control for practice and fatigue effects, half of the subjects completed the easy task first, while the other half completed the challenging one first. Participants finished both tasks under one of three sound conditions: (a) no music, (b) simple music or (c) complex music. All of the music was instrumental, and music complexity was manipulated by varying the number of instruments involved in the piece. Simple music included piano, strings and synthesizer, while complex music added drums and bass to the simple piece.

The data suggest that your decision to turn music on (or off) while studying should depend on your personality. For those with a high need of external stimulation, listening to music while learning is not wise, especially if the task is hard and/or the music is complex. On the simple task of finding A’s, such subjects’ scores for the music condition were the same (for simple music) or significantly worse (for complex music) than those for the silent condition. On the complex task of learning word pairs, their performance was worse whenever music was played, regardless of whether it was simple or complex.

For those with a low need of external stimulation, however, listening to music is generally the optimal choice. On the simple task of findings A’s, such participants’ scores for the music condition were the same (for simple music) or dramatically better (for complex music) than those for the silent condition. On the complex task of learning word pairs, the participants showed a small but reliable benefit with both simple and complex music, relative to silence.

The results suggest that there are substantial individual differences in the impact of music on cognitive function, and thus recommendations regarding its presence in the classroom, study hall or work environment may need to be personalized. Students who are easily bored and who seek out stimulation should be wary of adding music to the mix, especially complex music that may capture attention and consume critical cognitive resources that are needed for successful task completion. On the other hand, students with a low need for stimulation may benefit significantly from the presence of music, especially when completing simple, mundane tasks.

Before students decide to slip in their earbuds, though, they should carefully consider both their musical selection and the nature of the task. All of the music used in the present study was instrumental, and lyrical music will likely be more complex. Complexity appears to increase arousal, and the Yerkes-Dodson law suggests that a moderate level of arousal produces optimal performance. When there is too little or too much arousal, performance drops. Thus, the benefits of music for those with a low need for external stimulation that were observed here could diminish or even disappear with the added complexity of lyrics.

Similarly, increases in the complexity of a cognitive task might also reduce or eliminate the benefit of music. Although the “complex” task used in this study (learning word pairs) was only moderately challenging, the increase in complexity, relative to the simple task, was enough to reduce music’s positive effect. With a highly challenging cognitive task (e.g., text comprehension or exam preparation), even those with a low need for external stimulation may fail to show such an effect with music.

With the right (low-need-for-stimulation) personality, the right (instrumental) music and the right (low-to-moderately-difficult) task, the presence of music may significantly improve cognitive functioning. Given the many other physical, emotional and psychological benefits of music, that subscription to Spotify just might pay for itself!

Cindi May is a professor of psychology at the College of Charleston. She explores avenues for improving cognitive function and outcomes in college students, older adults and individuals who are neurodiverse.

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