Most people love music, whether it’s pop, rock, jazz, classical or any other genre. Step into any university library and you’ll see most of the students with their headphones in whilst they study. So, the question for many researchers, parents and education professionals is, is it beneficial for students to listen to music whilst studying or will it hinder their grades? I have teamed up with Brampton College to find out more.
Researchers have dedicated a lot of time to determining whether or not there’s a link between music and concentration. The results are not completely conclusive, and actually show that lots of factors are involved, from personality type to the volume of the radio. Although many studies contradict each other, the research provides some useful insights for parents and students.
With regards to revision, it’s important that your child is in good mental and physical health, meaning they should avoid getting too stressed or tired. Certain genres of music can have a calming effect on the brain during stressful times. Obviously, heavy metal won’t have the right effect but classical or instrumental music is typically a great revision aid. It can help kids relax and clear their minds, allowing them to focus and concentrate better. As a result, they are more likely to retain information.
There is no definitive answer to the question “can music boost my child’s grades?” because it depends on too many influences. Only your child can determine whether or not they find it beneficial, but as a parent you can encourage them to opt for something calm and quiet rather than loud and aggressive. It might be better if they opt for something neutral that they don’t know the words to, so they don’t get distracted and sing along.