How many of you listen to music when studying, doing homework, or working on projects? Do your parents get irritated with the fact that you have “distractions” while working? If you answered yes to either of
these questions, you fall into a group of students I like calling active learners. Listening to music while working isn’t a bad thing, in fact, it can help a person’s thought flow become focused instead of erratic.
However, there is a large distinction in the types of music you should listen to while studying. While maybe disagree with me, I feel that techno and dance music makes me more distracted than focused when working. Similarly, I doubt that I could listen to guitar or drum heavy music, as the riffs and rhythms would distract me from my work. While I do have very different tastes from a lot of people, here picks for music that is good and bad to listen to while working.
Do listen to:
Electric Feel – MGMT
This has a smooth electronic feel to it, that isn’t fill with beat and has a slow enough rhythm that can keep you focused. It never surprises the listener with high notes or loud outbursts, which helps when he or she is working on long assignments.
Twilight Soundtrack
Ok, I must admit, despite the movie being ridiculously cheesy, the soundtrack is surprisingly good. The combination of artists as well as the tone of music really helped me get through eight chapters of AP US History reading over the summer.
Don’t listen to:
Poker Face – Lady GaGa
While Lady GaGa constantly tops the charts, single after single, her songs aren’t exactly study material. Besides, why study when you can’t read my p-p-p-poker face?
B.Y.O.B. – System of a Down
This song starts out with a loud guitar that is incredibly intense. It calls for an air guitar session, where you then proceed to use your pencil as a guitar. This song is fun to pretend to play, and fun to play on Rock Band, but it serves as more of a distraction.
When choosing music to listen to while studying, it is crucial to listen to songs of the same tone and mood. By doing so, you aren’t jolted when the songs change suddenly, from a soft melody to a loud banging guitar. By choosing the right music, you can improve your study habits and even get better grades! Who said music was a distraction?
