Revision and listening to music

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My DDs are revising at the moment (GCSEs and A levels) and we seem to have an ongoing disagreement about whether or not you can actually take in any information if you are listening to very loud music. I suggested that background music would be ok if it helps with concentration and this is what DD2 is doing but DD1 appears to be listening to thrash metal that is turned up to full volume. I don't want to turn it into a battle of wills as any comment from me and she will flounce off and start slamming doors and that will be the end of any work today - but can you actually learn anything with loud music on?

Continuing debate in our house.
DS1 got through his school career (nothing lower than an A) revising whilst playing computer games/ loud music/ practising DJ sets/ TV on/ MSNing and texting. However, at university he always took to the library so as not to be disturbed.
DS2 revises some of the time whilst Sky Sports News/Dave is on, but when concentrating hard - e.g. doing maths questions, he sits in the dining room.
(His bedroom/the dining room table/sitting room table are covered with work at the moment)

I recall a similar argument with my mum a number of years ago!

At the time there was a 'study' and which concluded if it was only music then it can help you concentrate but radio with speech for example was not good as you automatically stopped to listen to the words.

Can't remember what it said on volume however so probably no help!

I would let her do what works for her as long as it isn't disturbing her sister. What about headphones. I concentrate really well when zoned out like that.

I always studied with background noise be it music or talk radio and I still do actually currently writing and essay

meant to say I find my mind wanders if there is too much silence but never really do it full volume, did at at 15 and do it at 40

i can't be certain, but i think i remember a study that said that teenagers learn better this way

i certainly did t when i was a kid - but i couldn't do it now - its either information to the brain or music not both - i really truly think its an age thing.

Aye to be fair I am currently studying/MNing for 2 exams so clearly my comments are best ignored!

Hope they both do well!

I revised to music - I was never aware of which song was playing but did find if it wasn't on I would not concentrate as well.

However I think there is no argument for it needing to be really loud.

found this on yahoo answers - i can't find any other research - but i'm not doing a detailed search - that's for you to do!

obviously - this answer is not substantiated by research.

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
Math, chemistry and "right brain" stuff, yes that's true.

English, languages, history, philosophy, other "left brain" stuff, not true. The opposite happens.

Though the smell of fir, orange and coffee does great things for cognitive skills for left brain activities.

HTH.
2 years ago

It probably wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't such hideous music - at least when its on I know she is in her room working, when the music goes off she is wandering around the house annoying her sister and having another break (yes I know breaks are useful but you do need to get something done before you can take a break from it)

I can remember the study mentioned - it was definitely that music was ok, specially familiar albums/mixes, but radio was not because you ended up distracted by what they were saying or because you didn't know what tracks were coming next.

I certainly always had a cassette on when I was revising (I predate CDs...) and would only be conscious of the first track and it coming to an end. But without familiar music I'd be much more distracted by sounds around the house, traffic noise etc.

As to volume, well I suppose familiarity is the thing, so if she normally listens at full volume I guess that's ok, but not if it stops her sister from working!

I have 2 teenagers revising at the moment (AARRGGHH) - 1 can revise plugged into ipod - and effectively, surprisingly - and the other needs silence to concentrate - personally I need a glass of wine/bubbly .

Vive la difference !

I went round a leading secondary school last week and noticed that the teachers were allowing pupils to listen to music whilst revising (and this was supervised revision ie teacher sitting in room).
I expressed my surprise but was told that the school had looked into it and that they believed it did help concentration. It was not allowed for those in years 7 - 9 however.

At least she's revising! I'm terrified because DS1 does nothing and thinks this is ok!! Unfortunately he got through his mocks like this with great grades!! I must have been the only parent in the country who wasn't pleased their child had done well - I now have no lever to my argument about revision!!

I can't concentrate in silence, and always had music on while revising. I did fine.
You do sort of zone out the actual music, but would notice if it wasn't there. It's odd.

If DD1 is used to listening to loud music, then suddenly having it quieter will probably be distracting in itself...as it will be different to how her brain is used to hearing it so it will try to concentrate on it more (did that make sense?!) Same goes for using headphones if she doesn't usually use them.

get them to listen to Bach and Mozart before Maths exam (good luck)