Music has been proven to influence everything from mood to memory. Business owners and educational professionals are using music to benefit business and improve outcomes.
In education specifically, many studies have proven the value music has on focus, learning, memory retention and more. Most of these studies have focused on individual applications and outcomes.
But more and more, educators are leaning into group work and team settings.
One 2016 Cornell study explored the impact of music on cooperation within a team. When happy, upbeat music was played – researchers chose the “Happy Days” theme song, “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison, “Yellow Submarine” by the Beatles and “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves – team members were more likely to contribute to the group. When music deemed unpleasant was played – in this case, heavy metal songs by lesser-known bands – participants were more likely to prioritize themselves. When researchers conducted a second experiment testing how people react when no music is played, the results were the same.
Group work isn’t always the best structure for learning. But most educators agree that with the right application, group work can prepare students for the future — like joining the workforce. Group projects often mimic real-world scenarios where collaboration is necessary to solve complex problems, preparing students for future careers.
In this article, we’ll explore how background music can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance productivity for groups.
Common Challenges of Group Learning
Group learning is when students work together to solve problems, share ideas, or complete projects. It’s a great way to learn because everyone can bring their own strengths to the group. It’s not without its challenges, however.
Distractions
Whether it’s side conversations, notifications from phones, or noise from nearby groups, staying focused in a busy environment can be difficult. Groups also often get sidetracked or spend too much time on one part of the task, leaving other areas incomplete. These distractions can pull attention away from the task at hand and reduce the group’s overall productivity.
Unequal Participation
In many groups, some members take on most of the work while others contribute very little. This can cause frustration and resentment, making it harder for the group to work effectively as a team — especially on future projects.
Communication Breakdowns
Misunderstandings or unclear instructions can lead to wasted time and mistakes. When group members don’t feel comfortable speaking up or sharing ideas, the learning process suffers.
Addressing these challenges requires tools and strategies to help groups stay focused, work together, and use their time effectively.
The Role of Background Music in Group Dynamics
One of the most effective ways to combat and supplement group learning challenges is with background music.
Musical Influences on Cooperation
Multiple studies have explored the power of synchronization in group activities. Synchronization happens during shared psychological experiences such as singing, dancing, drumming or — you guessed it — listening to music.
Shared musical experiences have been shown to compel individuals to anticipate and adapt to each other’s behavior. So shared musical experiences, especially when there is a shared group goal, typically reinforces the group’s cooperative behaviors.
A similar effect was noted when workers on an assembly line listened to music. The workers who listened to music were more happy and efficient and made fewer errors.
Cooperative groups produce better outcomes, both at work and in the classroom.
How Different Types of Music Affect Group Focus
The type of music you choose can have a big impact on how well a group focuses during activities. Some types of music help improve concentration, while others might cause distractions.
Instrumental Music is a Better Choice
One important factor is whether the music has lyrics. Songs with lyrics can be distracting, especially during complex discussions or tasks that involve a lot of reading and writing. The words in the song can compete with the words the group is trying to process, making it harder to focus. That’s why instrumental music is often a better choice for group work.
Classical Music, Soft Jazz, and Lo-Fi Beats Enhance Focus
Certain genres of music are especially good for improving focus. Classical music, soft jazz, or lo-fi beats are popular options because they create a calming atmosphere without being too distracting. These genres are often slow-paced and mellow, which can help keep the group relaxed and focused.
Match Tempo with theType of Work
Tempo also plays an important role in choosing the right music. Fast-paced music, like upbeat pop or electronic tracks, can boost energy and creativity, making it great for brainstorming sessions. On the other hand, slow, steady music works better for planning or problem-solving tasks because it helps everyone stay calm and think clearly.
Practical Tips for Educators Using Background Music in Group Settings
When to Use Music
Now that we understand the best types of music to play to improve group work, when should you play it? Background music has multiple applications before, during and after group work.
- Set the mood before group tasks, while teams are assembling.
- Play upbeat songs to re-energize the room or during low-focus moments.
- Stream less familiar songs to spark increased creativity.
- Slow it down with lyric-free music during times of intense problem-solving.
- Play familiar tunes to signal it’s time to wrap up group sessions or transition into a different task.
Tweak over Time
The ideas above are a great place to start. But each group work setting and use case is different.
Monitor your music’s volume, test out different genres, and try different approaches. Ask participants how the music is impacting their success and if they have genre or artist preferences.
Playlists for Classroom and Group Work Activities
Not sure where to start? Pandora CloudCover has over 200 stations, many of which are perfect background music for classroom settings and group work. Try it free for 14 days and explore our best classroom playlists. Terms and conditions apply.
References
Study: Happy music sparks cooperation, teamwork. (August 2016). Cornell Chronicle.
Physiological and Behavioral Synchrony Predict Group Cohesion and Performance. (May 2020). Scientific Reports; DOI.
Music — an aid to productivity. (October 2016). Science Direct.
Listen while you work: What music does to your productivity. (June 2013.) Medium.