Can music help you focus on a task like homework? This is a simple answer, yes or no. Some say music helps people focus and can be therapy, whether it’s while you’re cleaning, doing homework, or just trying to calm down. Music is a way to express yourself and it can help you through things, but it can also be a distraction when you’re trying to focus.

Music has a lot to offer. It can improve your mood or improve your motivation. But, sometimes it can distract you and stop you from doing something you need to get done. Maybe music with no words is better for trying to get something done or to focus. Music that has singing and instruments is going to distract you.

Studies show it can negatively impact your working memory if you have a hard time comprehending information. Also, because music is a stimulus, it is distracting like any other stimulus. The increased stimuli leads to decreased focus and comprehension. Over-reliance on music can lead to a lack of critical thinking and active learning. According to an article in SeattlePi, music with lyrics can definitely be more distracting than music without lyrics. Also, the volume at which you listen to music while studying can also play a role in comprehension.

Another reason to avoid music while trying to study or memorize is that the music and different tones and notes can throw off your ability to memorize things in order. The ability to organize your thoughts while studying can be altered by different words and beats. Music is just a distraction from what you are supposed to be learning, but everyone learns differently.

Some studies think that music isn’t all that bad while trying to study. It can keep you calm and improve your mood depending on what kind of music you are listening to. Music can be soothing. It has also been shown to lessen depression and anxiety which would be helpful while taking tests. According to the California Learning Resource Network, listening to music can be helpful while studying. There are several reasons music is helpful; they include reduced distraction, longer attention span, and improved information retention.

While there may be a few good reasons to listen to music while studying, it is still not a good idea to become dependent on it. It’s a good idea to be able to study on your own without being “dependent” on something like music to be able to study. It’s best to find what works for each individual and go with that.