Music helps with concentration... but under this condition 🎧

Music divides: for some, it is a valuable ally for concentration, while for others, it represents a source of distraction. But what if this difference didn't solely depend on the person, but also on the type of music being listened to? Researchers are exploring this angle, identifying sound characteristics capable of directly influencing brain activity.


A recent study, published in Communication Biology, reveals that rapid modulations in music can synchronize the brain's natural oscillations, thereby enhancing concentration. These findings could explain why certain types of music are more effective than others in stimulating attention, particularly in individuals with conditions like ADHD.

Revealing tests

To measure the impact of music on concentration, researchers conducted experiments on around forty participants. These individuals performed computer-based tasks requiring sustained attention while listening to different musical compositions. Scientists used EEG recordings and MRI scans to observe brain activity in real time.

The results showed that music with rapid modulations, which emphasize sound contrasts, activated the brain's attention networks more effectively. Compared to other types of music or silence, these compositions led to better performance in the tasks assigned.

Why rapid modulations?

The brain naturally oscillates at certain frequencies, explains Psyche Loui, the study's lead researcher. By incorporating these frequencies into music, it is possible to influence brain activity. Rapid modulations, which quickly adjust acoustic signals, synchronize brain oscillations, a phenomenon known as "phase locking."

Concretely, these modulations make loud sounds more intense and soft sounds more subtle, creating a dynamic soundscape that "hooks" the brain. This synchronization promotes better coordination of the neural networks involved in attention, particularly in individuals prone to inattention.

A path for attention disorders

The researchers also tested this music on individuals with attention difficulties, such as those with ADHD. By increasing the intensity of rapid modulations, they observed a significant improvement in concentration. These compositions work by regulating brain oscillations, offering a non-medicinal alternative for managing attention disorders.

These findings open promising avenues, not only for concentration but also for other areas such as improving sleep or athletic performance. Music thus becomes a scientific tool for exploring and optimizing brain functions.

Tips for choosing concentration music

For those who wish to use music to boost their attention, researchers recommend fast-paced, energetic, and lyric-free tracks. These characteristics promote motivation without causing distraction. However, effectiveness varies among individuals, and it is essential to find what works best for oneself.

In the meantime, these discoveries highlight the importance of designing music tailored to specific goals, paving the way for new therapeutic and practical applications.