Can Classical Music Improve Concentration in Studying?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential benefits of classical music for improving concentration while studying. Participants explore various music genres, personal preferences, and specific recommendations for music that may enhance focus during study sessions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty concentrating while studying and considers using classical music as a potential solution.
  • Another participant suggests using Pandora for creating music stations, although they note licensing issues for users outside the U.S.
  • Several participants agree that soft instrumental music is preferable, as lyrics can be distracting.
  • Specific recommendations for classical music include downloading works by Mozart and collections like "The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe."
  • Some participants mention personal preferences for different genres, including instrumental rock and metal, highlighting that music choice is subjective.
  • One participant shares a positive experience of studying while listening to Mozart, describing it as motivating and enjoyable.
  • Another participant mentions enjoying classical piano sonatas for their soothing qualities while studying.
  • Some participants argue that other genres, such as black/death metal and bluegrass, can also be effective for concentration due to their upbeat nature and lack of distracting lyrics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that music can aid concentration, but there is no consensus on which genre or specific pieces are most effective. Multiple competing views on music preferences and their impact on studying remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the effectiveness of different music styles, and some mention personal experiences that may not apply universally. The discussion includes references to specific music platforms and collections, which may have limitations based on user location.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals seeking to improve their study habits through music, particularly those interested in classical and instrumental genres, may find this discussion relevant.

Pithikos
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I have a real hard time studying. If I am at university then I can't concentrate. I get distracted by just someone passing behind me or others talking.
If I stay home I can't study as I sit in front of the computer and then I always steal some time by staying on youtube or checking my email. I thought of blocking youtube but the thing is that sometimes I need it to assist for my studying.

I thought of getting some classical music and try with that. If I am at university then I can listen to the music through my mp3 and if I am home it will be easier to study at bed with the music playing.

So do you have any suggestions?
 
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Have you tried http://www.pandora.com/#/stations/create/"? I can't listen to music while I study, but my wife loves that website. It's much more conducive to productive studying as well, since one doesn't need to micromanage a playlist / song order.
 
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Dembadon said:
Have you tried http://www.pandora.com/#/stations/create/"? I can't listen to music while I study, but my wife loves that website. It's much more conducive to productive studying as well, since one doesn't need to micromanage a playlist / song order.

"We are deeply, deeply sorry to say that due to licensing constraints, we can no longer allow access to Pandora for listeners located outside of the U.S." Damn music industry
 
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Soft music, preferably instrumentals, is best since lyrics are usually distracting.
 
fillipeano said:
Soft music, preferably instrumentals, is best since lyrics are usually distracting.

Yes but I would like some more specific suggestion. There must be some cd collections out there for just this. I thought of downloading Mozart or something but the thing is that not all tracks are going to be in the same tempo and tone. So far I found one called "The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe".
 
Depends on the style of music you are looking for. Classical? Rock? Hip-Hop? Metal? There are a number of different instrumental artists out there, it just depends on what style of music you want.
I prefer instrumental rock most of the time, even soft rock. Explosions in the Sky, Santana, and Jordan Rudess all make great albums.
Sometimes I'll go heaver with bands like Liquid Tension Experiment, Cloudkicker, Russian Circles and Scale the Summit.
Yoshida Brothers use the Japanese Shamisen to make great music as well.

There's always classical as well. Bach, Beethoven, Edward Elgar, etc.. It boils down to what genre you prefer.
 
As I understand your need, I would recommend acclimating to a classical station on the web (or on FM). My Czech friend told me of a great classical station out of Switzerland, whose frequency I do not recall.
 
Pandora, as mentioned above, and make a station of your favorite classical composer. I have one of Mozart, and it's my primary studying music.

I find anything with drum beats or lyrics distracting. Besides, studying while listening to mozart makes you feel like a badass. One time I got up from studying to pour myself some coffee while I was still listening to Mozart and it was the most epic cup of coffee ever poured.

Symphony #25 is very motivating, as is Beethoven's 9th symphony. Mozart's lighter stuff like #40 have an intellectual feel to them.
 
  • #10
Music selection is probably totally personal and arbitrary, but I actually liked black/death metal for a long time beacause:

a) upbeat, so good psychofuel
b) can't understand lyrics, so no semantic distractions
c) rich tones with melodic breaks

The Gipsy Kings:

a) upbeat
b) if you don't know Calo, no sematic distraction
c) complex mixolydian tones and syncopated beats

Bluegrass:

a) upbeat
b) simple lyrics, not too deep, easy to ignore
c) major pentatonic, usually not my favorite, but bluegrass utilizes in a way that is mysteriously melancholy while still being hopeful.
 
  • #11
Proton Soup said:
http://somafm.com/groovesalad/

That sounds good but I don't think it's possible to use your brain when listening to that. Classical music is the best I guess..

1MileCrash I know what you mean. I drank wine yesterday while studying to slow paced classical music under a spotlight and felt like a god :biggrin:
 
  • #12
I always enjoy listening to classical piano sonatas while I'm studying... nice and soothing.
 

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