A groundbreaking new study suggests that instrumental music featuring a “strong rhythm” and “simple tonality” can help boost mood and productivity, especially when tackling demanding tasks. While numerous studies highlight music’s impact on emotions, its effect on cognitive function remains unclear.
Despite this, many commercial music platforms promote content that claims to enhance focus and concentration. However, the effectiveness of this content has largely gone untested, according to researchers from New York University’s Music and Audio Research Laboratory (MARL).
In this new study, scientists assessed the impact of four different music types on the mood and performance of nearly 200 participants during a challenging cognitive task called the “flanker task.” This psychology experiment tests participants’ ability to focus on a central stimulus, which is paired with a surrounding “flanking” signal that may either match or conflict with the target, requiring participants to focus on and respond only to the central stimulus.
Tested
The participants, divided into four groups of about 50, listened to different music types while performing the task. Among these were music specifically marketed to support “work flow” and “deep focus,” which were selected for their distinct musical features, despite their similar promotional claims.
In addition, the study compared the effects of popular hit music and office ambiance noise on performance. The “work flow” music was sourced from a playlist on a music therapy app, characterized by strong rhythm, simple tonality, moderate dynamics, and energy below 6000 hertz. On the other hand, “deep focus” music was more minimalistic, with a slower tempo, weaker rhythm, and less dynamic variation. Neither type of music had lyrics.
The participants’ groups were balanced in terms of demographics, musical training, sensitivity to music, mental health status, and stimulus volume. During the task, participants responded to the direction of a central arrow, which could be flanked by other arrows, squares, or crosses, requiring them to either respond or refrain from responding.
Results showed that listening to “work flow” music significantly improved participants’ self-reported mood after completing the task. This effect was independent of participants’ self-reported levels of anxiety, depression, or stress, suggesting that “work flow” music might be effective in managing mood even for those experiencing emotional distress. Additionally, participants who listened to “work flow” music responded more quickly over time, indicating that it may help maintain focus, particularly for those dealing with high anxiety.
While the study acknowledged some limitations, such as potential unnoticed group-level differences, the results align with previous research demonstrating music’s beneficial impact on cognition, including memory, verbal learning, and attention.
In conclusion, the study provides evidence that instrumental music designed to support focus and concentration—featuring strong rhythm, simple tonality, broad spectral energy, and moderate dynamism—can enhance mood and processing speed during cognitively demanding tasks. These findings have practical implications, offering effective and affordable strategies for improving mood and performance during routine work tasks.
