Settling down in a personal cubicle in the library’s quiet section, you reach into your backpack and grab the usual: pencils, paper, textbook. Then you see your iPod. This is the moment of truth. Do you need your music to study? You either grab the device or opt to leave it where it is; saving your listening time for when you’re running down South Avenue or lounging after school. For some, studying with music is a vital component.
Looking around the library, you can find sophomore Elliott Cottington studying diligently with earphones in his ears and his iPod on the table. “Listening to my music makes the process less boring,” he said.Repetition appears to be a common technique used among teenagers when studying. Sophomore Emily Chalon added, “I study to the same song on repeat so that whenever I don’t remember something on the test, I sing the lyrics in my head and I start remembering the material again.”Many students listen to multiple songs while studying. “My play-lists can be country or classical- it really depends on my mood,” junior Michelle Paturzo said.
A good percentage of students would say music helps them from getting distracted, while others think the contrary. “I get caught up in the lyrics,” freshman Patrick Hompe said. Many students agree that the tempo of a song can prevent their work from getting the full attention it deserves.
A recent convert to the quiet style of studying, junior James Shea said, “Once you stop listening to [music]your thoughts are more clear, and you can think more fluidly.” He even claimed that his grades improved once he made the switch.
School counselor, Ms. Kelly Tamborrino, said that the decision to study with music is based on personal preference. “Listening to music for the sole purpose of blocking out exterior noises can put someone’s ability to focus at its full potential,” she suggested. Ms. Tamborrino proposed the music should be something you find soothing or relaxing such as classical or piano tunes; simply background music. School psychologists Sandra Warkentin and Rossella Fanelli agreed. “Listening to music could help with screening out outside influences and distractions,” they said.
Whether you press play as soon as possible or keep your tunes zipped in your backpack depends on what helps you concentrate and study efficiently. It is through trial and error that students learn to study and music is just another tool available to utilize. “Music forces me to concentrate, I wouldn’t be able to study with out it.” Junior Robert Valente said.
