Music can be used as a tool to connect with others and bring happiness. In the school environment, many students utilize music to block distractions and focus on their work. Other students have openly admitted that music can be distracting but is sometimes useful while studying during class and study hall.
“Students should know if music is going to truly help them or not,” said Quinn Marcus, a junior at NWA. “They can sometimes use [it] as an excuse to not do work, [but] I think [that] students should take ownership over [themselves].”
Studies show that there are certain genres that are more effective for studying. According to National University, the music that students listen to during study time should be slow, calm music, such as jazz or lofi hip-hop. These kinds of music act as white noise, making sure that the individual listening to the music is not distracted by what they are listening to.
According to Dr. Masha Godkin, who teaches at National University, there are other benefits to listening to music while studying, such as improved memory and efficient studying.
Music affects heart rates and brain waves. Jazz has a calming effect on the brain so it is ideal to listen to during work time. Higher frequency brain waves will increase the hyperactivity of an individual.
Some students believe that music is beneficial to their concentration while studying during school. Julian DeLuca, a freshman at NWA, agrees with this and also understands the dilemma that teachers are in when they let students listen to music.
“I don’t really believe in multitasking, [but music] helps me concentrate on my work,” said DeLuca. “I think one of the reasons teachers don’t like [letting students listen to music] is because some students listen to music while [teachers] try to teach.”
Will Barr, a junior at NWA, agrees with DeLuca that music helps him concentrate and it also helps him get into a creative mindset.
“I always listen to music when I can,” said Barr. “It helps me [think creatively] and gets me into a more focused workflow. Music can offer a place for people to drown out other external distractions. [Because we are in] an art school, music enriches the environment, and allowing people to use music in a beneficial way really enhances the appreciation of art.”
Nico Calvanese, a junior, said that he finds that most of his teachers are fine with him listening to music during classes.
“[Music] helps me focus [on school work and] it makes more mundane homework easier to get through,” said Calvanese. “In a lot of my classes, teachers let me listen to music so I don’t find that an issue.”
Chloe Omelchuck, an Education Assistant at NWA, believes that music is useful to most students because it helps them focus.
“[Music is] optional during work time,” said Omelchuck. “That’s [the time when] students will ask to listen to music. [Most students] know [whether] listening to music [will help] them tune out [a] distraction [or cause one].”
According to Southwestern Music Therapy, there are many other benefits to music such as reduced depression, relaxation and even improved health. But specifically during work time, music helps eliminate distractions and builds a more creative
Students have pointed out that music can also be a distraction in the classroom. Even though this may be the case, music can be utilized as a tool if used responsibly.
Amanda Lighthiser, who is a Learning Specialist at NWA, points out the neurological science behind listening to music.
“[Listening to music during school is extremely helpful], especially [for] students who have neurodiversity,” said Lighthiser. “Music [triggers the part of our brain that] is our emotional processing center. [This part of the brain] also controls memory. It ‘lights up’ when we hear music so it is really helpful for concentration and also for helping [students] focus. It doesn’t work for everybody, but for some students it can be incredibly [useful and] I think that it’s important for students to be able to use tools that help them do their best work.”
Great article! I love how you showed multiple perspectives and how listening to music can help students. I am glad to hear that some teachers and learning specialists see musics ability to help concentration.