8 Benefits That Listening To Classical Music Can Have On Students

Many people enjoy listening to music as they work, and classical music is a popular choice for background sound. Students of all ages may also enjoy studying to music, though your student may not have classical music at the top of their list – but that’s something you may want to work to change.

According to researchers, there are several benefits that listening to classical music can have on students. But exactly what are the benefits of listening to music while studying? Read on to find out!

Does Music Have A Positive Effect On Students?
Classical music has stood the test of time. It entranced people when it was first written and continues to do so today. In modern times, we’ve discovered even more about the benefits that music, including classical music, has to offer. Some of the benefits of listening to classical music include:

• Increased motivation. Anyone who has had to slog through a lengthy study session understands that finding the motivation to stick with it isn’t always easy. Evidence suggests that classical music helps to activate the reward centers of the brain, which tend to light up when doing other things you enjoy. So, putting on some music while learning can help to provide the motivation needed to get done what needs to be done.
• Boosted mood. Aside from motivation, music simply makes you feel good. Listening to music has been found to reduce feelings of stress and promote a more positive mindset. In general, a good mood also tends to improve learning outcomes, which makes music a great tool when studying.
• Increased focus. Studies have also found that classical music specifically helps your brain to interpret and absorb new information. Evidence suggests that music helps to engage the brain in a way that helps you pay more attention and makes information easier to process as it’s being learned. Thanks, Mozart!
• Improved memorization. If a student is struggling to memorize new material, classical music may be the key. Studies have found that classical music helps students, especially older students, to perform better at processing and memory tasks. Music stimulates your brain in the same way that exercise stimulates the body – and the more you exercise, the stronger you’ll become!

What Are the Benefits Of Listening To Classical Music While Studying?
Aside from all the things it can do for the brain, listening to classical music while studying also has a lot of benefits for students’ health. These include:

• Reducing blood pressure. Studies have found that when a person listens to classical music, it helps to reduce their blood pressure (while other forms of music have actually been found to raise it).
• Reducing stress. Studying can be stressful, but throwing on some Bach while studying can help this stress to melt away. Studies have found that those who listen to classical music are less likely to feel stress. Scientists think it has something to do with the tempo of the music, which is close to the tempo of the human heart; this works to ease depression, anxiety, and stress.
• Aiding in sleep. To learn well, you must be able to rest well. Proper sleep helps the brain get ready to learn. Those with sleep issues who listen to classical music about an hour before bed have been found to experience improved sleep quality.
• Relieving pain. If a student is uncomfortable, how can they be expected to study effectively? Classical music has been found in some studies to help relieve minor aches and pains.

What Kind Of Classical Music Is Good For Studying?
There are several subgenres of classical music that are effective for studying. If you’re wondering which is the best for your student, take a look at each kind and decide which might help them the most as they get to work.

• Classical: Bach, Beethoven, and other famous classical music composers are great to help with concentration. These are the best choices if you want to study well.
• Piano music: Piano is a classical instrument that has a lot of beautiful music written for it. Soft piano music can help you to relax as you study if you’re feeling particularly high-strung.
• Jazz: There is a place for soft jazz on this list, too! It is another type of instrumental music that can help you to concentrate.
• Ambiance: Sometimes, you just need a little ambiance to put you in the zone. If you want to step outside the box a little, try to find an ambiance playlist with a classical flavor that can help relax you and set you up for study success.

Are There Any Drawbacks To Be Aware Of?
While classical music and other forms of instrumental music can be great for studying, it’s also important to understand potential drawbacks for some students. These include:

• Distraction. Sometimes music can be a distraction. It may be best to try out different types of music or different composers to help you find the one that has the best impact on your child’s studies.
• Issues with reading comprehension. Some types of music also make reading comprehension more challenging. Any type of fast, loud music with lyrics will typically be the worst offender. Remember, not just any type of music will do to help your child get the most benefit.

Music is a great thing, both in and out of study sessions. Encourage your child to give classical music a try the next time they’re cramming for a big test and see whether it helps!

Featured image by Dominik Scythe on Unsplash