Is Music the Buffer that gets us in “The Zone?”

When your students study, does it baffle you that they can listen to Led Zeppelin and crank out Geometry proofs simultaneously? Have you wondered if the noise is affecting their reasoning? Well, recent studies prove that music creates a much-needed buffer between a focusing mind and the outside world. Even something as simple as static prevents the distractions of barking dogs or honking horns from upending the contents of a focused mind.

We asked our students what their best study music habits are and have uncovered some trends:
– Music at the same tone or level. If you follow up Sara Bareilles with Jock Jams, the musical changes will really distract you from your focus.
– Classical music. Ok, so it may not be in or hip, but Baroque had it right with major key changes and soothing modulations. Bach, yes, Brahms, no (unless you are writing a research paper on the effect of dreams and focus).
– White noise. Fan, oceans, rivers, fish tanks are all great examples of ongoing noise levels that will prevent outside noises from really jarring your concentration, but don’t allow for the great distractions of turning up the volume just to belt out this great chorus.
– Music that fits what you are studying. Reading the Great Gatsby? How about some Jazz? Set the tone for writing a research paper on Boeing by listening to the soundtrack for the Rocketeer.

For more information, visit https://www.cerebromente.org.br/n15/mente/musica.html. Good luck!