The question of whether music helps with learning is not just a matter for you - from students to researchers, entire scientific studies have been written on the subject. The result: music can enrich learning, lift the mood and promote concentration. However, as with many things in our lives, there is no simple recipe that works for every person.
I have researched a number of studies on the subject in order to highlight a few points below that may answer your question a bit more detailed.
Imagine you're sitting at your desk, the mountain of tasks is growing and you're feeling stressed. This is exactly where music can come into play! The right playlist can create a relaxed atmosphere and help you clear your head. Soft, harmonious melodies in particular can give you peace and promote concentration.
Perhaps you've heard of the Mozart effect? This is the idea that classical music - like that of Mozart - can increase your ability to absorb information. Sure, you won't become a genius overnight, but it has been proven by studies that such sounds can help improve your focus.
Music can also be a real motivation booster. You probably know this: long study sessions can sometimes drag on like chewing gum. A rhythmic beat or your favorite melody can give you the momentum you need to keep going. Instrumental or ambient music in particular - without distracting lyrics - is ideal if you want to concentrate fully on the subject matter.
Of course, not every type of music is helpful for learning. This negative effect can happen when you listen to songs with lyrics - especially if the lyrics are in the same language as your learning material.
New music that you don't know yet can also be distracting. Your brain automatically tries to engage with the new sounds instead of focusing fully on the task at hand. It's therefore better to opt for familiar melodies that won't surprise you or throw you off balance.
Another tip: pay attention to the volume. Music that is too loud or too hectic can quickly become overwhelming. It's best to play it so quietly that it stays in the background and gently supports you.
The scientific key to success is to try out what works for you personally. Try out different types of music and make a playlist that is tailored to your needs. Quiet, gentle pieces of music are often ideal for concentrated work. If, on the other hand, you have creative tasks, it can be a little livelier.
Don't forget to take breaks from time to time - not just from studying, but also from the music. Sometimes it's good to enjoy a few minutes of complete silence before diving back into your tasks.
The studies are clear, whether music helps you learn depends entirely on you. It can be a powerful tool to increase your concentration, boost your motivation and make your study time more enjoyable. You just need to find out what kind of music supports you best.
And so that you don't have to search long, I've put together an overview of the best providers and playlists for music that promotes learning. Check them out and get ready to take your study time to the next level!
Should We Turn off the Music? Music with Lyrics Interferes with Cognitive Tasks:
https://journalofcognition.org/articles/10.5334/joc.273
IS MUSIC USEFUL FOR STUDYING:
https://www.simplestudies.org/blog/is-music-useful-for-studying
Studying to Music Can Put Your Brain in the Right Frame of Mind:
https://www.vaughn.edu/blog/best-study-music-and-benefits/
MUSIC FOR STUDY: NAVIGATING ITS IMPACT ON CONCENTRATION:
https://cambrilearn.com/blog/music-for-study-navigating-its-impact-on-concentration