Does Music Help or Hurt When Studying for Big Exams?
Many students reach for their favorite playlist as soon as they crack open a book or log in to a test prep session. But does music really boost productivity, or is it a sneaky distraction? The answer is nuanced—and depends on the student, the type of task, and even the type of music. In this post, we’ll break down the science and offer actionable advice for getting the most out of your study sessions for every major test PREPperoni covers.
PREPperoni Covers Every Major Test
PREPperoni’s neuroscience-backed, audio-based strategies help students succeed on:
ACT
SAT
CPS HSAT (Chicago Public Schools High School Admissions Test)
ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam)
HSPT (High School Placement Test)
SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test)
GED (General Educational Development)
PSAT
Let’s see what role music should play in prepping for these exams.
The Science: When Does Music Help—and When Does It Hurt?
1. Music Can Boost Mood and Motivation
For many students, music makes studying feel less stressful and more enjoyable—especially for repetitive or low-stakes tasks.
Upbeat or favorite tracks can energize you to get started and stick with your schedule.
2. Lyrics vs. Instrumental
Lyrics can compete with your brain’s language centers, making it harder to process reading material, write, or memorize content.
Instrumental music, white noise, or ambient sounds are less distracting and may help some students focus.
3. Task Type Matters
For math practice, simple review, or repetitive tasks, background music may help.
For reading comprehension, writing essays, or learning new material, silence or soft instrumentals are usually best.
4. Individual Differences Rule
Some students thrive with background noise; others need quiet. Experimentation is key ([internal link: Visual vs. Auditory vs. Kinesthetic: What’s Your Child’s Learning Style—and Does It Matter?]).
Actionable Advice: How to Use Music Wisely When Studying
Match the Music to the Task
Try instrumental tracks for reading, problem-solving, or memorization.
Save lyrical songs for breaks or non-academic tasks.
Create a Study Playlist
Curate calm, non-distracting tracks that set the right mood without grabbing your attention.
Use Music to Cue Focus
Always use the same playlist at study time to train your brain that “it’s time to work.”
Know When to Hit Pause
For full-length practice tests ([internal link: Why Practice Tests Are the Secret Sauce to Success]), mimic real test conditions—no music, no distractions.
Try Audio-Based Test Prep
Substitute music for educational audio ([internal link: The Surprising Power of Audio-Only Test Prep for Modern Learners]) to reinforce content in a distraction-free format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my student insists they need music to focus?
A: Encourage them to try instrumental or ambient music and to notice their performance on practice questions with and without music.
Q: Is music ever helpful on actual test day?
A: Most standardized tests don’t allow music, so it’s important to practice sometimes in silence.
Q: Are some genres better than others for studying?
A: Classical, lo-fi beats, and soundtracks without lyrics are popular choices. Avoid anything that makes you want to sing along!
Internal Links to Explore Next
[internal link: The Science of Memory: How to Retain More for High-Stakes Exams]
[internal link: Visual vs. Auditory vs. Kinesthetic: What’s Your Child’s Learning Style—and Does It Matter?]
[internal link: Why Practice Tests Are the Secret Sauce to Success]
[internal link: The Surprising Power of Audio-Only Test Prep for Modern Learners]
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Music can be a powerful tool—or a potent distraction. The key is to experiment, stay self-aware, and choose what genuinely helps you focus and retain information. PREPperoni’s expert-led, audio-only test prep for the ACT, SAT, CPS HSAT, ISEE, HSPT, SHSAT, GED, and PSAT helps students harness their attention for real results—no playlist required.
Ready to focus smarter and prep for your next big test?
Enroll in PREPperoni today and find your best rhythm for success!