Music helps improve study skills

By Hannah Scroggs
Reporter

It’s the night before the big test, and the entire class is up all night studying. Almost all college students can relate to this scenario, but, are all students using that time wisely? Good study habits and a healthy environment are key to acing the test.

“I always have trouble staying focused when I’m studying,” said Becca Ross, a sophomore Sociology major. This is an extremely common issue among students of all ages. Strong study habits are a vital key to success from elementary to college. The major key to Successful studying is staying focused.

Studies done by clinical psychologist, Dr. Emma Gray, show that listening to music makes focusing on studying easier. Depending on what is being studied, different genres are more effective.

Studying mathematics is best paired with classical music. “The melody and tone range in classical music, like Beethoven’s ‘Fur Elise,’ helped students to study for longer and retain more information,” said Gray.

Students studying science, humanities and languages, would benefit from some Miley Cyrus and Justin Timberlake on their iPods. According to Gray, “Listening to music with 50-80 beats per minute such as ‘We Can’t Stop’ by Miley Cyrus and ‘Mirrors’ by Justin Timberlake has a calming effect on the mind that is conducive to logical thought, allowing the brain to learn and remember new facts.”

English, drama and art students should turn up their emotive rock and pop playlists when they start studying. “Songs like Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’ and ‘I Can’t Get No (Satisfaction)’ by The Rolling Stones produce a heightened state of excitement that is likely to enhance creative performance,” said Gray.