A new pilot study from Virginia Tech is drawing attention for its innovative approach to managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers are examining whether learning to DJ can help young adults improve focus, attention, and emotional regulation, offering a creative alternative to traditional treatment methods.
The study involves 60 participants and represents a first-of-its-kind effort that blends music, movement, and cognitive science. By focusing on DJing, the research explores how rhythmic coordination, multitasking, and sustained engagement with music may positively influence brain function in individuals with ADHD.
The project is co-led by neuroscientist Julia Basso and hip-hop scholar Craig Arthur. Together, they aim to understand whether DJing can serve as a non-drug tool to support people who struggle with attention-related challenges. Researchers believe that the immersive nature of DJing, which requires listening, timing, physical movement, and creative decision-making, may help strengthen cognitive control.
Basso explained that while ADHD medications can be effective, they are not suitable for everyone. Some individuals experience limited benefits or unwanted side effects. She noted that the study is designed to explore music-making and movement-based practices as complementary strategies that may support overall well-being and symptom management.
Craig Arthur brings personal experience to the research. Having lived with ADHD, he shared that DJing has long helped him maintain focus and regulate his energy. According to Arthur, being behind the turntables demands presence and attention, turning music into a powerful form of self-care rather than just performance.
The study builds on earlier research indicating that creative and movement-based activities, such as dance and musical theatre, can enhance attention span, cognitive flexibility, and emotional health. DJing shares similar characteristics, combining physical coordination with mental focus and emotional expression.
Participants in the study are learning DJing skills while researchers observe changes in attention, mood, and cognitive performance. The goal is not to replace medical treatments, but to expand the range of supportive options available to individuals with ADHD, particularly young adults seeking engaging and practical coping strategies.
The project is supported by the Renée Fleming Neuroarts Investigator Award, highlighting its role in advancing collaboration between neuroscience and the arts. This support reflects a growing interest in neuroarts research, which examines how creative practices influence brain health and mental well-being.
Researchers hope the findings will provide valuable insights into how creative disciplines like DJing can be integrated into mental health and educational settings. If successful, the approach could open doors to accessible, enjoyable, and empowering ways for people with ADHD to manage their symptoms.
As awareness around mental health continues to grow, studies like this highlight the potential of unconventional methods to complement existing treatments. By combining science and creativity, the Virginia Tech project offers a fresh perspective on how focus and emotional balance can be cultivated through music.
