Is it good to study with music? Finding the perfect balance

It’s probably happened to you: you’re sitting with your books open, and you wonder if putting some background music will help. So, is it good to study with music? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the type of music you choose, your personal study style, and the task at hand. But one thing is certain: if you pick the right soundtrack, music can become your best ally for staying focused and reducing stress.

The power of music for concentration

When you choose the right music for studying and focusing, interesting things happen in your brain. According to a study mentioned by the University of Maryland, instrumental or ambient music works like a shield against distractions. It helps you stay focused and, at the same time, reduces the anxiety that sometimes appears when you sit down to study.

A curious fact: in a study with medical students, almost half (47%) said that music helped them concentrate better, and 29% admitted that it made them feel calmer while studying. Of course, it’s important to note that not everyone reacts the same way.

Listening to music while you study is beneficial because it boosts your mood, keeps you motivated, and can even help with memory. Still, for some people it may be a distraction. The key lies in the type of music you choose and when you play it. Experts are clear: if you go for music without lyrics —classical, soft electronic, or film soundtracks— you’re much more likely to get good results.

Relaxing music for studying: finding the right tone

If you’re looking for relaxing music to study, the best option is calm rhythms without vocals, so they don’t compete for your attention. Soundtracks and classical music are safe bets to create an atmosphere that encourages study.

Some pieces are even created specifically for relaxation. For example, Weightless by Marconi Union is designed to reduce stress by up to 65% in just 8 minutes, according to Mindlab research. Other studies suggest that instrumental music can help you reach a “flow state”, where everything feels easier and learning becomes deeper.

Music and cognition: beyond the notes

According to a study from the Universidad Católica de La Plata, listening to music improves attention, problem-solving skills, and information retention, by stimulating the prefrontal lobe.

And there’s more: research shows that combining music with subtle movement (like tapping your foot while studying) boosts both memory and mood.

Real benefits of studying with music

When you choose the right type of music, these are the clearest benefits:

• Better concentration: music acts as a barrier against external noise and creates a steady environment for focus.

• Less stress: the right melody has real physical effects — it regulates your heart rate and calms the mind.

• Stronger memory: melodies work as mental cues that help you recall what you’ve studied.

• Extra motivation: starting a session with a favorite track gives you that initial push of energy.

• Prevents burnout: soft rhythms keep your brain from overloading, especially during long study sessions.

Tips to make music work for studying

Now that you know music can help, how can you make it work for you? Here are some practical tips you can apply today:

• Choose instrumental or ambient tracks, without distracting lyrics.

• Look for rhythms between 60–80 beats per minute, the ideal range for focus.

• Create study-specific playlists or search for “deep focus” playlists.

• Adjust the volume: noticeable but not dominating, avoiding uncomfortable silence.

Music and your university life

At Stephouse, we understand music is a big part of student life. That’s why we’ve included it in our activity plan:

• StepFest: monthly themed sessions with DJs or live music — perfect to dance, disconnect, and meet other students.

• StepStage: intimate concerts and live events throughout the year, where you can discover new talent or even showcase your own.

This way, you get the best of both worlds: focused study sessions with your own background music, and social and cultural experiences that make residence life much more than just studying.

Stephouse: where studying meets community

Studying with music can be very beneficial, but it’s all about doing it right. The best choice is instrumental, lyric-free, moderate-paced music, and science supports its benefits for focus, stress, and memory. Still, everyone is different — the best approach is to experiment and find your own formula.

At Stephouse, you’ll have spaces designed for silence and concentration (coworking areas, quiet common rooms), while also enjoying music-centered events like StepFest and StepStage.

Ready to reach your academic goals with the perfect soundtrack? Explore our residences in Spain’s top university cities and experience how Stephouse makes studying, connecting, and living music possible.