Whether you’re used to sticking your headphones in as you revise or choose to work away in silence, we all have unique learning styles that are tailored to how we learn best.
For many people, listening to music can distract them from the task at hand, so peace and quiet is optimal for devoting your complete attention to your studies, but it’s possible that you’re simply listening to the wrong songs.
New research suggests that music is a wonderful way to enhance the study experience, with select genres and styles benefiting your brain in ways you could never expect.
As part of my Accounting Exam Accelerator Programme, I aim to improve students’ receptiveness to learning by identifying the various ways in which information can be processed aside from the typical techniques we already know of.
What Music Should You Be Listening To?
We’re all prone to our favourite songs, artists and even genres, so listening to something unfamiliar might not be our first choice, but certain types of music that wouldn’t always be first choice have been proven to have a positive effect on studying.
When focusing on revising for an exam, it’s best to pick calming music that elevates your mood to create a productive atmosphere rather than having someone scream in your ear.
Studies have shown that classical music is the most peaceful genre and therefore is the least distracting to listen to whilst studying.
Mozart has taken the title for the best artist to tune into when studying, with the aptly named ‘Mozart Effect’ stating that listening to the classical composer can even boost scores on an IQ test.
The primary belief behind instrumental music’s positive effect is that catchy tunes and lyrics can distract you from what you should be paying attention to, so avoid sticking with your usual playlist if it includes anything that might steer your focus away from your work.
Listening to the radio can also be detrimental to your attention span, as your brain, either unconsciously or consciously for those of us who love hearing conversations, will focus on the voices around you rather than the written words.
You don’t even have to listen to music, you could tune into some environmental soundtracks, such as heavy rain, flowing waterfalls, chirping birds or crashing waves – anything that takes your mind away from the room you are in.
How Can Music Work For You?
Having the right balance between all aspects of what you listen to can be tricky at first, with there being a fine line between aspects such as volume, distraction and relaxation.
It’s imperative that you have a routine that works for you rather than sticking to a strict way which you know isn’t helping, so here are some of my tips for incorporating music into your study routine.
1. Manage Volume
Even the calmest of music can be distracting when it’s at too high of a volume, no matter if it’s played in your headphones or out in the open.
Your main focus is on studying, not bopping along to whatever you are listening to, so keep a volume to an appropriate level where you are sure you won’t be distracted by its loudness.
2. Create A Playlist
We use playlists nearly everyday, so creating a set study one should be a no-brainer and it provides you with easy access to the relaxing songs you will want to listen to when you’re soaking up all the accounting information.
The last thing you want to waste time on whilst you’re feeling the most productive is searching for songs to listen to, so be organised and make a playlist in advance so that you save yourself time in the long-run.
You could even utilise existing playlists on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or whatever platform you use to listen to songs, as there are often specific study sets to take advantage of if you don’t know where to start with your selection.
3. Time Your Songs
If you know you want to study for a set amount of time, try arranging a set of songs that lasts for 30, 60 or 90 minutes so that you know once the music stops, you stop.
This is a great way of organising your whole revision session as it gives you a basis to use every time you want to work.