Picking a Playlist

For years, people have always encouraged new moms to make their babies listen to Mozart instead of Nirvana, because apparently, Mozart has made babies grow up to be more intelligent. Teachers always encourage students to listen to classical music when studying to help them focus, but can we really rely on the same thing to help everyone?

When I am preparing myself for a test, whether it be finals or just another math test, I like to put on my noise-canceling headphones and enjoy the art of music. My music is always the same theme. I hardly ever listen to classical music because honestly, if I am not the one playing it, it bores me. I am constantly singing (horribly) or dancing (even worse than my singing) so when it comes to my studying this helps me stay on track. Which playlist is best for you?

Studies have proven that classical music affects brain waves to improve thinking and memorization. Mozart is one of the most recommended composers to listen to, in fact, many people strongly believe in the “Mozart Effect”. The Mozart Effect was first reported in 1993 by scientists at the University of California. The scientists performed a study where they had individuals listen to either Mozart’s sonata or silence for 10 minutes. Those who listened to Mozart for 10 minutes showed a rise in their spatial reasoning skills. For this reason, many people believe you should listen to classical music while studying or doing homework.

However, what about those of us who constantly need to be moving or dancing or singing somehow to stay focused? I am not sure about how this works for other people, but for myself, I focus better when I have a way to get my jitters out. My go-to playlist ranges anywhere from Johnny Cash and Reba to good ole Hanna Montana. I enjoy having a few songs that compel me to stand up and dance, again to get all my jitters out.

So, when you are making your playlist, it really comes down to what type of person you are. If words throw off your concentration while studying and make it to where you can’t fully focus, I would go for some classical music. This does not have to be super fancy in detail music. Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, or any composer will work well. Classical music can go from soft and slow to blowing your eardrums out very quickly, which helps to keep you awake during those 3 a.m. study periods!

If you are like me, a variety of music is important. I recommend compiling a playlist of your favorite songs to sing and dance to, along with a few slow-paced “Zen” songs to bring you back into your study focus. Bob Marley is my favorite to listen to when I need to go back to focus. My all-time favorite artist to dance/sing to is obviously Demi Lovato, because how could someone not enjoy songs with so much passion and soul.

The best advice I can give on picking a playlist is to choose songs that make you feel motivated and make you want to get work done!