Classical Music Improves Ability to Focus on Learning Tasks
Playing classical music while working on learning tasks can improve focus and attention, a new study has shown. Education experts in Nigeria did a study in 2023 on the effects of classical music on student performance and learning ability at Mount Olive College in Nigeria.1 Students were struggling with negative attitudes towards learning tasks. Introducing classical music in the background was used as a strategy to improve their motivation to learn, and ability to focus on studies.
Very Consistent Improvement in Learning Abilities!
The result? Background classical music was very consistently effective at improving attention span during studying periods. 23 out of 23 students in the study were better able to stay focused on their learning tasks, and 23 out of 23 student were better able to complete learning tasks. 22 out of 23 students found the music to put them in a more calm and relaxed state. Such a state is more conducive to learning and performing educational activities, because stress and anxiety lead to increased distractibility.
Keeping Focused is Crucial to Learning New Things
There is a key point to remember for anyone looking to improve their learning ability. One of the key difficulties of learning can be with staying on task for extended period of times, and not getting distracted. This particular study shows that background classical music can improve your ability to stay focused for longer periods of time. Those who conducted the study explain, “Adding background music in the classroom also contributes to decreasing distractions and increasing concentration levels.” This surely applies also to the classroom of life! When you need to work on learning and reading, hearing classical music can improve your ability to absorb information.
Activating Both Brain Hemispheres Improves Cognitive Ability
Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that listening to music activates the right hemisphere of the brain. Educational tasks tend to stimulate activity in the left hemisphere of the brain. The researchers noted, “It has been found that when both hemispheres of the brain are activated, cerebral cortex activity is improved (Reimer, 2004). Activating both hemispheres through background music and teaching also improves memory.” You may be able to more intelligently absorb newly-learned information if you hear classical music while you learn. Using classical music as a biohack to improve brain power has great potential.
- Ezeobiora, C. O. (2023, July 8). CHAPTER 13 :THE EFFECT OF BACKGROUND MUSIC DURING STUDY TIME: A CASE STUDY OF MOUNT OLIVE COLLEGE UMUNYA. Ezeobiora | THE PRODIGIOUS MUSICOLOGIST: Celebrating PROFESSOR AGATHA IJEOMA ONWUEKWE (UGONABO). http://www.nigjbed.com.ng/index.php/onwuekwe/article/view/693/686
