5 Ways Music Can Make You a Better Student

Studies across multiple disciplines have proven the cognitive benefits of music. As much as it can help you relax, it can also get you hyper, give you a boost of energy or help you fall asleep. In our hectic world of constant emotional stimulants, we are trained to like everything that affects our brains in ways we don’t notice. That puts music at the top for us.

In this article, we will explore some of the ways music affects us and how you as a student can use this to your benefit.

Playing an Instrument Improves Cognitive Function

According to a study published in Journal of Educational Psychology, students who took music courses scored higher in science, math, and other disciplines. The study surveyed over 100,000 people and has not found a correlation between the students’ income, gender, ethnicity, etc. But what it did find is that the people surveyed were significantly better at math compared to their peers. And for good reason: musical literacy is heavily dependent on math.

So, next time you struggle with a math assignment, consider taking a piano course. And if you do, you might not have enough time for all your assignments at first. Remember that you can delegate some of the things you can’t deal with at the moment. Ordering a custom research paper from EssayPro will free some of your time as well as give you a perfect paper sample at the end. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Get Focused

Getting in the zone is a skill every student has to develop, sooner or later. If you live in a dorm, you pretty much have two choices: you either party with your friends or go studying. The worst part is that sometimes, a party can take place in your room and there’s nothing you can do about it. The only thing left to do is find your headphones, play some music, and deal with your upcoming tests.

But if you play your favorite playlist you are likely to sing or dance along, thus leaving barely any of your attention to books. Instead, try Lo-Fi or classical music. In recent years, lofi has been all the rage, especially among students. It influences the frontal lobe, making our brain more focused and attentive. And for students, it’s literally perfect.

A more old-school approach is to listen to classical music. It has a similar effect, except it takes a bit more digging to find a good playlist. When it comes to lofi, we all know what to look for; that girl by the window is widely recognized. But with classical music, choice paralysis can hit you.

Well, in fact, it’s not that hard. Spotify or YouTube are full of playlists called ‘Classical Focus’ or ‘Classical Music for Studying.’ Basically, someone has already done the job for you. So, once you find that playlist, hit the like button not to lose it and go study!

Relax

What’s better than coming home after a long, exhausting day, setting up your record player and relaxing to the sound of vinyl crackling? Are you into vinyl? Sure, everybody is.

Not only is the sound different, you also pay much more attention to the music that’s playing. It’s similar to getting a cup of tea at Starbucks versus being a part of a tea ceremony. It’s a completely different experience indeed. 

Playing vinyl records can put you in an entirely different mood, help you unwind and leave the stressful day behind. And sure, a turntable is not something a student can normally afford. But if you’re determined, you can get a used one and restore it or find one in your parents’ or grandparents’ basement. Moreover, maintenance and replacement styli may add up to the cost, but with basic cleaning equipment and the reasonably-priced Jico SAS, you can enjoy a nostalgic music experience without worrying about making a rabbit hole in your wallet. The point is, if you’re really into music, it’s a worthy investment.

Get Pumped

Music can really make or break your day. If you play Radiohead in the morning, your whole day can get scrambled, just like the eggs you cooked. Yet, if you listen to an upbeat album, say, Jamiroquai or Scissor Sisters, your day can take an upward curve from there.

Being aware of this influence music has can save you from unnecessary mood swings and help you maintain a positive attitude. Sure, if you’re having a bad day something as simple as playing your favorite song might not make a whole lot of difference. But checking in with your emotional state and tweaking it slightly with music is one of the easiest ways to control your mood.

Improve Memory

For many people, remembering song lyrics is as easy as ABC. So, why not take the same approach to studies? Studies have shown (particularly one from Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center) that music has positive effects on elders’ cognitive function. 

People who were barely able to speak started singing along to their favorite songs. The same goes for small children. Why do you think the ABC was made into a song? Because it’s easier to remember that way.

If you’re struggling to remember complicated terms or revise material for a test, try turning definitions into songs. Sure, your roommate might give you a side-eye but who cares if it works? 

Besides, connecting a concept with melody will make recollecting it much easier. Same as when you haven’t heard a song for years but then once you hear the melody, all the lyrics pop up in your head like magic. Try it for yourself and see if it’s better than meticulous repetition.

Wrapping Up

Whatever goal you’re trying to achieve, music can help you with that. If it’s being able to remember complicated concepts or getting focused, lofi or classical music will do the trick. To relax, play your favorite chill playlist after a long day or go to a bar that has a record player. If you’re trying to improve your mood, look for a workout jam – those usually contain upbeat pop songs meant to put you in a better mood. 

Music can serve any purpose you want. It’s important to recognize that and be able to use it when necessary.

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About the author

I have always been a shopaholic. A lot of times my questions went unanswered when it came to retail questions, so I started Talk Radio News. - Caitlyn Johnson

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