Our parents used to rip the headphones off our ears during our daily homework. The opinion among teachers and parents was clear. Music while studying is distracting and does not promote good results. This is a misconception, as many studies show, but it is also true to some extent.

First of all, the whole thing is very person-dependent again. And scientifically, it has not been proven that listening to music while working and studying is neither beneficial nor harmful. The so-called Mozart effect is a good example of this. In 1993, scientists conducted intelligence tests on schoolchildren. While the first group of subjects took the test without any influence from music, the second group of subjects was played Mozart's sonata for two pianos in D major 10 minutes before the test began. A third group of subjects listened to other relaxation music before the test.

The positive interpretation of the results led to a worldwide run on Mozart recordings, as it was said that listening to Mozart makes you intelligent. Scientists then looked at the subject again and repeated the tests. The results could not confirm the Mozart effect. So science can also err.

Nevertheless, the discussion about whether music has an influence on our cognitive performance continues. However, the experts seem to agree on one point: linguistic tasks, such as finding words or the right vocabulary, can be better mastered in silence.

Attempts to isolate the tasks on which the influence of music could have a positive or negative impact have also failed to produce any clear scientific result. But there is certainly a difference between listening to music while performing routine tasks, the most difficult mental work or creating something creative.

The experts' advice is to try it out for yourself: does Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major or your favourite music have a positive or negative effect on you and when? Genre, tempo, volume, duration, with or without vocals are aspects to consider when looking for the right concentration music for you. Maybe start by going through your favourite music. Whatever you do, it should put you in a good mood and evoke positive emotions in you. And when you're in a good mood, you work better and more easily.

And maybe our selection from different genres will also inspire you:

Ana Adagio – Electronic - Labyrinth

Joep Beving – Classic Crossover – Last Dance

Khruangbin – Rock – August 10

Hans Zimmer – Soundtrack – Time

Björn Meyer – Jazz – Provenance

Luttrell – Electronic – Sunrise Song

Moon Duo – Indie Rock – Mirror’s Edge

Stephan Moccio – Classic Crossover – Fracture

Morcheeba – Pop – Blood Like Lemonade

Tim Green – House – Tears