Can music actually increase students’ productivity when doing schoolwork?
A study found music improves worker productivity and perceived happiness in the workplace, furthermore suggesting that no music will hurt performance.
A common problem among students is their inability to focus for prolonged periods. Maryville students are no different.
The study, conducted by Kathleen R. Keeler, a doctoral student, and Jose M. Cortina, Pd.D., professor in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business, clarifies the ‘right’ music must be used for it to be beneficial.
Savanah Cox, a fourth-year speech-language pathology student and pillar organization CONNECT co-president, is recently listening to alternative music while studying. Her major requires her to spend long hours studying, and music is a useful aid to her during these marathon stretches. Her study habits range from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. nightly.
When asked how music helps her study and focus on schoolwork, she says, “It helps block out all the extra noise in my brain. I stay motivated and focused on what I am doing. It can be distracting at times but is overall beneficial when studying.”
Savanah Cox works on her assignments while listening to alternative music. Photo courtesy of Isabella Klocke.
Her study playlist has graciously been provided below:
Music is shown to be a useful tool for individuals because it lights up most parts of the brain. According to Harvard Medical School, music—Western tonal in particular—reveals the ways the human brain manages complex cognitive processes through patterns of tension and resolution.
Zayna Fakhani, a third-year international relations student at Maryville University and pillar organization ISA president, expresses the impact of jazz and lo-fi music for her studying sessions. Fakhani does not have a set study time, and since she is involved heavily in campus activities, she seeks opportunities to complete homework whenever time allows it. Similarly to Cox, she shares, “Music is useful for drowning out noises. It lets me hyperfocus on the content in front of me.”
Zayna Fakhani plays jazz music while studying. Photo courtesy of Layla Fakhani.
While both Cox and Fakhani listen to music while they study, they rely on different genres for productivity. The original study was tested on individuals using fast-paced, uplifting music during times of day where fatigue is most present. The pace and mood of the songs are what allowed the subjects to get their work done efficiently.
The responses from both interviewees conclude there is no single ‘right’ type of music, as the study might otherwise suggest. However, it may hold true genres and songs with similar patterns of tension and resolution are the key to beneficial music.
As the semester nears fall, days will naturally feel colder and nights will become longer. These aspects can affect students’ motivation. Learning to use music as a motivator during times of fatigue now will prepare students for the colder months of the fall semester.
Tune in next time for an article on Maryville’s homecoming week!
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