Studies have shown that the right kind of music can help you relax your mind which enables you to concentrate better. Perfect to studying, doing homework or studying for a test or exam. It cuts down on distractions and helps you focus on your work.
The most cited study is the “Mozart effect” a set of research results that indicate that listening to Mozart’s music may induce a short-term improvement on the performance of certain kinds of mental tasks known as “spatial-temporal reasoning” which is the ability to think out long-term, more abstract solutions to logical problems that arise.
What Kind of Music
There are many types of music that have been shown to put your mind in study mode. Here are a few of the most mentioned.
- Baroque classical music is said to have mind-boosting effects. Productivity writer David Allen of “Getting Things Done” fame has said he prefers music like Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #3, and other Baroque tunes.
- Others say that music at 60 beats-per-minute is required to put the brain in a “bright and breezy” frame of mind. In this state your thinking and creativity are said to be easier. Concertos for Recorder – Telemann & Vivaldi is recommended.
- Since classical music may not be your thing there are other types of music that have been shown to increase your concentration levels. Ambient music or sound is designed to keep your brain engaged at a lower, subconscious level. Waterfalls, rain, seashore, whatever your taste.
- More modern electronic “Chill out” music genres such as Trip-hop, Nu jazz, Ambient House, Ambient Trance, New Age and other sub-genres of Down tempo are designed to relax the mind and allow it to roam.
- Eno’s “Music for Airports” has been noted as being useful for serious studying and deep concentration. This music was designed to relax stressed out travelers at the airport and put them at ease.
Okay, so most of these listed you may have never heard of or even care for. Just give them a try and see. It really does not matter what kind of music you listen to as long as it puts your mind in study mode.
Where To Find It
SOMAFM.COM offers free streaming music and a iPhone app as well as apps for other types of phones. Suggested playlists are Drone Zone(Served best chilled, safe with most medications. Atmospheric textures with minimal beats.) and Secret Agent (The soundtrack for your stylish, mysterious, dangerous life. For Spies and PIs too!). Most music players are supported. I know it works with iTunes.
WWW.DI.FM – Digitally Imported offers free streaming electronic and dance music.
If you are a fan of Pandora (who isn’t) try out a playlist created by a Pandora employee Michael Zapruder called Ovals.
MUSOPEN.COM is a site that offers free MP3 downloads by many of the composers mentioned above.
Tweet This Post 
Delicious 
Digg This 
Facebook 
MySpace 
Stumble This
