When most people think of studying music, they think of something soft and soothing to the ears, like piano or acoustic guitar, maybe even ambient nature sounds. But I don’t reach for those mellow playlists when I sit down to study. I crank up salsa music instead. In other words, salsa, or those fast-paced rhythmic beats of congas, trumpets and timbales, is the genre that gets me in the zone even right in the middle of a quiet classroom. It works for me, and it may work for you too.

Salsa is more than party music. Energetic, dynamic and just filled with rich rhythms, salsa keeps my brain running. If I am working through a dry textbook or a mountain of notes, the lively beats pop me up, keeping me awake and alert. Studying can be so monotonous, but salsa makes it much more fun. It’s like a private dance party in my head while my hands are busy taking notes. Who wouldn’t want that?

Some would find the fast and upbeat music distracting. I don’t. The key to studying well is knowing what keeps your brain alert and awake, salsa does just that for me. Songs like “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz or “El Gran Varón” by Willie Colón make me want to power through even my toughest assignments. The beat gives me momentum, even when my energy flags.

But there is also a cultural reason. Listening to salsa keeps me in touch with my roots. It’s more than background noise to me; That emotional connection helps me keep my feet on the ground and push through such stressful times. Sometimes, when things get tough, the music carries me through an assurance that I can do anything.

Of course, a few of my classmates give me weird looks when my headphones start tapping out that unmistakable beat. But I’ve learned to own it. Everyone has their study quirk; this one happens to work wonders with me. Besides, who says studying has to be dull? Salsa infuses anything it touches with its joy, rhythm and life–including my schoolwork.

Next time you see someone grooving along to salsa while flipping through notes, give them a pass. They may well be onto something. For me, salsa is not a distraction—it’s motivation. It keeps my brain sharp, my spirit up and my studies on track. A little bit of rhythm makes all the difference in this world.