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Although grade point average (GPA) is not directly impacted by music played while doing homework, studies have shown a little background music (minus the vocals and heavy beats) can enhance concentration by helping to "tune out" street noise and other background sound. Also, a lot of research supports the "Mozart Effect" theory that claims classical music enhances mental clarity. GPA depends on student motivation, requirements for achievement, intrinsic ability and levels of stress. Regardless of the presence of music--which according to other studies distracts from homework if it is entertaining or played loudly--the student will either perform at a high level or will not. If music did affect GPA, which would only be in the slightest way, it would depend on the type of music being played. Light, classical music has been indicated to have positive effects on "mental clarity," which may lead to better homework performance and thus a higher GPA. However, music that is preferred and/or noisy will act as a distraction to students, ultimately hindering their academic success and lowering their GPA. No study has been conducted yet to give a clear-cut answer, but generally speaking, music played while doing homework has minimal to no effect on GPA.On One Hand: Some Background Music Can Help
On the Other: GPA Really Depends on Other Factors
Bottom Line
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by Linz1805 on March 17th, 2010
I always listen to classical music when I study or dome homework. It helps me block out other thoughts that creep up in the back of my head, and improves my focus. Other people say it's distracting. I think it really depends on the person. I have mates that listen to hip-hop, or even hard rock music whilst studying and they seem to do alright.
I think it's a matter of finding whatever puts you in a mood to focus and concentrate. For some it may be music, for others it may be silence.
So I think it's a personal thing.
by MrJosh on March 18th, 2010
I recall reading a study in school about how different people operate effectively with different levels of stimulation. Some people need silence in order to study, while others may do better with some music.
by Mr. Bean is a superhero on March 17th, 2010
yeah.. if the music is solemn, then I think it would make good results.
by Nemesis on March 16th, 2010
I have much better focus with music running in background :)
by Wolf_lover on March 21st, 2010
it depends on the person
it helps some ppl to excede very well in school
the other ppl get distracted & it will affect their GPA...
by JamesGTFC on March 20th, 2010
We had this discussion back when I was in school and at that time, listening to music while doing work was banned until they realised that some of us, including myself, seemed to work better with a bit of music in our ears as it allowed us to drown out the noise from the rest of the class.
Whether it affects grades or not though, I am unsure.
by Tacet on March 20th, 2010
Personally, I concentrate better when it's quiet, so I don't listen to music when I study or do homework. But listening to music may help other people, so it all depends on the person in question.
by coaster367 on March 19th, 2010
Oh yes it does (obviously). I think that it is for a negative direction, because you are somewhat focused on the music, and not on the actual studying/homework.
by roman_Slayer on March 22nd, 2010
There would be one way to find out: test it. Try a week of doing your homework with the music off and see what grades you get. Then try a week of doing your homework with the music on and see what grades you get.
by Arctico-The-Wolf on December 20th, 2011
I listen to Metal music while I do my Chemistry coursework and I'm top of the class, so I must be doing something right!
by suda44 on April 4th, 2010
It's probably dofferent for everyone. I listen to music while I study and do homework... it helps me concentrate!!!
by TheYapView on March 18th, 2010
Well music can be distracting, so it probably will affect the grade point average
by Shania on March 17th, 2010
Yes, it does. Unconsciously, they are tuned in to the music in the back round; therefore, their homework and GPA suffer.
by LittleWhiteSock on March 21st, 2010
Soft, calm and relaxing music like Beethoven, can stimulate the brain, especially in young children in a good way. I learned that is a baby hears music like that, they will somehow be smarter as they age. But, on the other hand, loud music like rap and heavy metal during working hours, won't really help any.
by bagicide stayed 10 months too long on March 18th, 2010
Sure, if they are taking a music class.
by metllerr on March 17th, 2010
depends on the music, stalaggh and anal cunt tends to distract me.
by Freedom00 on March 16th, 2010
I have heard it depends on the type of music you listen to. Softer music is supposed to help more then harder music I think.
by ECW_champion on March 16th, 2010
No
by kenken on March 16th, 2010
Studies have shown that although people used to music can study effectively, they get tired out much more quickly.
by treblemaker on March 17th, 2010
I'm not sure how it is with most people. I have heard that it helps a some people, but I can't do anything with music playing. I sometimes even have difficulty formulating intelligent sentences when I try to listen to music and talk at the same time. I have to turn the ipod off, say what I want to say, and then turn it back on again. I can never do homework or study with music playing. My brain is just like that.
by richhound on March 17th, 2010
I don't see whats wrong with listening to music while doing homework. But no I don't think it affects grades. At least not mine( my grades are very good).
by evollove on March 18th, 2010
It depends on how well the person who is attempting said homework is at multitasking and other class related activities.
by crazy noodle on February 20th, 2010
I did a science fair project on this and from the people I studied, they did better on quizes with music playing.
by Nemo_S on March 18th, 2010
YES, I do believe MOST music LOWERS the GPA there are a couple of types that when listened to an hour or two before test actually increases test scores results ..
~Nemo~
by TheYapView on March 18th, 2010
Well music can be distracting, so it probably will affect the grade point average
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Comments
I call BS - every instructor knows better.
by Shania on March 18th, 2010
Im a teacher I think a little music during study helps actually. Then again, I teach singing & music!
by Earlofthercs on March 19th, 2010
Sometimes, my teacher plays soft music during work time! It actually helps.
by LittleWhiteSock on March 21st, 2010
@Earlofthercs music teacher, no fair!
@goodygoody2shoez what grade?
by Shania on March 24th, 2010
8, why.
by LittleWhiteSock on March 27th, 2010
just because it has been proven that some people do better when listening to classical it is also proven that it distracts and drives people crazy.
by hufca55 on February 7th, 2012