Classical, pop, LoFi, rap. So many genres and yet everyone has different opinions about them. But have you ever wondered if those opinions are true? Well, one of those thoughts that has been swirling around my head lately is: “does the music I listen to while I study actually increase focus?” Hence let us explore what it was like then, and how it is now, in order to calm this query.
In 1998, the “Mozart effect” was very popular in the hopes of the development of a “smart baby”. The “Mozart effect” claims that listening to classical music, such as Mozart, could raise a person's general intelligence. However, there has been no evidence whatsoever to support this. On the contrary, there actually are mental benefits to classical music which have been experimented on. In fact, classical music could help with anxiety, which is a common symptom from students, especially during assessments or even from all the teenage drama. Knowing this though, we can see that music, in some way, can have a positive effect on our mental health.
Nowadays, however, classical music is becoming more and more popular considering it did help with high stress environments during the recent pandemic. However there is a subgenre of music which is seen as rather controversial: LoFi. Now, I’m sure that most students, and teachers, have heard of this subgenre of music. With its ‘chill beats for relaxing and studying’, or even the ‘Lofi Girl’ channel livestream which has been going on since 2020, it can’t be denied that this has gained much popularity very quickly. But have you ever stopped to wonder, does this kind of music actually have the claimed benefits of relaxation and increased focus?
Well, we can’t say for sure that LoFi has these benefits, however it can be seen that many universities and study platforms have been offering, and promoting, such Low Fidelity music towards students. So why not? Why not try it? The tempo used in LoFi music keeps most listeners focused without making them feel sleepy. In addition, LoFi does not have lyrics hence no distractions when reading your latest homework assignment or even your test. I don’t know about anyone else, but if I listen to music with lyrics while writing, I end up writing the lyrics to the song.
Of course, while such kinds of music are a popular choice and have mood-boosting benefits which can be used to an advantage for students, it is important to remember that you should do what works for you, and you only. Sure, these can be added to your next playlist but just note that these are what work for a lot of people, but may not work for some others. If you like listening to music with a fast tempo when working and you think that it works, go for it! I’m not trying to limit your options, but I do hope that you found this helpful. Whether or not you would like to give LoFi or classical a try.
Works Cited
Budson, Andrew E. "Why is music good for the brain?" Harvard Health Publishing, edited by Harvard College and Harvard Health Publishing, 7 Oct. 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-is-music-good-for-the-brain-2020100721062. Accessed 18 Oct. 2023.
Dewar, Gwen. "The Mozart effect: The truth behind the claims." Parenting Science, Gwen Dewer, 2009, parentingscience.com/mozart-effect/. Accessed 18 Oct. 2023.
Raypole, Crystal. "Music and Studying: It's Complicated." Edited by Karin Gepp. Healthline, edited by Healthline, 30 May 2023, www.healthline.com/health/does-music-help-you-study. Accessed 18 Oct. 2023.
Vaughn College. "Studying to Low Fidelity (Lo-Fi) Music Gets High Marks with Students." Vaughn College, edited by Vaughn College, 25 Oct. 2021, www.vaughn.edu/blog/studying-to-lo-fidelity-lo-fi-music-gets-high-marks-with-students/. Accessed 18 Oct. 2023.
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