Study reveals that listening to music by Chopin and Beethoven supports students during exam preparation.
In a recent study titled Classical music, educational learning, and slow wave sleep: A targeted memory reactivation experiment, conducted by Chenlu Gao, Paul Fillmore, and Michael K. Scullin, it has been suggested that classical music could be a game-changer in helping students remember key topics.
The study, which involved 50 microeconomics students aged 18 to 33, used musical excerpts such as the first movement of Beethoven's 'Moonlight' sonata, the first movement of 'Spring' from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, and Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat major. Evan Le played Chopin's 'Minute' Waltz during the study.
Professor Scullin, who led the study, explained that classical music was chosen for the experiment because it is distinctive and pairs well with learning material. He stated that the study resulted in an 18% increase in performance on integration questions in a computer exam the following day.
The study found that listening to classical music activates a process known as 'targeted memory reactivation' (TMR), which stimulates the brain to consolidate memories. This process, which is also responsible for memories and emotions being triggered by smell, such as freshly baked bread, flowers, or perfume, was monitored using electroencephalograms (nets of electrodes) to monitor electrical activity in participants' brains.
The benefits of this method did not extend to a nine-month follow-up test, suggesting that the process needs to be repeated. However, the study did not rule out the possibility of encouraging more lecturers to play classical music during their classes.
The study also found that the effects were particularly enhanced in participants who showed heightened frontal lobe activity in the brain during slow wave sleep. Improving the quality of sleep and the ability to recollect course materials increased the probability of passing a test with a grade of 70 or above.
A 2020 US study found that students who listen to classical music during lectures, studying, or while sleeping perform better in exams. This new study supports these findings and provides further evidence for the positive impact of classical music on student memory and learning.
The full study can be read in detail at "Classical music for studying: the 14 greatest pieces for brain power". Half of the participants were re-played the same pieces throughout the night as they slept, while the other half slept with white noise.
The study was conducted by Professor Leon Botstein, who leads the Grafenegg Academy. His research continues to explore the relationship between music and learning, offering new insights into how we can optimise our study environments for maximum cognitive benefit.
