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Is there any "chisaran" (is there something "lacking") in one's fulfillment of the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah if they listen to soft, slow paced, instrumental music (no vocals or lyrics) while learning in order to focus better or drown out background noise?

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I remember seeing the Sefer Piske Teshuvot discussing this... – Hacham Gabriel Feb 10 at 1:50

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The best way to learn Torah is aloud. That means that we should be listening to our learning.

I wonder whether you can learn aloud if there is background music. In my experience background music is useful if you are studying quietly.

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Let's say a person knows that he can't focus and learn that way. Who says learning aloud takes priority in that case? Or do you propose that such a case does not exist? – Fred Jan 14 at 4:29
@Fred If he can't learn aloud, then he must use the best method for him, as you suggest. I know of one academic young man who went to Yeshiva and was given a room to learn in on his own. – Avrohom Yitzchok Jan 14 at 9:30
I remember somewhere in RaMbaM that says day time learning in the beith hamadrash is loud due to everyone speaking, arguing, whatever else. But at night it's quiet because people are going to sleep. He then compared the two saying which one is better for which situation you are in. If I find the RaMbaM when I get home, I'll quote it. – MoriDoweedhYaAgob Mar 11 at 18:22

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