How does music help students with ADHD?

Did you know that humans created music before they started to use language? Our brains light up with activity when we listen to music! This article released by Harvard University explains, “music can activate almost all brain regions and networks, it can help to keep a myriad of brain pathways and networks strong, including those networks that are involved in well-being, learning, cognitive function, quality of life, and happiness.” So basically, music is a tool for enhancing the performance of the same brain functions that can be negatively impacted by ADHD. Many students with ADHD find that listening to music can help them focus, as well as reduce symptoms like low motivation or racing thoughts. It can change your overall mood!

Now, let’s dig into how this really works.

One of the main benefits of music for students with ADHD is its ability to provide a consistent, background sound that can help to drown out distractions. We all know that one of the main symptoms of ADHD can be struggling with focus. Having some background noise can be a simple yet effective concentration tool. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of music helps soothe and calm the brain. We could all use a little of that! This doesn’t just apply to students with ADHD! This will help anyone!

You may be wondering, “Well, Tracy, what about the type of music? I can’t write my English paper and listen to my favorite hip-hop song! It’s almost more distracting.” Good point. While the type of music that works best for people with ADHD will vary depending on the individual, there are specific characteristics of music that can be particularly helpful. Music with a consistent and steady beat, music with minimal lyrics, and music with a slower tempo can all be effective in helping to focus and relax the mind. Keep these points in mind when picking your focus playlist!

Lastly, music can help you create more structure while completing tasks. For example, listening to music while working on a project can help you break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks, making it easier to complete ( “I’m going to research some sources, just while this song is on!”). This can be especially helpful for those who find it difficult to stick to a schedule or plan

Would you like to try it out for yourself? You can! To help our students with ADHD, we have created FREE focus playlists, available now on Spotify! Find the one that works best for you and enjoy! 

Link to our free playlists!

Music Source about language coming after music: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-musical-self/201209/which-came-first-music-or-language#:~:text=Music%20came%20FIRST.,a%20special%20type%20of%20music.

How Music Activates every part of the brain: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-is-music-good-for-the-brain-2020100721062#:~:text=Music%20activates%20just%20about%20all%20of%20the%20brain&text=The%20parts%20of%20the%20brain,music%20activates%20the%20motor%20system.