How to choose the best music for work and study?

Feel difficulties in maintaining focus and motivationin the execution of their daily tasks or even at work? For people with PHD(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can be a real challenge.

However, the good news is that there are strategies that can help you, as is the case with music! Some studies point out that music is an excellent means to increase cognitive stimulation resulting in aimproving focus, reducing stress and improving memory.

But can we, for this purpose, listen to any kind of music? The truth is that there is a specific selection, which can enhance your performance either at work or in studies!

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The 5 Best Types of Music for Concentration and Productivity

If you are looking for relaxing music to work, to increase concentrationat work or just to have extra motivation, check out our 5 suggestions (including playlists) that we have prepared for you!

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1. Classical Music

🎻 In Classical Music, musical works by composers such as Mozart, Bach and Beethoven are known for their positive effects on concentration due to their structure characterized by balanced harmony and constant rhythm.

In addition, as these are usually characterized by the absence of handwriting, they become perfect to provide the ideal conditions for moments of productivity.

👉 Classical Music Suggestion

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2. Binaural Sounds

🎧 In Binaural Sounds frequencies are used that stimulate specific brain waves for focus, relaxation and states of deep concentration. This effect occurs when each ear receives a slightly different frequency.

For this reason, for this type of sound it is recommended that headphones be used!

👉 Suggestion of Binaural Sounds

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3. Lo-fi and Chillpop

🎵 Or genre Lo-fi (low fidelity) has gained a lot of popularity especially for those looking for quiet music to work or study. The combination of soft beats and ambient sounds can have a positive impact in this regard.

👉 Music Suggestion Lo-fi

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4. Sounds of Nature

🌊 Sounds associated with Nature such as the waves of the sea, the rain, or the forest promote the creation of calm environments and the reduction of emotional overload.

👉 Nature Sounds Suggestion

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5. White Noise (“White Noise”)

🔊 The White Noise (”White Noise”) contains all audible frequencies in a balanced manner. It is characterized by having no rhythm or melody and, therefore, manages to mask possible external sounds/distractions.

This genre creates neutral sound environments and facilitates focus on specific tasks, also quieting the mind.

👉 Suggestions White Noise

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Tips for choosing the best music for concentration and focus

🔹Avoid songs with lyrics;

🔹Avoid very complex music, that is, with sudden changes in rhythm and volume;

🔹Use hearing aidsto isolate external sounds and maximize the effect;

🔹Experience different genresto understand which one works best for you;

🔹Create an Auditory Ritual - using the same playlist can help the brain associate it with productivity.

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How does music influence the brain during work or study?

The relationship between music and concentration has been widely studied, as well as its impact on people with PHDA.

It has been concluded that the impact of music on the brain varies depending on the rhythm, volume and structure of the composition.

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Some important findings include:

✅ Songs without lyrics help concentration— Letters can compete for the attention of the brain, making it difficult to absorb written or verbal information.

✅ Instrumental music and ambient sounds improve focus— Soft sounds, such as classical music, help mask external noises and favor immersion in the task.

✅ Each person responds differently— Some prefer classical music, others sounds of nature or Lo-fi. The ideal is to try different styles to find what works best for you.

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Conclusion: explore and discover the most suitable genre for you!

Some studies reinforce that, for the purpose of greater concentration, we cannot listen to any music, just as it is not any activity that benefits from the support of music as a strategy of concentration. I mean, music can help yes, but to some extent, otherwise it can become counterproductive when the brain receives too many stimuli.

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A systematic review from 2025 studied the intersection of music with PHDA, concluding that:

1. Listening to music can have positive effects on people with PHDA in specific areas such as arithmetic performance, body balance, reading comprehension, behaviors as well as reducing negative mood states;
2. Although people with PHDA are believed to be more productive in quiet environments, this review shows that listening to music before and during certain tasks can improve performance compared to total silence.

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Understand this dynamic and discover what type of music is most suitable for youIt can be something completely transformer in your work or study routine, as it potentiates your results and ensures a biggest focus.

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Explore our suggestions and find a genre that matches you! 🎧✨

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References

MACHADO, Mariana Vitoria Almeida. Music therapy as a promoter of attention in PHDA. Porto: [ed.autor], 2010. 71, [20] f.Research project within the scope of the Post-Graduation in Special Education of the Paula Frassinetti School of Education, unedited. Full text available from the ESEPF Repository. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11796/786

Saville, P.; Kinney, C.; Heiderscheit, A.; Himmerich, H. Exploring the Intersection of ADHD and Music: A Systematic Review. Behavioral Sciences, 2025, 15 (1), 65. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15010065 

Wiebe, J. ADHD, the Classroom and Music: A Case Study. Semantic Scholar, 2007. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/ADHD%2C-the-Classroom-and-Music%3A-A-Case-Study-Wiebe/6956fbab21e0bca709a7677b8ba2de2d5c39a270#related-papers?utm_source=direct_link