Study with music for better grades or just improve your memory and concentration

   For years there have been studies, books, and discussions on the effects of music on the brain, brain waves, concentration and memory. Broadly speaking, the overall consensus

is that listening to classical music has specific and measurable neurologic effects on the brain, and that these effects are positive. PET and CAT scans have proven that music stimulates areas of the brain responsible for memory, language, motor control, emotional responses, and timing.

   Why classical music? It has to do with the beat (rhythm) and tones. Music such as Mozart stimulates the memory part of the brain and increases the amount of information that is retained. In studies comparing the various types of music, from classical to heavy metal, it was found that certain types of music may be more enjoyable to an individual (i.e. you make 'like' R&B or country or Rap) which makes the study time more enjoyable, but taking a test later, you will score better if you listened to Mozart.

The Mozart Effect

   The term "Mozart Effect" was first used by the French researcher Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis in 1991. Subsequent studies in 1993 published in the prestigious scientific journal Nature, showed listing to a sonata by Mozart resulted in temporary enhancement of spatial-temporal reasoning. The concepts, experiments, and popular books that followed were all over the place in terms of claims - but the basis was real - the brain IS affected in a positive way by listening to Mozart. Overall, no one argues with the positive affects - they just argue over the methodologies, time frames, etc.

   That said, my personal experience is that it works. It REALLY works well for me. But the proof to me was how well it worked for my daughter. We home schooled, which meant we had to use the big standardized tests once a year to prove she was actually learning something. We used Mozart with her test preparation activities. Great results. Now the fact that she graduated with a college degree at 16 leads me to believe there were other, longer term positive results.