Can you learn well or better with music on? This is a frequently asked question as many students have problems with this. Music makes learning more pleasant but can also distract you at the same time. Firstly, it is important what kind of songs you listen to, music in the same language as your learning material will distract you anyway. Second, it depends on how quickly you are distracted yourself. If you can learn well with background music, this will increase your learning performance if you alternate it with periods without music. The context in which you learn then changes so that you link the material to the music and sound that may or may not be present. This article will provide tips for different types of music for learning, not just classical music. The music can help you to remember your material better, to enjoy working on a project and to write a paper with more concentration.
What is good study music?
Of course there is no perfect study music, it partly depends on your taste. Yet a few things can be determined about what is definitely not good music to study with and what more comes close. Music with vocals can quickly take you out of concentration at all. Even if the music is in a different language, you quickly listen along, which shifts or divides your focus. If the vocals are in an unfamiliar language or barely audible, it doesn’t matter. In addition, the music shouldn’t be very striking, so don’t put on metal or hard rock. It should not constantly draw the student’s attention but only be in the background. Do not listen to hits or sing-along songs. In addition, never turn the volume too high, make sure you can still hear it when you turn the page or type. It also helps a lot to listen to the music through speakers from a distance instead of with earplugs or headphones. The music then blends in with the other background sounds so that it sounds more natural and does not demand too much attention.
Under the following headings I will discuss different types of music that you can possibly listen to while studying. It is also important what kind of songs you play within the genre, always make sure that they meet the above conditions. In addition, you can always try it out by, for example, looking up a playlist or creating one yourself.
Ambient
There is a fairly large variety of ambient music. The similarity is that it is music without clearly known beats or melodies with the sole purpose of creating a certain atmosphere. The good thing is that this music is often produced without vocals and that it is also very calming and increases concentration.
One of the best artists that often appears in leather playlists is Bonobo. Above all, try to listen to the songs without vocals or the entire album ‘Dial’ M ‘for Monkey’.
Other artists suitable for this: Air, Moby, Zero 7 and Boards of Canada
Minimal Electronic
Within this genre you can find many songs that do well while learning. The similarity within the genre is that the good learning numbers contain a certain stimulating rhythm that increases concentration. However, the music is not swinging and does not have many excesses.
Most typical within this genre is as far as I’m concerned Gui Boratto, especially the album Take My Breath Away. The album is quite varied but remains minimal in the background and the songs flow into each other wonderfully. The beat is fast enough to put you in a focused mood but doesn’t get you worked up.
Other artists who make good rhythmic learning music within this genre are: Marek Hemman, Oliver Koletzki, Trentemoller, John Talabot.
Jazz
This genre is very difficult to comprehend and usually not very suitable for learning. The more minimal modern jazz is best for learning, but the original old-fashioned jazz is often too swinging to learn well. Yet this genre had to be mentioned, there are enough instrumental quiet songs that are suitable for learning.
The best jazz music for learning is as far as I’m concerned Portrico Quartet. And especially the self-titled album Portrico Quartet. Somewhat dark minimal jazz, do it especially well later in the evening.
Other non-distracting jazz music is made by: The Cinematic Orchestra and Hidden Orchestra.
Classical music
Classical music is pre-eminently good for your brain and good for concentration. Yet many students have a hard time listening to classical music, many songs are too bombastic and people are not used to it. However, if you are used to it and know some good artists, it is one of the best learning music there is.
The Nocturnes from Frédéric Chopin are great to learn if you like classical music. Quiet and best when it is already dark or early in the morning.
Other artists who do well with good songs are: Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart and Boccherini.
Another tip is the Spotiy playlist ‘Exam Study Classical Music To Increase Brain Power’. Quiet classical music, specially selected for learning.
Post Rock
Finally a lesser known genre, Post Rock. Don’t let the name ‘Rock’ scare you, Post Rock uses the same instruments as in Rock, such as electronic guitars and drum sets. But the music is often calm and instrumental. This and a lack of vocals make it one of the best types of music to learn. However, it can sometimes get a little too theatrical.
The best music to learn is made by Explosions In The Sky, although the music does work towards a climax, it remains soothing and doesn’t tear you out of concentration even at the peak.
Other Post Rock artists who make quiet music are: Mono, Yndi Halda, God Is An Astronaut and Sigur Ros.
