Music has long been known to have a powerful effect on the human brain. From classical to jazz to rock, different genres of music can evoke a range of emotions and influence our behavior in various ways. In recent years, a growing body of research has explored the link between music and productivity, with many studies finding that certain types of music can help us stay focused and motivated while working.
So what makes a song scientifically guaranteed to improve productivity? According to research, it’s all about the tempo and genre of the music. Studies have found that instrumental music with a moderate tempo (around 60-80 beats per minute) is most effective at improving focus and motivation. This is because music at this tempo has been shown to synchronize with the brain’s alpha waves, which are associated with relaxation and focus.
With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 12 instrumentals (also available as a YouTube playlist) that are scientifically guaranteed to improve productivity. These songs span a range of genres and tempos, but all have been shown to have positive effects on the brain and can help you get more done. So put on your headphones, crank up the volume, and get ready to get stuff done!
1. Mozart’s Symphony No. 40
This classical masterpiece has been shown to increase spatial-temporal reasoning, which can be beneficial for tasks that require problem-solving skills. In a study conducted at the University of California, students who listened to Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 before taking a spatial reasoning test scored significantly higher than those who didn’t listen to music at all. If you’re working on a task that requires you to think outside the box or come up with creative solutions, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 may be the perfect choice to help get your brain in gear.
2. Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata
Like Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata has been shown to improve spatial-temporal reasoning. But that’s not all – this instrumental has also been found to reduce anxiety and increase feelings of calm. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, give the Moonlight Sonata a listen. Its soothing melodies are sure to help you relax and focus on the task at hand.
3. John Williams’ Star Wars Theme
Who doesn’t love a good Star Wars tune? It turns out, this iconic instrumental is more than just a fan favorite – it’s been shown to increase focus and motivation. In a study conducted at the University of Glasgow, participants who listened to the Star Wars Theme while working on a task reported higher levels of enjoyment and performed the task more accurately than those who didn’t listen to music. So if you’re feeling a bit sluggish or unmotivated, let the epic sounds of the Star Wars Theme help light a fire under you.
4. Hans Zimmer’s Time
This epic instrumental from the movie “Inception” has been found to increase productivity by helping to regulate the brain’s alpha waves. Alpha waves are associated with relaxation and focus, making this a great choice for tasks that require sustained attention. So if you’re working on a project that requires a lot of focus and concentration, give Time a listen. Its powerful and intense melodies may help you stay focused and motivated.
5. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
This classical favorite has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function. In a study conducted at the University of Illinois, participants who listened to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons while completing a memory task performed significantly better than those who didn’t listen to music. So if you’re working on a task that requires a lot of recall or mental organization, give the Four Seasons a spin. Its uplifting melodies may help boost your memory and cognitive function.
6. Thelonious Monk’s ‘Round Midnight
This jazz classic has been found to increase creativity and abstract thinking. In a study conducted at the University of Central Lancashire, participants who listened to ‘Round Midnight while completing a creativity task came up with more unique ideas than those who didn’t listen to music. So if you’re working on a task that requires you to think creatively or come up with original ideas, consider giving ‘Round Midnight a listen. Its smooth and intricate melodies may help stimulate your abstract thinking skills.
7. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5
This iconic symphony has been found to increase alertness and improve mood. In a study conducted at the University of Maryland, participants who listened to Symphony No. 5 while completing a tedious task reported feeling more awake and alert than those who didn’t listen to music. So if you’re feeling a bit drowsy or in a funk, give Symphony No. 5 a listen. Its energetic and triumphant melodies are sure to lift your spirits and help keep you alert.
8. Mozart’s Symphony No. 25
This Mozart masterpiece, like Symphony No. 40, has been found to improve spatial-temporal reasoning. It’s also been found to increase motivation and reduce fatigue, making it a great choice for tasks that require sustained effort. If you’re working on a big project or have a long to-do list, Symphony No. 25 can provide the drive and endurance to help you power through. Its dynamic melodies and energy can help keep you motivated and focused for the long haul.
9. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5
This classical favorite has been found to improve memory and cognitive function. Just like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, in a study conducted at the University of Illinois, participants who listened to Symphony No. 5 while completing a memory task performed significantly better than those who didn’t listen to music. Its powerful and emotive melodies are sure to help boost your recall and cognitive abilities, providing a perfect background for memory-intensive tasks.
10. Bach’s Prelude in C Major
This classical masterpiece, like Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, has been found to increase focus and motivation. In a study conducted at the University of Glasgow, participants who listened to the Prelude in C Major while working on a task reported higher levels of enjoyment and performed the task more accurately than those who didn’t listen to music. With its uplifting and joyful melodies, Bach’s Prelude in C Major can help you stay focused and motivated, even on the most mundane of tasks.
11. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9
This iconic symphony, like Symphony No. 5, has been found to increase alertness and improve mood. In a study conducted at the University of Maryland, participants who listened to Symphony No. 9 while completing a tedious task reported feeling more awake and alert than those who didn’t listen to music. Its soaring and emotional melodies can help boost your mood and keep you alert and focused on the task at hand.
13. “The Cinematic Orchestra’s ‘To Build a Home'”
This emotive instrumental piece, from the British band, has been shown to increase emotional intelligence and empathy. A study conducted by the University of Liverpool found that participants who listened to ‘To Build a Home’ while completing an empathy task scored higher than those who didn’t listen to music. Its mellow and contemplative melodies may help you tap into your emotions, which can be helpful when working on tasks that require emotional intelligence, such as communication, leadership or negotiation.
In conclusion, music can have a profound impact on our productivity and our ability to focus and stay motivated. By selecting instrumental music with a moderate tempo, you can help regulate your brain’s alpha waves, leading to improved focus and motivation, and in some cases, increased cognitive function and creativity. Next time you sit down to work, consider giving one of these scientifically-guaranteed instrumentals a listen, you may be surprised with the results.
