Do teenagers know best when it comes to using music to enhance study?
Here is a question we get from parents all the time – should I let my teenager listen to music while they study?
First of all, what is the greatest concern for parents – that their child will be distracted, will not complete their study tasks or that they are just goofing off during the time they need to be working hard? All of these concerns are valid, but we need to remember that they are naturally informed by the parent’s own experience with using music when they studied or when they are doing a difficult and extended task.
In essence, everyone hears the world differently, and different sound environments have different impacts on different people while doing different tasks. That is a lot of differences. But the point is, there is no one answer to the parent’s questions, it all depends on the cognitive requirements of the task – the student’s personal auditory processing profile and the mood they are or want to be in. Music can make the task easier or a lot harder, it can irritate or enthuse the student, and it can shift their mode from uninterested to motivated or back again.
The interesting thing in this study is that the students were aware of the positive or negative impact that playing music while they were studying had on their productivity.
“Music played while studying was most strongly reported to relax, alleviate boredom and help concentration. Students reported that they mainly played music while studying when they were happy or bored and that their mood was a determinant of their decision. Most turned off the music when they felt that it was interfering with their concentration.”
The participants were students between the ages of 12- 18 from the UK, Greece, Japan, and the USA. After extensive research into the listening habits, choices and related productivity, the researchers came to this conclusion.
“Overall, the findings suggest that parents and educators should not be too concerned when students play music while studying. Students are aware of its effects on performance, use it to support their learning, seem to know instinctively which tasks will be most affected, and generally turn the music off when it is interfering, particularly as they get older. For younger students, parents and educators might take time to explain how music can affect arousal levels which in turn affect concentration and also point out those tasks that are more likely to be affected because of the processing mechanisms that they share with music.”
Music has always been a go-to for lifting our spirits, but did you know classical music might take it a step further by actually helping treat depression?
Founder of Bigger Better Brains, Dr Anita Collins, receives hundreds of emails from students around the world asking questions about neuromusical research. So she decided to record a short video about the most asked questions she has received.
Can music play a role in healthy aging? According to new research, the answer might be yes.
Imagine sitting in a concert hall, completely immersed in the music, when something incredible happens—you and the people around you begin to breathe and feel the same rhythm.
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Trick or Treat Digital Campaign for Halloween. Enter your email and receive the campaign now!
As a music teacher, how often have we heard the phrase, “I have to skip rehearsal, I have a test”? In my school, as in many schools, we have our only rehearsal time in the morning prior to school starting, and I hear this comment regularly through the school year.
A new research project will investigate if singing together could be more than just a pleasant pastime; it might be a powerful tool for enhancing cooperation across various aspects of society, from classrooms to boardrooms.
Introducing our exciting new ‘If You’re Aiming for This…’ campaign, created to help you engage with your community like never before!
Many of us have experienced those catchy tunes that get stuck in our heads, but did you know that nearly 45% of people can sing these earworms in perfect pitch?
Singing in a community choir is more than just a musical activity—it's a powerful therapeutic experience
There is a commonly held belief that learning music should only be for those students who are identified as talented or interested. Neuromusical research has shown that music learning can benefit all students in terms of cognitive development.
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Olympics 'Wanna Be Like...' campaign, created to celebrate the excitement of the 2024 Olympic Games!
Take our free, 60 second quiz and maximize your advocacy impact by discovering your advocacy style and knowledge gaps.
Imagine a world without music. There are no high school marching bands, no commercial jingles, and no need for Grammy Awards. It’s a rather dreary thought, yes?
Recent research has revealed that brain training programs for children do not lead to significant improvements in real-world cognitive functions.
Imagine a world where music serves as a powerful tool for healthy aging. Dr. Psyche Loui at Northeastern University explores how music strengthens brain connections, enhancing memory and emotions.
Dr. Seinfeld's research involving participants aged 60 to 85 found that those who took piano lessons showed remarkable improvements in executive functions, attention, and inhibitory control.
Neuroscientist Nina Kraus notes that playing an instrument is one of the richest brain activities, leading to better language and reading skills.
I have been privileged to walk the road with many schools as they transform their school through music learning.