Music’s Impact on Academic Performance

Kristian Gorenc Z

May 29, 2025

Researchers and students have been interested in how music might affect academic performance for a long time. Some studies say that music can help with cognitive skills and focus, while others say that it can be a distraction. We will look at the link between music and school performance in this article, focusing on both the good and bad effects. As we look more closely at the research, it becomes clear that the effect of music on learning depends on the task, the kind of music, and the listener's own tastes.

Music and Writing: How Music Can Help You Write Better

How to Use Music to Help You Focus on Writing

Many students find that music helps them concentrate, especially when writing academic papers or completing assignments.  Studies have shown that instrumental or ambient music without lyrics that are distracting can help people focus and be creative. This kind of music can help students get into a flow state, where they are completely focused on their work. Studies show that music with a steady beat or songs that students know can help them focus on writing without feeling overwhelmed by the silence.

Using Music to Get Past Writer's Block

Getting writer's block is a common problem, especially when you have to do something hard like write a research paper or make an argument for an essay. For some students, listening to certain types of music can help them get past mental blocks. For example, classical music or sounds from nature can help you relax and get into a productive flow. These types of music can also stimulate different thought processes, allowing students to approach their writing with fresh perspectives. 

Looking for help with writing

Adding the right resources to the writing process can make a big difference for students who want to get better at it. When you're trying to improve your ideas or organize your writing, Edubirdie study documents can be very helpful. They have a lot of well-researched materials. These resources are helpful whether you need ideas for a research paper or help with how to write for school. Students can create a more productive and creative environment by using these documents along with music in their study space. This will help them improve both their writing skills and their grades.

The Effects of Different Kinds of Music on Learning: Classical Music

People often think that classical music, especially the music of composers like Mozart and Beethoven, can help them think better. Research shows that classical music, with its complex structures and rhythms, can enhance concentration and task performance.  Some research suggests that listening to classical music might help you remember things better and do things that require a lot of focus, like studying for tests or memorizing information.

Music that is upbeat and pop

On the other hand, fast-paced pop and upbeat music can affect students in a different way. These types of music can make you feel better and give you more energy, which might be helpful for things that need motivation or physical activity. But pop music can also make it hard to focus on things that need a lot of attention, like reading or solving hard problems. The effect of pop music on how well someone does in school depends a lot on what they like and what they are doing.

Music or Silence

While music can be beneficial for some tasks, it’s not always the best choice.  Silence might work better for activities that need a lot of focus, like solving hard problems or doing deep analysis. Studies that look at how well students do in quiet and music-filled environments show that some people do better with music in the background, while others find it distracting, especially when they are taking tests or doing other important tasks.

How music affects cognitive functions that are linked to school performance

Remembering and keeping things

There are many ways that music can affect how well you remember things. For example, classical or instrumental music has been linked to better memory and retention when studying or memorizing. Studies have shown that music can help people remember things for a long time, especially when it makes them feel calm and doesn't distract them. But music with lyrics or loud beats can make it harder to remember things because it competes with the brain's ability to process verbal information.

Attention and Focus

Some types of music can help you stay focused, especially when you need to pay attention for a long time. For example, instrumental music with a slow tempo has been found to improve focus during study sessions.  By creating a consistent auditory environment, music can help students block out external distractions and stay engaged in their work. 

Being creative and solving problems

Music can help people think outside the box when they have to do creative or problem-solving tasks. Studies have shown that some kinds of music, like instrumental and ambient music, can help people think in different ways, which is what you need to do when you brainstorm or do creative work. Students can think about problems in new ways and come up with creative solutions in school by listening to music.