The soundtrack to success: How music enhances study habits
In the words of famous German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, music is food for the soul. The question here is, can music be food for your brain as well? Many parents are always on the lookout for ways to help their children succeed in all aspects of life, especially in their academics when they’re of school-going age. From providing a quiet and conducive study space to stocking up on healthy snacks, you do everything in your power to provide them with the resources necessary to excel in whatever they do.
One useful resource that many often overlook: Music. Many studies have shown that listening to music can actually help with studying and concentration. In this article, we will explore how music can be a powerful tool for your child's academic success!
Music can improve focus and concentration
When your child is studying, distractions can be a major problem. Be it noise coming from outside or from the television in the living room, it can be hard to stay focused. However, listening to music may help block out these distractions and improve concentration.
According to a study by the University of Helsinki, listening to music can help to activate the areas of the brain responsible for attention, making it easier to focus on the task at hand. The type of music you listen to differs from person to person - some may focus better with ambient music; others may prefer upbeat music to keep their energy levels high. There’s no right or wrong type of music to listen to. If it works for you, it works, and that’s what matters!
We will be releasing 2 playlists next week for our students, be it for studying, relaxation, and everything else in between. Regardless of whether your child is on Team Lyrical or Team Instrumental, be rest assured that they can get the best of both worlds in our playlists! Keep your eyes peeled on our Spotify here.
Music can reduce stress and anxiety
Studying can be a demotivating experience especially if your child is feeling overwhelmed by a particularly difficult subject or topic. In such situations, music can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety. According to a study by the University of Nevada, listening to music can lower levels of the stress hormone called cortisol, helping to calm your child’s mind and nerves and reduce anxiety.
Though different types of music work for different people, generally it’s been shown that slow and calming melodies work the best. Classical music, in particular, has been shown to have a relaxing effect on the mind and body. If your child is feeling stressed or anxious, encourage them to take a break from studying or try to listen to some soothing music for a few minutes.
Music can improve memory retention
Another way that music can help with studying is by improving memory retention. Many studies have shown that music can help to create a strong association between a particular piece of music and the information being studied. This means that when your child hears the music again, it can trigger memories of the information they learnt while listening to it. Does this sound familiar to you? Instances such as reminiscing your childhood while listening to a nursery rhyme is one such classic example!
To use music for memory retention, encourage your child to listen to a particular piece of music while studying a particular subject. For instance, if they are studying for a history test, they could listen to classical music from the same time period as the events they are studying. When they listen to the same playlist again later, it may help to trigger memories of the information they learnt while studying.
Music can make studying more enjoyable
One of the biggest benefits of listening to music while studying is that it can make the experience more enjoyable. Let's face it, studying can sometimes get a little monotonous after a while - on the other hand, adding some music to the routine can make it more fun and engaging. When your child is enjoying what they are doing, they are more likely to stay focused and engaged for longer periods of time.
To make studying more enjoyable with music, encourage your child to choose music they enjoy listening to! Whether it's pop, rock, or classical, as long as it's not too distracting, any music can be a great tool for making studying more fun.
Wrapping up
In conclusion, music can be a powerful tool for helping your child succeed in different aspects of their life, including school! From improving concentration to reducing stress and anxiety, there are many benefits to using music for studying. By encouraging your child to incorporate music into their study routine, you can help them to stay focused, engaged, and motivated to succeed. Give it a try and see how music can make a positive difference in your child's academic journey today!