Build a Playlist

We have been talking a lot about brains, memory and learning. Our brains are like giant sponges for knowledge. They soak it up. There is always something new to learn. Or you might have something you have already learned that needs refreshing.

Over several blog posts, I have discussed how music affects our learning. You may have listened to some classical music. Or you may have yet to listen. Playing music in the background can help your memory when studying for a test.

So, why don’t we build a playlist of music to play when we study?

‘Great!’ you say. ‘Let’s get to it. Where’s the search tool for the music app? I’m going for hip-hop!’

Whoa! Steady on there, partner. Hip-hop might work for you, but will it work for the hard studying ahead of you? Well, yes and no.

The problem with music you know well is that you’ll hum along with it. Okay, but what happens to the stuff you’re studying? We can’t multi-task. Our brains are wired for one task at a time. We can quickly switch between tasks but can’t focus on more than one at a time.

Throw in some music you don’t know. Begin with three you know, then one you don’t. As your study habits get better, switch the numbers around. One you know, followed by three you don’t know.

How do you choose the music you don’t know? Type Pachelbel or Mozart into the search line.