Can Music Really Make You More Productive?

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Can Music Really Make You More Productive?

23 May 2025

Photo: Andrej Lišakov

When I started looking into this topic, I was genuinely surprised by how much research exists on music and its impact on the brain. Spoiler: it is a lot. And if you are the type who powers through workouts only with the perfect playlist, or needs a bit of background sound to get through your emails, keep reading.

What kind of music actually helps us focus — and when does it just get in the way? When should you hit play, and when is it better to pause and enjoy the quiet? At the end — a small bonus from the STR team: playlist to help you focus.

How does music help you concentrate?

The Mozart Effect

Probably the most famous study on how music influences the brain is what is known as the Mozart Effect. It came about back in 1993, when a group of researchers ran a simple experiment that suggested music could actually help us focus.

Here is what they did: they split a group of students into two — one group listened to classical music for 10 minutes, while the other sat in silence. Then everyone took a spatial reasoning test (basically folding paper shapes in your head). And guess what? The music group performed significantly better.

Now, yes — over time, other researchers pointed out that the experiment was a bit overhyped. And fair enough. But the core idea still holds: music — especially complex and rhythmically rich compositions — can boost dopamine levels, improve your mood, and activate cognitive function.

So, what should we do?

Try playing some classical music or richly layered instrumentals for 10 minutes before doing something mentally tough — like a big meeting or focused writing session. It might give your brain just enough of a boost to get in the zone.

White noise effect

White noise on its own is not exactly something people usually listen to for fun — mostly because it sounds like an AC on full blast or the soft static of an untuned radio. But despite its simplicity (and monotony), it can actually boost focus and lower anxiety levels.

How does it work? Pretty straightforward: white noise creates a consistent background sound that helps mask the distractions around you. With fewer interruptions, your brain has less reason to wander — making it easier to stay focused.

So, what should we do?

Let’s be honest — sitting down to listen to pure white noise for an hour might feel a bit odd. But here is the trick: white noise is often subtly layered into lo-fi tracks — the kind you play while working or studying. So do not overthink it. Just hit play on your favourite lo-fi playlist, and let the beats keep you calm and focused.

Music during sports: Neurons and dopamine

Energetic tracks with a fast beat do not just lift your mood — they can actually boost your performance during workouts. And no, it is not just a random tip from a lifestyle blog. It is been scientifically proven — several times, in fact.

There were done a multiple experiments with a group of cyclists and confirmed: our brain neurons sync perfectly with rhythmic music, helping the body perform repetitive actions more efficiently. Music quite literally guides your movement.

Another famous case? Haile Gebrselassie — the legendary runner from Ethiopia and a two-time Olympic champion. When he broke the world record in 1998, he shared an unexpected detail: he was running to the beat of "Scatman". And said — it was the track that helped set the pace.

So, what should we do?

Here, it is pretty simple: pick an energetic track (or a full playlist) and head to the gym.

When is it better to avoid listening to music?

First things first — something that comes up in nearly every article about music and the brain: if you are listening to music while working, avoid tracks with lyrics (especially ones you know well!). The reason is simple — lyrics tend to hijack your attention, making you focus on the meaning of the words instead of your task. Plus, you might catch yourself unconsciously mumbling along — and there goes your concentration.

What else?

If you are working on a creative task

A study by British researchers showed that background music can actually limit your creativity. The experiment somewhat echoed the famous Mozart Effect, but the results were quite the opposite — likely because of the nature of the task. Participants who had music playing in the background came up with fewer original ideas.

If you are trying to memorise something

A 2010 study found that people performed worse on memory tasks when music was playing. But honestly, you don't need a study to feel this — try learning a poem by heart while music is on. Chances are, you will get distracted.

When you need to act fast

This one is from personal experience: when a deadline is looming, I turn off all background noise. No music, no distractions — just focus.

by Barbara Yakimchuk