If you're an IB student, chances are you've felt overwhelmed more than once. Between Internal Assessments, Extended Essays, and exam prep, the pressure builds quickly. But did you know that listening to music can actually help reduce IB study stress and boost your productivity?
Here’s what the science says—and how to use music as a powerful tool to stay calm, focused, and motivated during the IB.
Why Music Helps Relieve Study Stress
Music has long been recognized as a powerful mood regulator and stress reducer. Here's how it can help:
- Lowers cortisol levels: Research shows that calming music can reduce the stress hormone cortisol.
- Activates the parasympathetic nervous system: Slow-tempo music helps your body relax.
- Improves mood and focus: Uplifting or familiar tracks can enhance motivation and reduce anxiety.
- Promotes flow state: The right background music can support deep concentration, known as “flow.”
Best Types of Music to Listen to While Studying
Not all music is equally effective. Here are the best genres and types of music for studying:
- Lo-fi beats: Perfect for background focus without lyrics
- Classical music: Known as the “Mozart effect”—ideal for logic-heavy tasks
- Ambient/electronic: Soft synths and natural sounds boost attention
- Instrumental film or video game scores: Composed to enhance immersion and focus
- Nature sounds: Rain, waves, or forest sounds can calm the nervous system
When Music Works Best for IB Students
- During reading or note-taking: Helps block out distractions
- When revising or practicing past papers: Keeps your energy up
- Before exams or tests: Reduces pre-exam anxiety
- While doing long-term projects like the EE or IA: Maintains momentum over hours
When to Avoid Music During Study
Music isn’t always helpful. It can interfere when:
- You're memorizing facts or formulas—lyrics might disrupt recall
- You’re reading complex texts and need full comprehension
- You find yourself singing along or getting distracted
- You’re already feeling overstimulated—silence may be better in these moments
Tips for Using Music Effectively During Study
- Choose instrumental or lyric-free playlists to avoid distraction
- Keep the volume low to moderate—music should support, not dominate
- Use noise-cancelling headphones in noisy environments
- Create a playlist in advance to avoid skipping songs mid-study
- Experiment with different genres to find what works best for you
RevisionDojo Recommends: Study Music Playlists
RevisionDojo supports stress-free study by recommending top-quality music tools alongside its academic resources:
- Lo-fi Chill IB Playlist – great for focused IA or EE writing
- Classical for Concentration – perfect for theory-heavy revision
- Ambient Study Waves – ideal for long reading sessions
Find curated RevisionDojo playlists and revision tracks directly in the platform:
👉 RevisionDojo Study Music Tools
What the Research Says
- A 2020 study from the University of Nevada found that students who listened to calm music while studying had lower heart rates and reported less anxiety.
- The British Academy of Sound Therapy reports that music between 60–80 BPM is best for study focus.
- Research from Stanford University showed that classical music improves the brain’s ability to process information.
FAQs About Music and IB Study Stress
Q1: Is it okay to listen to music with lyrics?
If you're doing repetitive tasks, yes. But for reading or writing, stick to instrumental music.
Q2: Will listening to music improve my IB grades?
Indirectly, yes—it reduces stress, which can boost focus and retention.
Q3: Can I use music as a break tool?
Definitely! A 5-minute music break can refresh your brain and prevent burnout.
Q4: Is lo-fi music scientifically proven to help?
While not officially “proven,” its steady beats and lack of lyrics make it ideal for many students.
Q5: What’s the best way to build a study playlist?
Use platforms like Spotify or YouTube. Or access pre-curated playlists via RevisionDojo.
Q6: Should I always study with music?
No—use it when helpful. Silence may be better for deep processing or memorization.
Final Thoughts: Music Is a Study Superpower—If You Use It Wisely
For IB students juggling stress, deadlines, and exams, music can be more than background noise—it can be a mental anchor. When used thoughtfully, it helps reduce anxiety, improve mood, and create a focused study environment.
So next time you sit down with your TOK essay or revise for Math HL, plug in your headphones and let music set the tone. Just make sure it’s the right kind—and let RevisionDojo guide you toward focus and success.
