Host Introduction: Recent trends reveal an exciting shift in study habits among college students: the rising popularity of “study music.” This phenomenon has increasingly gained traction over the past few years, suggesting that students seek new ways to enhance their studying efficiency. Google Trends data shows a rise in interest in studying music since November 18, 2018, with notable peaks on September 26, 2020, and December 10, 2022. This growing trend raises intriguing questions about the effectiveness of music in academic settings. Shamar Alleyne has asked students about their musical preferences during study sessions, probing whether they gravitate towards the lyrical or instrumental and the underlying reasons for their choices.
Narration 1: Within the Newman Library at Baruch College, I meet Baruch freshman Jon Rydler. Jon shares that lyrics can be a source of motivation during his study sessions. He also expresses a strong liking for the rapper Tyler, the Creator.
Jon: Its tough decision because when I listen to Tyler I like to listen most of his beats and it’s very uplifting, energetic and fast going at times, there just some songs that are more lyrical that I like to listen to words that put in a thinking set of mood, making me think about the work that I am doing or in general what I am doing in my life.
Narration 2: In the vertical building of baruch college, Michelle Moo shares her preference for lo-fi music in her study routine.
Michelle Moo: When I am studying, I listen to more instrumental music just cause I can have more of deep focus. Whereas lyrical I get distracted by the lyrics and won’t get any work done. But Instrumental music helps me calm my nerves cause it don’t me feel as overwhelm as when I am by myself or have other background noises. Um I listen to lo-fi music were has it doesn’t have lyric but a beats and melody to help me study better.
Narration/sound: Lofi music as a sound byte.
Narration 3: Venturing further into the realm of study music, we encounter the distinct type of study music called lo-fi. According to Forbes, Lo-fi music, recognized as a subgenre of downtempo electronic music, is characterized by its laid-back vibe and hip-hop beats. It has recently surged in popularity as a preferred genre for work and study environments. However, for students like Branden Oppendisano, lo-fi isn’t the only choice for studying music.
Braden: I like a lot hip – hop and rap, I think I usually listen to lyrical but I’m more productive on instrumental. When I am calmer, I am better at studying and helps me retain knowledge.
Narration: Observing students at Baruch College, we’re witnessing a trend many are increasingly relying on instrumental music to aid their studies. But it’s not just student experiences that highlight this; Healthline.com’s did a study that outlines benefits of study music like stress reduction, motivation enhancement, and improved focus. Furthermore, a 2007 study shows classical music can help the brain process and understand new information more effectively. In the Newman Library’s computer lab, Brentley Britton shares his preference for specific music types to sharpen his concentration during a study session.
Brentley: I listen to more instrumental because lyrical I feel like i have to listen what the rapper is saying whereas instrumental I can vibe out because it more calm and it makes me focus more while I’m studying.
Outro: As finals draw near, I hope this information enhances your next study session. Shamar Alleyne signing off.