The impact of classical music on cognitive abilities has been a longstanding area of interest, especially for young adults who face various academic, professional, and personal challenges. Classical music, with its structured and complex compositions, has been shown to positively affect several cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and emotional regulation. These cognitive abilities are crucial during young adulthood, a period often marked by the demands of higher education, career development, and the management of social and emotional well-being. This analysis explores the cognitive effects of classical music in young adults, particularly focusing on how this age group benefits from enhanced memory retention, improved focus, and emotional regulation. While children and adolescents show measurable improvements in spatial reasoning and language development from exposure to classical music, young adults may benefit in ways that support their academic performance and emotional resilience.
Memory and Learning
Research has shown that classical music can enhance memory retention in young adults, particularly during academic tasks. The "Mozart Effect," which originally linked spatial reasoning improvements to classical music, has also been expanded to include memory benefits. Studies indicate that young adults who listen to classical music while studying or performing cognitive tasks show better recall of information. This is due to the stimulation of brain areas responsible for memory encoding and retrieval, particularly the hippocampus. Analyses revealed that the older adults were less likely than the younger adults to retrieve multiple attributes of a song together (i.e., title and artist) (Schulkind et al., 1999). Additionally, classical music's rhythm and melodic patterns create an environment that supports focused learning, leading to better information retention.
Focus and Attention
Young adults often struggle with maintaining focus due to the various distractions of modern life, including digital media. Classical music, particularly compositions that are calming and devoid of lyrics, has been shown to improve focus and attention spans. In one study, young adults who listened to classical music while studying for exams demonstrated greater concentration and longer periods of sustained attention compared to those who studied in silence or while listening to other genres of music (Hallam et al., 2002). The calming properties of classical music helps mitigate mental fatigue and distractions, allowing young adults to perform better on cognitive tasks.
Emotional Regulation and Stress Management
The transition to adulthood often involves dealing with significant stressors, whether related to academic pressure, career planning, or personal relationships. Classical music has been found to have a positive effect on emotional regulation in young adults. Listening to classical compositions can help reduce stress levels by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a decrease in cortisol levels (Koelsch et al., 2009). This reduction in stress is beneficial for cognitive performance, as lower anxiety levels have been linked to improved memory and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, emotional regulation is crucial for young adults' overall well-being. Exposure to classical music has been associated with improved emotional awareness and control, allowing young adults to better manage emotions such as anxiety and frustration. Music interventions have been employed in therapeutic settings to help young adults develop healthy coping strategies, which, in turn, positively influence their cognitive functioning (Rodwin et al., 2023).
Problem-Solving and Creativity
Classical music has also been linked to enhanced problem-solving abilities and creativity, both of which are important for young adults pursuing higher education or entering the workforce. Studies suggest that the complex structures of classical compositions engage neural pathways associated with critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Young adults who regularly listen to classical music show greater flexibility in thinking and are more likely to approach problems from multiple angles (Schellenberg, 2005). This cognitive flexibility is crucial for adapting to new challenges in academic or professional environments.
Clinical trials
On ClinicalTrials.gov, several clinical trials investigate the impact of classical music on younger adults. These studies aim to explore how exposure to classical music affects various aspects of mental health, cognitive performance, and overall well-being in this age group. MusiCare: Music Therapy & Innovative Technology: NCT04851028. This trial investigates the use of music therapy combined with innovative technology to protect cognitive functions and improve well-being in aging populations. The study spans five months and compares standard care with music therapy interventions delivered either one-on-one or in small groups. It aims to measure the psychosocial benefits of music therapy on cognitive functions, emotional well-being, and social engagement. Additionally, the study explores how robotic-assisted technologies can enhance music therapy’s impact in adults experiencing mild to moderate cognitive decline.
Assessing an Intergenerational Music Program Delivered by Adolescents to Older Adults with Declining Cognition: NCT04645017 This trial examines the cognitive and emotional benefits of an intergenerational music program where adolescents deliver music interventions to adults with declining cognitive abilities. The goal is to assess how such intergenerational interactions impact the mental health and cognitive functioning of older adults while also fostering meaningful social connections between the two age groups. The study focuses on cognitive measures, emotional regulation, and the overall quality of life improvements among older participants.
Classical music offers a range of cognitive benefits for young adults, enhancing memory, attention, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities. By incorporating classical music into daily routines, young adults may experience improved cognitive performance, particularly in academic and professional settings. The calming effects of classical music also support emotional resilience, making it a valuable tool for managing stress and enhancing overall well-being.
Future research should explore the long-term cognitive effects of regular exposure to classical music in young adults, particularly in relation to academic performance and career success. Also, investigating how different genres and composers within classical music impact cognitive functions could provide further insights into optimizing music interventions for cognitive enhancement.
By: Theia Minev
References:
Schulkind, M.D., Hennis, L.K. & Rubin, D.C. (1999). Music, emotion, and autobiographical memory: They’re playing your song. Mem Cogn 27, 948–955
Hallam, S., Price, J., & Katsarou, G. (2002). The effects of background music on primary school pupils' task performance. Educational Studies, 28(2), 111-122.
Koelsch, S., Fuermetz, J., Sack, U., Bauer, K., Hohenadel, M., Wiegel, M., ... & Fegert, J. (2009). Effects of music listening on cortisol levels and propofol consumption during spinal anesthesia. Frontiers in Psychology, 1(20), 1-9.
Rodwin, A.H., Shimizu, R., Travis, R. et al. (2023) A Systematic Review of Music-Based Interventions to Improve Treatment Engagement and Mental Health Outcomes for Adolescents and Young Adults. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 40, 537–566
Schellenberg, E. G. (2005). Music and cognitive abilities. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 14(6), 317-320.
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