Music has a big influence on many different parts of our brain: the auditory cortex, the cerebrum, the cerebellum and the limbic system. So music influences the system that assists the analyzing of volume, speed, melody and rhythm; this process helps to memorize text and melody, evokes associative images and controls movements. It also influences the procedure of communication in our system and coordinates our movements responding to music and it is responsible for the emotional reactions to music.
In short: music affects us intellectually, physically and emotionally.
When I was exploring all this I came across Georgi Lozanov. Lozanov is a Bulgarian psychologist who demonstrated how to itemise studying in three parts and arranged corresponding music.
The first phase is the relaxing phase before you start to study. According to Lozanov it helps to listen to relaxing music for about 3 to 5 minutes. Your brain will be more receptive to new information.
In the second phase you will enter the active learning phase when reading new information for the first time. You might listen to active concerts that will help you to absorb the information.
Listening to passive concerts is advisable in the last phase, the phase where you intend to memorize what you are learning. This phase is called the consolidation phase. This kind of music will help you to store the information in your long-term memory.
For every phase Lozanov has a list of suitable music.
Relaxing phase:
▪ Claude Debussy – Deux Arabesques
▪ Johann Sebastian Bach – 6 Concerti after Vivaldi, Concerto for Harpsichord in F minor, Goldberg Variations
▪ Arcangelo Corelli – Music for the Royal Fireworks. — Concerti No. 1 and 3, 12 Concerti Grossi, Opus 6
▪ Johann Pachelbel – Canon in D Major;
▪ Antonio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons. -“Winter”, Flute Concerto Nr. 4 in G Major, 6 Flute Concerti, Opus 10
Active learning phase:
▪ Beethoven, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D Major, Op 61
▪ Tchaikovsky, Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor for Piano and Orchestra
▪ Mozart, Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Concert No. 7 in D major
▪ Haydn, Symphony No. 67 in F major; Symphony No.69 in B. Major
▪ Beethoven, Concerto No. 5 in E flat major for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 73 (“Emperor”)
Consolidation phase:
▪ Corelli, Concerti Grossi, Op. 6, No. 2, 8, 5, 9.
▪ Handel, The Water Music.
▪ J.S. Bach, Fantasy in G major, Fantasy in C Minor and Trio in D minor; Canonic Variations and Toccata.
▪ Corelli, Concerti Grossi, Op. 4, No. 10, 11, 12
▪ Vivaldi, Five Concertos for Flute and Chamber Orchestra
With the help of ITunes, Spotify or YouTube you will be able to make a great playlist that will benefit you.
What kind of music are you listening to while studying?
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