In the background of many late-night study sessions, music hums quietly—sometimes as a source of energy, sometimes as a buffer against distraction. For students trying to stay focused and teachers guiding them through demanding coursework, music has become more than a matter of taste. It’s a tool.

Oliver Oakes ’28 and math teacher Kelly Nicholson offer distinct perspectives on what kind of music aids concentration.

Oakes finds that music with lyrics helps him settle into a rhythm. “Yes, I like to listen to music with words, like hip-hop,” he said. “It keeps me in a rhythm and helps block out other distractions.”

Nicholson prefers a quieter study space. “One hundred percent. Instrumental always. I would get distracted very quickly. And instrumental music is more relaxing while still breaking the silence calmly,” he said.

Though their preferences differ, both agree on one point: a structured playlist is more effective than shuffling through songs. Familiar tracks reduce the temptation to skip or tune out.

To better understand how music might shape focus, I decided to test both approaches.

I began with three hip-hop tracks, following Oakes’ suggestion. While the music initially elicited energy, the lyrics soon became a distraction. I found myself listening more than working. Once the music stopped, I was able to finish my assignments with greater ease.

The following day, I tried Nicholson’s method: instrumental music only. With no words to follow or hooks to hum, I concentrated more fully and completed my work without interruption.

That said, the answer is hardly one-size-fits-all. Some students are motivated by familiar beats; others need quiet structure.

What works for one may not work for another. The key lies in discovering what kind of sound creates the right atmosphere for focus. Experiment with the provided playlist!