music for science homework

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What is chrome music lab.

Chrome Music Lab is a website that makes learning music more accessible through fun, hands-on experiments.

What can it be used for?

Many teachers have been using Chrome Music Lab as a tool in their classrooms to explore music and its connections to science , math , art , and more. They’ve been combining it with dance and live instruments . Here’s a collection of some uses we’ve found on Twitter.

Can I use it to make my own songs?

Yes. Check out the Song Maker experiment, which lets you make and share your own songs.

Do I need to make an account?

Nope. Just open any experiment and start playing.

How were these built?

All our experiments are all built with freely accessible web technology such as Web Audio API , WebMIDI , Tone.js , and more. These tools make it easier for coders to build new interactive music experiences. You can get the open-source code to lots of these experiments here on Github .

What devices do these work on?

You can play with these experiments across devices – phones, tablets, laptops – just by opening the site on a web browser such as Chrome .

What's next for Chrome Music Lab?

We always get inspired by new, unexpected ways that people use these experiments. If you’d like to share something with us, post it with #chromemusiclab or drop us a line .

If You Need To Concentrate On A Big Project, Science Says This Kind Of Music Can Help

Focusing doesn't come naturally to many of us. Whether you're studying for exams, working on a huge presentation, or are trying to pick up a focus-heavy hobby, it probably couldn't hurt to get an extra focus boost without changing your habits too much. And if you're the kind of person to likes to have music on in the background at all times, you may be wondering whether your chosen soundtrack is helping or hindering your productivity. The good news: a backdrop of sound seems to be good for your attention. The bad: what you choose for your playlist has a real effect on how much you get done. The best music to study or do work to won't make your attention wander or take you out of your most productive phase. If you're all about that your playlists, listen up: you can hone your results by tweaking your tunes.

Human brains are seriously responsive to music, whether we're conscious of it or not. A study in 2016, for instance, found that brains pick up on the rhythm of music without any conscious attention; you may be completely distracted by something else, but your toes may still be tapping to the beat of the song in your headphones. But sorting out what helps and what hinders your attention as we try to focus is a complex area of research, and the results aren't necessarily what you'd expect.

Part of the answer, it seems, depends on what you want the soundtrack to do. If you're simply drowning out ambient noise in an office environment, a noisy shared apartment or a cafe, then research suggests that music that contains "nature sounds" may be your best bet. A study from 2015 found that "sound-masking" in open-plan offices, which are often hives of noise, works best when it contains some sounds from nature, possibly because the brain is tricked into believing it's outside and tunes out the natural distractions. If your favorite folk album contains samples of birdsong, this is a good time to put it in your headphones. But you want to know what kind of music will make you more focused, not just allow you to focus full stop. And that's where things get interesting.

Researchers have discovered that if you're trying to get a lot done, now is not the time to put on that new chart-topping bop you haven't heard yet, or a mix from your ex. Anything that contains an element that might distract you — emotion, novelty, interest or distaste — is a bad idea. The human brain has many different reactions to stimuli, and it's not going to find it easy to focus if you're providing it with music that prompts a host of feelings or thoughts.

Novelty is a particular issue: the human brain loves new stimuli and gets a hit of dopamine from novel experiences, so it will break off whatever it's doing to pay attention to new songs. New songs will also prompt one of the brain's most interesting responses to music: we start to pattern-predict. If a piece of music does something in chord progressions or rhythm that seems "untidy" or doesn't fit with our expectations, our brains immediately notice the "pattern" has gone wrong and pay attention to it. This is why so many "study playlists" include pieces like Pachelbel's Canon in D; they follow predictable rhythms that don't change.

Too many unfamiliar lyrics are a poor choice , too, according to researchers, because the brain will attempt to follow along and decipher the words, even if it's investing a huge portion of its conscious attention elsewhere. And emotionally resonant or memory-filled music is also distracting; our moods really do lift or fall depending on the emotions we've invested in the music we're hearing, and if it's something that has a lot of meaning for us, it's unwise to have it in the background as we're doing something else.

But that doesn't mean you should stay away from the familiar. The best bet for upping your productivity, according to research by the British Psychological Society in 2012, is a playlist of old favorites , regardless of their genre. They assessed athletes and their performances following a dose of their favorite music, and found that it increased their endurance and exertion in training sessions. While the music blocked out other sources of auditory distraction and stress, it also didn't provide any internal distractions itself: the athletes knew every word and beat, so their brains didn't devote any conscious attention to the music, instead using it to channel their focus "into the zone". Notably, the type of the music was completely irrelevant; whether it was classical or ska, the athletes responded to its familiarity and emotional comfort with greater efficiency and performance.

So if you're concocting a playlist for an intense piece of work, stick to predictable songs you know, but don't particularly care about. Save the new music playlist for your downtime.

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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4 best music for homework that’ll dramatically improve your productivity

Choosing the right music for homework can help you focus better and learn faster.

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.

While we may prefer different genres of focus music, we can all agree that the right playlist has the magical ability to boost concentration.

This is because music activates the most diverse networks of the human brain. It’s been proven that people with ADHD focus better with the right music.

This is on top of  existing research  that has found listening to music reduces anxiety, blood pressure, and improves sleep quality, mood, and memory.

Johns Hopkins University researchers have done work on jazz performers improvising inside an fMRI machine to see which areas of the brain light up as well.

They found that jazz musicians make unique improvisations by turning off inhibition and turning up creativity.

In short, if you find the right music for homework, you can elevate both brain power and creativity.

While there isn’t a one-size-fit-all approach to this, let us help you narrow down some of the best genres for you to try:

Here are the five best music for homework to help you increase your productivity:

Having the right music matters, even for top athletes. Source: Tiziana Fabi/AFP

1. Classical music

When picking music for homework, you’ve probably heard how classical music can increase your focus when studying.

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. 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, preventing 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 music for studying” on YouTube
• Choose favourites from this list and create your own playlist!

If you’re someone who easily gets distracted, RnB may not be the best music for homework for you. There’s a high chance that you might spend too much time jamming to the lyrics of the song instead of focusing.

Though music under his 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.

• “Study R&B Smooth Songs ” on Spotify
• “Chill R&B Beats Mix – Beats to Relax and Study (Vol.1)” on YouTube

4. Nature sounds 

It’s been shown that nature sounds relax our nervous system. Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute  have also 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, so feel free to explore if nature sounds aren’t the right music for homework for you. 

Relaxing Nature Sounds for Sleeping – Natural Calm Forest Waterfall Music Meditation Sound for Study on YouTube

“Nature Sounds For Concentration” on Spotify

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

This is the ultimate focus music for students, according to research

These are the best music types to engage your brain

• Media and Public Relations Services

The Best Music for Studying: What Scientists Said

By Joshua Robinson

A study by Stanford University found that music does aid your memory and help it to pay attention and recall things. Science has also found that different music genres impact men and women differently. For instance, men are more likely to focus more on classical music and lose concentration when listening to rock music.

This is clear proof that music can be subjective to any human being’s concentration. Here is a list of the best music playlist that can make a perfect companion for online studies. Almost all the recommended music types are instrumental, so you will not have to worry about the lyrics distracting your studies.

Ambient music

Ambient music is gentle and tone-based; it utilizes ambient sounds like the buzz of TV static, the hum of an air conditioner, among others. It often lacks true lyrics or beats and ends up with the existing background noise, so ambient sounds act as sleep aids for some people.

Science has found that white noise can help people with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder perform given tasks with more efficiency. People with ADHD often have trouble focusing on a single task for a long time, so music is necessary to concentrate on tasks like online classes.

Classical music

Even with the Mozart Effect that comes with classical music, science suggests that classical music can help students learn and focus more during studies. ScienceDirect conducted a study that involved college students who listened to  classical music during lecture , and the findings were as follows. Students who listened to Classical Music during lectures learned more than those who attended the same class without classical music.

However, several studies have found that classical music is most appropriate when performing a simple task rather than complex ones. Therefore, you should spare classical music for easy online courses when your mind is in relaxation mode.

Best plagiarism checker for students

Although music helps a lot to keep you focused, there are times when you are not able to write well. Music fails to work for you, and you end up with shoddy work. In such a case, it’s recommended that you use a good assignment plagiarism checker. That way, you will always impress the teachers with unique work. With a good plagiarism checker by your side, you can be sure of quality writing and studying while enjoying your favourite music.

There are numerous plagiarism checkers available for college students but only a few stand out as credible and rated highly by academicians and students alike. The  assignment plagiarism checker  by AssignmentBro is a popular choice for almost every student owing to its great results. The website is also known for its high-quality academic writing that covers term papers, homework, thesis, dissertation and essays. A tool from such a well-known site is really worth trying.

Instrumental rock

Another great study choice is Instrumental Rock. Famous brands such as Polyphia and Sky have proven that catchy riffs can help you focus more without a singer. Instrumental rock builds soundscapes around non-traditional songs and often begin their songs with slow builds and then rise to a crescendo.

Studies have found that popular rock bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin help students concentrate more during an online class. Such music is appropriate when  studying a music course  or any other simple course.

Nature sounds

You already know that spending is not only good for your physical health but also for memory nourishment. Science has found that listening to nature sounds in class or office can boost your mood and promote deep focus. Research conducted at Rensselaer Polytechnic, New York, found that nature sounds  such as  Rainfall   can mask intrusive sounds that can help students stay focused throughout their lessons.

When trapped in a room alone for an online class, you can make use of nature sounds to help you stay focused throughout your lesson. The fact that the Nature Sounds playlist has one million monthly listeners on Spotify is an indication that it works for relaxation, focus and sleep for some people.

Conclusion 

Music is universal; however, taste and preference change from one person to another. That which soothes one person can be irritating to another, and irritating can be soothing to another. It’s therefore not a secret that whatever works for me during class will not necessarily work for you. As you look at the outside for what suits you, make use of our suggested list of genres to make your choice.

Author’s Bio:

Joshua Robinson works for an online news outlet as a senior writer, editor and also runs his own website in the lifestyle niche. He is a good academic writer as well and freelances for a leading thesis and essay writing service. In his free time, he reviews local food, watches anime and goes out with his friends to the beach.

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October 2021

Best Study Playlists - Study Music, Focus Music

• Online Learning Community

Everybody has their own routine for how to study for exams, do homework, read or focus on a particular task. Listening to a study playlist is a great way to center your attention and lift your mood. Listening to music can also reduce stress, which is a plus when it comes to balancing a busy schedule of work, school and family!

Music Therapy has proven that you can process a wide range of emotions from excitement to thoughtfulness depending on what type of music you listen to. When we’re studying, we’re probably aiming for thoughtfulness. Research has also shown music has the potential to boost memory, which can be a huge plus.  However, complex and distracting music might not be the way to go when choosing the right studying playlist for you.

We have found that the best genres of music to listen to while studying, reading or writing include minimalist, classical, piano and low-fi music. We’ve compiled some of the best lyric-free playlists that will act as brain food while keeping your attention on your studies so you can ace that test and earn that A.

Best Study Playlists on Spotify

This more than 24-hour playlist is full of piano and classical songs to help you focus.

Lofi Girl curates some of the most relaxing and engaging playlists. Her use of lo-fi tracks mixed with ambient pieces will keep you relaxed but never bored.

This playlist is all instrumental all the time!

Best Youtube Study Playlists

This is a deep-focus playlist so you know you’ll finish what you need to get done!

This Bossa Nova & Jazz playlist is a MOOD. It will transport you to a lovely cafe, on a rainy day.

This extra ambient playlist describes itself as “brain power, focus concentration music.” You’ll feel like you’re in a sound bath.

Music is just one way to improve your mental health. See more tips on how to improve your mental health as an online student.

* Arizona Online does not endorse playlist creators. Music is not guaranteed to boost academic performance.

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Our Best Ever Study Playlist

Sometimes studying can feel a bit isolating. At Open Colleges, we encourage our students to connect with each other in the Open Space Community. We also offer Academic and Student Support when you need help and encouragement.

For many students, the best study company is music.   Background music may improve focus on a task by providing motivation and improving your mood. During long study sessions, music can even aid endurance. Plus, it can really help to combat stress and anxiety.

Here are our picks for the best study playlists on YouTube.

Ready? Simply scroll down, find a playlist you like, and start studying!

For Disney fans

This relaxing piano collection is   a huge treat for Disney fans!   Featuring 19 songs from feature films, this beautiful playlist will fill you with peace and nostalgia. With songs from Moana, The Little Mermaid, Winne the Pooh, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Coco, this playlist is sure to calm you down and give you that warm, fuzzy feeling. Be sure to check out our favorite: When She Loved Me from Toy Story 2.

Indie and Folk Music

This chill playlist covers 3 hours of guitar-led folk and indie music. If you’re settling down for a longer study session, this playlist is the perfect choice if you find singing distracting. Perfect for stress-free studying or cruising down the backroads of town, this playlist has it all.

Check it out here!

Instrumental Rock

If you’re more into the sound of guitars and drums, you’ll enjoy this instrumental rock compilation. Easy to listen to and evoking memories of classic rocks greatest songs, this is the ideal playlist if you love the sound of older rock and roll. Featuring acoustic covers of Queen, Bon Jovi, Arctic Monkeys, Evanescence, Linkin Park, Nirvana and Guns N’ Roses,   this rock playlist is sure to get the brain and blood pumping!

Hip Hop Fans: Low Fi Hip Hop

If you’re a fan of   relaxing hip-hop , you’ll enjoy this playlist. Slip into a calm mood with these chilled out beats. The title is called: 1am Study session, and that’s exactly how it feels. Perfect for those late-night study sessions and endless cups of hot tea and coffee to keep you going.

Smooth Jazz

Welcome to the study café! This playlist features 4 hours of soothing and upbeat Jazz music. It’s the perfect background noise for a good study session and it’s sure to keep you   calm and focused.    

Calming Piano Music

The piano is one of the world’s most beautiful instruments – beloved by everyone from classical composers to modern rock stars. It’s capable of incredible range and variation, think ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ compared to Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’. This hour-long playlist is composed by Peder B. Helland, and is soft, gentle piano music that will   help you relax while studying.    

Classical: The best music for concentration

As far as concentration goes, science dictates that classical music is the best for studying. This calming playlist is 3 hours long and features some of the most famous and brilliant piano sonatas by Mozart. It’s perfect   for studying, concentration and reading. 

Set it to play and start studying!

Ambient study music

This ambient study music is a great way to   improve your concentration, focus and memory.    

This relaxing video features beautiful nature clips set to soothing music. Plus, the YouTube comments on this video are motivating and supportive, and a great reminder to keep pushing forward. We particularly love this comment:

To anyone struggling: You’re stronger than any test, paper due, breakup, money issue, or any battle you’re facing. Keep your head up.

By Open Colleges

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March 3, 2020

Does Music Boost Your Cognitive Performance?

The answer depends on your personality

By Cindi May

Getty Images

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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Music and Improved Study Habits: Songs to Play During Homework

For parents of children with ADHD , dyslexia or other processing disorders , homework time is often a struggle. Research shows that using music for better study habits is often highly effective. Homework most often consists of reading and writing — two activities involving the visual sense. When an auditory sound is introduced — a dog barking, the phone ringing — it often distracts from the activity because it is in dissonance. Introducing complementary auditory sounds through music engages the brain by reducing distractions and increasing learning.

Here are some types of music to incorporate during study time.

Classical Baroque Style for Memorization

Baroque-style music hails from the Classical era. Most adults are familiar with Vivaldi’s "The Four Seasons" or Handel’s "Messiah." The reason that they are so memorable is that the tones and beats are predictable. This allows the brain to enter the alpha state, which is ideal for retaining massive amounts of information. When music comes in waves as expected, there is less need for students to focus on external stimuli. An empty void of silence is susceptible to any number of auditory distractions, whereas one filled with regularly occurring, calm beats and tones needs less attention diverted away from memorizing or learning vocabulary words.

Dance Beats for Stress Buildup

All children need regular breaks when concentrating on grueling tasks like math or science, those with special needs more so. Take frequent dance breaks with peppy, rhythmic music. This helps kids to “get it out of their system,” leading to longer periods between residual buildups of stress. Naturally, longer periods of concentration follow. The addition of a physical activity helps increase “feel good” hormone production, lowering the stress that often accompanies the pressure to stay focused on homework.

Funky Jazz or New Age for Creativity

Science and creative endeavors are areas that can really trip up some children who have trouble paying attention. These kids are creative, for sure, but that creativity is not easily directed. Here is another example of when music and studying are perfect complements. Music that is easy on the ear but unpredictable, with timbres that take surprising direction or tone, can help the brain to lose focus and wander. Internal processing is stimulated so that new neurons begin firing, creating new concepts. Exactly what is needed for out-of-the-box science experiments or creative writing.

For children who may have sensory sensitivity, play with the volume and proximity of music in relation to their location. There may be a need to start with fast, energetic music and transition to slower songs as their attention focuses. Try different songs for studying to see how your child responds.

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Best Music For Studying In College – Choose Your Favourite

Do you like to listen to music as you study or you prefer total silence? Some people believe that using music when you study can impact your grades positively. Others believe that music affects the mind negatively when it comes to assimilation and retention of information. That is still a topic for debate. Sometimes, though, music serves as a motivation to study. In such cases, what is the best music to study to? This article will highlight the best music for studying to help you choose a suitable one.

Is Music Good for Studying?

When exams are just around the corner, you can find yourself trying to cover as much content as you can. Do you prefer reading silently or with soft music? Does music help you do homework? Here are some reasons why you should try to listen to good study music.

It Leads To Positive Effects It has been scientifically proven that music makes you get in good moods. It gives you positive feelings essential for your body and brain. Study music tends to impact the left and right sides of your brain. This helps boost learning and memory retention. Hence, practically, try to read silently and with music. What makes you feel better? Proof the theory right! It Eases Stress When the exam is just around the corner, you can easily get stressed up. You may have to review many class notes, presentations, books, and PDFs. That can be stressful with minimal time. However, good music to listen to while doing homework can help reduce anxiety and make you stop being overwhelmed. You can find the right soft music for concentrating. Anxiety can put you down too, hence you can try to listen to your favorite music genre. Ultimately, you can have specialized study music for you. It Leads To Performance Improvement While studying, you can easily feel so pressured and want to just get away. Music is a great get-away strategy. Once your moods are uplifted, it becomes easier to study and even do the exams. You won’t start fidgeting or sweating in the exam room. If you are stress-free, you will read the exam questions easily and answer well. Increases Your Focus Some people love reading in the library silently and those prefer reading with headphones. Whatever kind of person you are, it has been shown that music makes you pay attention fast. Music is known to engage the parts of the brain that are responsible for focusing, updating memory, and making predictions. Boosts Your Memory And Emotions Did you know that memory, music, and emotions are linked? Well, music has a way of triggering memories. Study music can even make you remember some important concepts. Thereby, you can listen to a certain song and be reading something. Whenever you listen to a specific song, it might spark up a certain memory.

The negatives: Regardless of the great positives, it has been noted that studying with music can:

• Distract you
• Impact your working memory
• Lower your reading comprehension

However, despite that, reading with study music has more positives than negatives.

Best Study Music To Choose From

In an American college, a survey revealed that music has been beneficial for studying as well as concentration. That implies that it can come in handy. But how can you find good music to study to? Here are some clues from science:

The best music for concentration includes:

Classical music World music Ambient and electronic music Instrumental jazz Instrumental and atmospheric rock

What To Listen To While Studying

Are you looking for the best type of music for studying? what type of music is best for studying? Well, there is a variety that you can listen to. The best study music depends on the kind of genres that you like. Studies have shown that certain music has an effect on the brain and can boost your cognitive skills.

At times, it can even help to impede serial recalling skills. Music can help to provide a perfect state of mind for studying. You will feel relaxed and excited at the same time. It all depends on your likes, what soothes your soul, and music that connects with your soul. What’s your best music? Here are some genres to consider:

Classical music for concentration may be ideal even if you don’t like it. This is because it is unlikely to distract you. The harmonious and peaceful sounds may just be what you need to focus.

Some of the popular composers include Beethoven and Mozart. Other are composers of baroque music such as Vivaldi, Bach, and Handel. Is there a piece of preferred classical music to help you study? The answer to this is Mozart. In particular, this composer’s music has been shown to enhance mental performance.

Mozart’s music gives listeners a sense of energy, and this makes it one of the best music to listen to while studying. It doesn’t draw too much attention and is often so simple. Most times, it features an acoustic guitar or a lone piano. Other times, it is complex with woodwinds, a full orchestra, stringed instruments as well as drums. Both styles are great, and different people have different reactions to it.

This type of music may also be better for students who are working with a small budget in school. Lots of this genre are free to stream online. Many popular streaming services allow users to stream EDM for free. Other more popular providers such as Spotify also allow users access to a large list of songs for reading.

What is the best music to study to? The answer is one that stimulates the brain. These five options can help you start on your way to better grades.

Listen To Soul Soothing Music While Reading

Are you struggling with your studies and need homework services? Are you thinking ‘someone do my homework ?’ We are here for you! At times study music can be essential when you are reading, revising, or doing your homework after school. However, at times you may feel tired after class and just need some assignment help.

We have a wide range of expert writers that can help you. You are assured of getting high-quality homework output fast. Getting top marks is important if you want to move to the next class level. Our native writers are here to make that a reality through affordable prices.

Whether you are studying online or physically, you can get the right assignment help. As a student, you should submit custom papers to your professor or teacher. In addition to listening to soothing music, you can also get assistance to do your assignment. What are you waiting for? Get the best assignment help.

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Music That Focuses the Brain

Research suggests that the soundtrack to your child’s homework should comprise these 21 songs, proven to change the electromagnetic frequency of brain waves for optimal focus..

If you want your child or teen to retain more when cramming for a test, or to have laser-like focus when completing homework assignments, crank up the study music.

Research indicates that music strengthens areas of the brain that, in children with ADHD, are weak. Music strengthens the auditory, visual/spatial, and motor cortices of the brain. These areas are tied to speech and language skills, reading, reading comprehension, math, problem-solving, brain organization, focus, and attention challenges.

But not any music will do. Only certain classical music builds a bigger, better brain. Listening to jazz or pop doesn’t have the same beneficial effects. A study conducted by Donald Shetler, Ed.D., of the Eastman School of Music , found that kids who listened to classical music for 20 minutes a day had improved speech and language skills, a stronger memory, and greater organization of the brain.

Another study, done by Georgi Lozanov, M.D., a psychiatrist and educator, showed that some classical music pieces change the electromagnetic frequency of brain waves to about 7.5 cycles a second. This is called the Alpha Mode, wherein the brain focuses optimally — perfect for studying for a history test or completing a homework assignment.

I used classical music to help my five sons do well in school. I played classical music in the background from the moment they got home from school until they started homework. My boys were better able to focus and concentrate when classical music was playing, especially my son Brandon, who had learning challenges. He eventually went on to graduate from college with an A average.

[ Free Download: Music for Healthy ADHD Brains ]

Sounds of Success

Music can be used to improve kids’ understanding of specific subjects, such as science, the alphabet, numbers, literature, math, and U.S. history. I suggest the CD Sing a Song of Science, by Kathleen Carroll, which contains songs about layers of the earth, weather, energy, matter, and other topics. This CD is a must if you are teaching your child science concepts.

Alphabet Operetta, by Mindy Manley Little — in which the alphabet is sung in jazz, blues, and rock and roll styles — is a great alternative to the regular “ABC” song. Little also produced My Favorite Musical Numbers, catchy tunes to help kids master numbers.

Bad Wolf Press , started by lyricist John Heath and composer Ron Fink, creates education musical plays that can be used in the classroom or at home. There are tunes on several subjects — literature, science, math, and U.S. history.

For kids who need help mastering math facts and spelling words, certain types of music are ideal. Any time you set something to rhythm, a child will remember it. Tunes with a strong repetitive beat — something that you find in rap music — work best. I promise you that kids won’t find it boring to listen to.

[ Rhythm Notion: 10 Benefits of Music for ADHD Brains ]

The CD Baby Dance has songs with strong, repetitive rhythms — pieces by Vivaldi, Mozart, and Haydn. Try the following approach when teaching math facts or spelling words: Sing a math fact or a spelling word to the song as you clap your hands or stomp your feet for emphasis. For instance, sing, “Two times four is eight. Repeat.” “Country is spelled c-o-u-n-t-r-y. Repeat.”

To amp up the brain benefits of listening to music, sign up your child for music lessons. The string bass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments are good choices for a child diagnosed with ADHD and LD, because the child can stand and move while playing them. Let her choose her own instrument. If she decides on drums, don’t worry. Just buy earplugs!

Music to Learn By

The following pieces of music were scientifically tested by Dr. Georgi Lozanov and found to help children and adults concentrate and focus better. It takes 15-20 minutes of listening for the electromagnetic frequency of the brain to change to a mode suited for learning. Remember: These pieces should be played as background music.

Johann Sebastian Bach Brandenburg Concertos Fantasia for Organ in G Major Fantasia in C Minor Prelude and Fugue in G Major

Ludwig van Beethoven “Emperor” Concerto for Piano, No. 5

Antonio Vivaldi The Four Seasons

Johannes Brahms Concerto for Violin, D Major, Op. 77

Arcangelo Corelli Concerto Grossi, Op.6, Nos. 2, 4, 5, 8, 11, and 12

George Frideric Handel Water Music Concerto for Organ in B Flat Major, Op. 6, 7

Joseph Haydn Concerto No. 1 for Violin Concerto No. 2 for Violin Symphony No. 101 (The Clock) Symphony No. 94 in G Major

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Concerto for Violin No. 5 in A Major Symphony No. 29 in A Major Symphony No. 40 in G Minor Symphony No. 35 in D Major A Little Night Music

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky Concerto for Violin, Op. 35 Concerto for Piano, No. 1

[ Read This Now: “Mozart Helped Me Focus My ADHD Brain.” ]

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