Can listening to music while studying make you more productive?

I think one of the most underappreciated joys of college living is the exposure to your neighbors' music tastes. Never having met the two guys living below you, there's a good chance you could still create a fairly accurate profile of them after listening to their… diverse collection of Styx, Ace of Base, Lou Bega and Chingy.

I've lived with people who study to Broadway show tunes, Disney classics and Kelly Clarkson ballads. I'm not kidding. I've also lived with people who study in complete silence with nothing but a dim desk lamp to remind them of civilization.

There are myriad studies out there on the benefits of listening to music at different times. It calms nerves. It helps you to pump iron. It helps you to study effectively. But it's nearly impossible to "prove" these theories as it always comes down to individual preference.

Me? I listen to music while studying only if I need a break in my routine. Sometimes I'm just struggling through my coursework and feel as if boredom is consuming me – a near impossible state to be in if you hope to get any solid work done. At that point I'll put on some low-volume music to provide slight diversion and get my mind back on track.

How do you use music as a study aid? Does music really help you to study more effectively?