The question of whether or not music helps with studying has been an overarching question for years. According to a 2017 report released by Nielsen Music, Americans spend an average of 32 hours a week listening to music. Research also shows that the average hours spent on music grows significantly each year.

According to Dr. Dianne Kenny from the University of Sydney Psychology Department, students that listen to music to help study for an exam may experience pros and cons. Kenny says that music has a very energizing effect on students, so if students feel lazy or tired, they will be able to focus better while they study.

On the other hand, Kenny also says that if the music is too loud or too distracting, it will actually hinder students’ ability to recall information while they study.

“I listen to music every day while I do schoolwork because it helps me stay calm and focused,” said sophomore Brandon Ginnetti.

Research says that listening to music without lyrics is the most effective way to stay focused while studying. Classical music is a popular choice when it comes to studying.

“When my students are studying I try to play music that is a bit lower toned with lower beats,” said AVID coordinator Michelle McAfee. “I generally always have some kind of music playing.”

Many music services are available for public use which allows easy access to popular songs. Spotify is one of the most popular applications when it comes to music because it offers many different radio genres such as hip-hop, pop, classical, blues, and jazz.

“I like to listen to instrumental music when I study because I can focus on my work and not the words of the song,” said freshman Desiray Martinez.

Spotify also offers numerous customized playlists for studying, such as “Deep Focus” and “Intense Studying.” Both playlists consist of music without lyrics to ensure that the listener does not get distracted.

Other students create their own playlists. For example, freshman Andrew O’Brien likes to listen to Mozart, cantina jazz, or Frank Sinatra when working on school work. Other freshmen preferred Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, 7, or 9; the length of the pieces do not distract from the work at hand.

Users can also make their own playlists if pre-made playlists are not to their liking.

“Most people find studying boring, so listening to music makes it easier to put forth the time,” said Michael Jacobs from the University of Sydney.

Listening to music while doing schoolwork offers various benefits, but it also brings forth some negative effects. Music can distract students while they study if the music is too loud.

“It usually distracts me, and I don’t get much work done,” said sophomore Kianna Butts.

Although some students feel as if music distracts them from their work, many students still prefer to use music as a positive influence.

“I like to listen to something upbeat to prevent me from falling asleep or getting too bored,” said sophomore Xavier Adams.