The human brain is a supercomputer capable of remembering, analyzing, and solving problems, from the simplest to the most complex. To activate this supercomputer at its full potential, the key is concentration and focus.
The problem is, people often struggle to concentrate and frequently lose focus. This can be caused by many factors, such as distractions, lack of interest, or more serious issues like illness. Other influencing factors include age, sleep quality, environment, and emotions.
If distractions cause your inability to focus, lack of motivation to study, or excessive stress, music might be a helpful solution. Research has shown that listening to certain types of music can enhance learning and comprehension.
Let’s explore how music can provide these benefits.
The Science Behind Music and the Brain
Music can act as a trigger to activate the brain. David Silbersweig, a neuroscientist and psychiatrist who also serves as one of the directors of the Center for the Neurosciences at BWH, published a journal article analyzing the neurobiological effects of music on the brain.
It starts with sound waves entering the ear, hitting the eardrum, and creating vibrations that are converted into electrical signals. These signals travel through sensory nerves to the brainstem, which acts as a relay station for auditory information.
From there, they spread out to activate the auditory cortex and many other parts of the brain. It’s worth noting that different areas of the brain are activated depending on the type—such as melodic vs. dissonant—and whether we are listening, performing, learning, or composing.
Key Brain Areas Activated by Music
David Silbersweig also wrote that music can change the brain’s structure and function, both after direct and repeated exposure. For example, musical training over time has been shown to increase connectivity in some regions of the brain, including:
- Temporal lobe: This area, including the temporal gyrus, helps the brain process melody and pitch.
- Cerebellum: This part is responsible for processing and regulating rhythm, beats, and physical movement.
- Amygdala and hippocampus: These areas play a vital role in triggering emotions and forming musical memories.
- The brain’s reward system: Music also activates various parts of this system, making us feel pleasure.
All these areas must work together to integrate different layers of sound over time and from various sources so that the brain can interpret the stream of sounds as a complete composition.
Best Types of Music for Concentration
Various studies have shown that certain types can be beneficial for studying, enhancing information processing, and boosting concentration and focus.
Classical music: Researchers have long believed that listening to classical music can help us work more efficiently. This theory is known as the Mozart effect, which suggests that listening to classical compositions can improve brain performance and promote well-being.
Nature sounds: Listening to natural sounds, like ocean waves or flowing water, has been shown to enhance cognitive function and concentration. A study from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute also found that nature sounds can elevate mood and focus.
Cinematic music: Epic background scores can make even the most mundane tasks feel meaningful, thus increasing concentration and productivity. This kind of music is also highly energizing and effective for boosting motivation and improving mood.
When Music Might Hurt Concentration
In 2019, Stanford University students conducted an interesting experiment on the impact of background music on learning performance.
They asked participants to study under four different conditions: complete silence, instrumental classical, music with lyrics, and ambient coffee shop sounds.
The results showed that music does not always help improve concentration and focus. The condition with total silence yielded the highest scores in both retention and overall comprehension.
Meanwhile, instrumental classical had a neutral effect—neither significantly improving nor hindering performance. In contrast, music with lyrics caused a noticeable decline in performance, especially for tasks requiring comprehension.
Interestingly, ambient noise—like coffee shop sounds or white noise—slightly improved performance for students who felt uncomfortable in total silence. The conclusion is that whether music helps with concentration and focus while studying depends on individual preference.
For deep study sessions or memorization, research suggests that silence or instrumental is the best option. However, when working on lighter tasks, listening to your favorite songs might enhance performance.
The Bottom Line is music can be a powerful study companion—but it depends on what you’re doing and what works best for your brain. Whether it’s Bach or ocean waves, experiment to find your perfect study soundtrack.
