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Hello everyone! I’m Monica, and as a language teacher with a Master’s degree and over 5 years of teaching experience and I’ve always paid attention to what makes information stay in our heads.
Many students ask me: "Should I listen to music while studying?" My answer is always: It depends on WHAT you are listening to and WHAT you are doing.
In my experience learning 5 languages and teaching 3 of them (English, Spanish and Italian), music is a double-edged sword. It can be a powerful tool to reduce stress, but it can also steal your concentration if you don't choose a suitable music style for the type of studying you are doing.
Our brain has a limited capacity for processing language. If you are studying English grammar while listening to a song with lyrics, your brain struggles to process both. Result? You remember less. I personally can't concentrate on studying something if the song has lyrics. I eventually end up listening to them and before I even realize it I'm singing the lyrics (in my head or out loud!).
Research suggests that music with a tempo of 60-80 beats per minute, like some classical music, helps the brain enter an "Alpha state," which is perfect for long-term memory. I personally enjoy listening to slow instrumental music with pianos, saxophones or even full orchestras and it helps me concentrate and also makes my cats fall asleep. I also enjoy listening to music with headphones, since they block the outside noise and I get to be even more concentrated on what I am learning.
Our brain has a limited capacity for processing language. If you are studying English grammar while listening to a song with lyrics, your brain struggles to process both. Result? You remember less. I personally can't concentrate on studying something if the song has lyrics. I eventually end up listening to them and before I even realize it I'm singing the lyrics (in my head or out loud!).
Research suggests that music with a tempo of 60-80 beats per minute, like some classical music, helps the brain enter an "Alpha state," which is perfect for long-term memory. I personally enjoy listening to slow instrumental music with pianos, saxophones or even full orchestras and it helps me concentrate and also makes my cats fall asleep. I also enjoy listening to music with headphones, since they block the outside noise and I get to be even more concentrated on what I am learning.
Of course if you are organising your study schedule or doing exercises that are very easy for you, then you might also listen to music that is more complex and it probably won't distract you. I have students who prefer the silence of a library to study, and I have also one student who listens to rock music while studying and doesn't mind studying in a noisy place... so I guess some people might be able to study in a noisy environment and still manage to concentrate.
What about you? Do you listen to music when you study or do you need silence? Do you listen to music in the language you are studying? Do you have a favorite study song or playlist?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you want to discuss this topic or what your favourite studying music is, I’m currently offering a 20% DISCOUNT for new students since I am new here on Cafetalk. We can discuss this and more in our conversation lessons.
What about you? Do you listen to music when you study or do you need silence? Do you listen to music in the language you are studying? Do you have a favorite study song or playlist?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you want to discuss this topic or what your favourite studying music is, I’m currently offering a 20% DISCOUNT for new students since I am new here on Cafetalk. We can discuss this and more in our conversation lessons.
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