Is listening to music while studying really effective for students

Image from The Wall Street Journal

By Allison Ortega Benites ’26

I always love to listen to music at any time of the day, especially when I’m studying. In some ways, it increases focus and motivation. Listening to music is just a fun thing to do, but it can also boost your happiness.

“Music helps students focus on being more active and tuned into their work instead of being bored,” stated Cesar Rueda ’26. While doing homework on a regular day, I always like to be in a comfortable space and have some background music to be “locked in.” Music can be a powerful tool for studying sessions; its effectiveness depends on the listener. Music can influence a person’s mood and motivation. Being in a great mood can be a key to better studying.

In an article on how music can help students while studying, the University of Maryland Global Campus stated, “The right choice of music, such as instrumental or ambient music, can help block out distractions, improve concentration, and maintain attention during study sessions.” For example, I usually listen to R&B music while studying because it is on the soft and smooth side. The soft vibes help me remain calm and focused on my schoolwork with little distraction from the music itself.

“The human brain cannot focus on multiple things at once, such as music with lyrics. Songs without lyrics could be much better for focus,” stated Alison Echeverria-Soto ’26. Lyrics play a major role in music, serving as a way for people to connect and relate to what they hear. However, everyone concentrates differently. When it comes to working on homework, it’s important to avoid distractions in order to stay focused and get tasks done.

So yes, music can help students focus while studying, though there are always pros and cons. Calmer music can improve concentration, especially compared to songs with loud beats or fast lyrics. Many sources recommend listening to jazz or other smooth music while studying. For people who usually listen to music but sometimes find it distracting, switching to softer, instrumental songs can help maintain focus. Next time you study, try listening to some calm music and see how your grades improve.