The Benefits of Music
Music not only has a powerful emotional impact, it also contributes to health and well-being. Whether through listening, playing, or composing, music is a fundamental aspect of leisure for many, serving as both an expression of personal identity and a tool for managing difficult emotions.
In addition, research has revealed the far-reaching effects of music, showing links between musical training and memory, language skills, and academic success. Some people find that listening to music in the background while studying helps them focus. Others turn to music to motivate themselves before facing challenges.
Below is an overview of our research looking at the positive effects of music. Click on the articles to read more about our findings.
Our Research
In a mixed-methods study, we examined the effects of listening to self-selected music before class on mood, motivation, concentration, and learning in a high school setting. In the first week, students experienced a standard school day without music, while in the second week they incorporated self-selected music before each class. Our results revealed robust positive effects on mood, motivation, and concentration, with moderate effects on learning outcomes.
Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses revealed that perceived benefits were primarily attributed to the generation of positive and energizing emotions, improved attention, and the establishment of a routine that provided a break between classes. These findings suggest that the integration of self-selected music can serve as an effective and cost-efficient strategy to enhance students’ emotional well-being, motivation, and concentration in a school setting.