Do Surgeons Really Perform Better With Music Playing?

Picture a surgeon in the operating room, scalpel in hand, classic rock playing softly in the background. Does the music actually help? According to some research, yes—but the reality is more complicated than a simple yes or no.

A 2015 study from the University of Texas Medical Branch found that plastic surgery residents closed incisions 7% faster and with higher quality when listening to their preferred music. Senior residents saw even bigger improvements, cutting their time by 10%. Independent judges confirmed the repairs were better, too—regardless of whether residents heard music first or second.

But Wait—Other Studies Tell a Different Story

Here's where it gets interesting. A 2024 study called MOSART tracked surgeons for nine months and found no difference in stress levels whether music was playing or not. A 2025 French review concluded there's no significant evidence for a "Mozart effect" in actual clinical settings.

Systematic reviews reveal the truth: it depends. Classical music at low to medium volume? Generally helpful. Loud, high-beat music? Can cause distraction and communication problems. Some studies show strong evidence for positive effects, others show strong evidence for negative effects.

The Drawbacks Nobody Talks About

Music in the OR isn't all upside. Research identifies real concerns:

• Communication interference between surgical team members
• Distraction during critical moments
• Missed warning signals from monitoring equipment
• Team frustration when members disagree about music choices

One surgeon's concentration aid is another nurse's annoying distraction.

The Preference Factor

The Texas study's key finding wasn't just that music helped—it was that preferred music helped. When surgeons chose their own tunes, they relaxed into a better flow state. This makes sense: familiar music you enjoy reduces stress without demanding attention.

But in real operating rooms, not everyone gets to pick the playlist. The surgeon usually controls the speakers, which doesn't always sit well with the rest of the team.

So do surgeons perform better with music? Sometimes—when it's the right music, at the right volume, during the right type of procedure, and when it doesn't interfere with team communication. It's less of a performance hack and more of a "it's complicated."