Certain types of background music can help you retain information more quickly and maximize learning capacity. The genre of music makes little difference when it comes to memory retention, but the tempo does. Music with a tempo of 60 beats per minute is ideal, as it effectively activates the left and right sides of the brain, according to a study done by Laurence O'Donnell III.
Playing slower music is shown to lower blood pressure and help the body relax. If you are relaxed while studying or taking a test, your ability to learn and perform is significantly increased. Likewise, playing faster music can raise blood pressure. Dr. John Diamond, Australian physician and psychiatrist, found that if someone is subjected to a "stopped anapestic beat" of music--otherwise known as "hard rock"-- the body drops into a weaker state of being. This state can cause a heightened sense of anger, inability to think on a realistic level, and/ or a noticeable decline of work performance. This has also been noted to cause learning and behavior problems in children.
Dr. Michael Ballam released a study called "Music and the Mind," which notes the importance of repetition during a piece played while studying. He concluded, "The human mind shuts down after three or four repetitions of a rhythm, or a melody, or a harmonic progression." Ideal pieces to avoid this would be a classical, such as most works by Mozart.
When considering the effects of studying with background music, it is important to note there are no consistent findings. Keep in mind, however, that everyone is different. Some are more sensitive to a particular tempo or noise level than others. In general, most researchers and professionals say the best music to listen to is a piece that has no words, as well as one you generally find relaxing. According to a study released by The Washington Post, individuals should listen to familiar music when studying so there is no thought involved, as opposed the possible distraction presented by unfamiliar music.