Music and concentration, do they go hand in hand?

Can you imagine a playlist that automatically makes you carry out work tasks without even realizing what you’re doing? When least expected, tasks are magically completed. Well, listening to music doesn’t really cause this effect, but you’ve surely played an album or a playlist as background while doing some work activity and somehow concluded tasks more smoothly.

According to neuroscientist Dean Burnett, author of the book “The Idiot Brain” (2016), music can be a very useful tool for concentration. It creates non-invasive noise and pleasurable feelings that can effectively neutralize distractions.

When we search for ‘concentration + music’ on Google, we easily find articles claiming that classical music is ideal for activities that require focus. However, in practice, it doesn’t work exactly like that. The reasoning is simple: music you like increases focus, and music you don’t like decreases it.

Each individual feels a unique connection when listening to music, based on musical taste and experiences. Different musical elements create these special connections between neurons, giving each of us a personal interpretation. Since music activates different areas of each person’s brain, it can be stated that the effect of music on concentration is not the same for everyone.

Srini Pillay, Harvard psychiatrist and musician, states that “familiar songs, or songs you like and know better, are the most effective for maximizing concentration.” When you already know the music and anticipate its progression, you go on autopilot, promoting concentration.

To achieve excellent productivity at work, the role of music goes beyond simple concentration. While concentration is crucial, the intervals in which we are not fully focused also play a fundamental role. After completing a task and leaving the concentrated state, we automatically return to a broader state of attention, aware of what is happening around us, before concentrating again, whether on the same task or another.

During this interval, listening to music we enjoy can keep serotonin levels high—the hormone responsible for pleasure and well-being. This helps us not be negatively affected by the environment, such as saw noises, motorcycles, hammers, and others. This same effect persists when we return to concentration, allowing us to start with a positive mood and humor. We can even draw a parallel with the popular saying: “All’s well that ends well.”

Now that you understand how this works in your head, how about creating the perfect playlist for those moments when you need concentration? Add songs you already know well, soundtracks from your favorite movies and games, songs that marked your youth—basically, what you truly appreciate! Then, tell us if this helped, okay? 😊

Here are some playlist suggestions from Skedway: