Austrian researchers have debunked the Mozart myth once and for all.

A new study from the University of Vienna analyzed 15 years of research into the so-called “Mozart effect” which suggests listening to the famous composer can increase a child’s IQ.

The myth has its roots in science. A 1993 study in the journal Nature demonstrated that people perform better on spatial tasks ‹ such as recognizing patterns, or folding paper – after listening to Mozart for 10 minutes.

But since then, many researchers have attempted to recreate the study, each time to no avail.

Nevertheless, the Mozart effect took off, prompting plenty of parents to play the classical music for their children, and some private schools and music companies to use the study’s findings as a marketing tool.

In 1993, The New York Times published an article that said listening to Mozart would make high school students perform better on the SAT.

In 1998, Georgia passed a bill to ensure every mother of a newborn would receive a complimentary classical music CD.

That year, Florida¹s state government passed a law requiring state-funded daycare centres to play at least one hour of classical music a day.

More recently, a team of researchers led by Jakob Pietschnig looked at 40 studies on the topic, totalling more than 3,000 participants.

They found that while listening to music might have some positive benefits on cognitive abilities, Mozart’s music does not breed geniuses.

Most studies saw no effect on cognitive performance at all.

Some studies suggest if a Mozart effect does exist, it’s no different than a Pearl Jam effect or a Lady Gaga effect, because listening to any kind of music at all increased performance, though only slightly.

“I recommend listening to Mozart to everyone, but it will not meet expectations of boosting cognitive abilities”, said Pietschnig.

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