We’ve all been used to making playlists to listen to while just hanging out, driving around with the sunroof open, or for a party. With school work quickly piling up and midterms approaching faster than we know it, it’s about time to make a playlist dedicated to your study time. Study music should be something good enough to get you into a groove, but not so distracting that you realize you’ve actually been singing and dancing in your head and didn’t retain a single piece of information (we’ve all done it!). Here are some of my favorite things to listen to while getting my homework on:
Study Music Project
This is an entire YouTube channel run by a college student at Wayne University. Started in 2010, Study Music Project fuses together all different genres of music from classical to electronic to make a new genre. Every song is instrumental and has the ‘optimal beats per measure, instrumentation, timbre and melodies to help you focus.’ Some people have claimed it works, try it out!
Dave Matthews Band
The Dave Matthews Band is highly popular among students to listen to during studying and homework. His soothing voice is perfect for concentrating and not getting too lost in the music. The mellow beats in the background are the perfect remedy for a wandering mind. Try any song by DMB!
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Trevor Hall
Trevor Hall is another great musician, like DMB, that is relaxing and helps concentration. This up and coming artists makes music is typically spiritual and the lyrics are more beautiful than most other contemporary artists. The pace of his songs is comforting during a time of high stress. Put Mr. Hall on and be prepared to get a lot of work done while being entertained.
We No Speak Americano – Yolanda Be Cool
Don’t always listen to slow, mellow songs; switch it up a bit! “We No Speak Americano” isn’t in English so you don’t have to worry about wanting to sing the entire time, but the up tempo beat will make you energized and ready to work. Be careful about listening to this one in the library though, try not to get caught being the weird person dancing in their cubicle!
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This website has to be my favorite. Are you the type of person who likes to listen to nature? Try this website! It will bring rainstorm ambience to you no matter what the weather is like outside. Their website is so simple that you don’t need to mess with buttons or select the right type of rain – just press the start button and you’ll begin your journey through a loop of a summer rainstorm.
Here are some other great suggestions:
Classical Music: This type of music activates both sides of your brain which can increase your learning capacity.
Music in another language: Don’t get distracted by the lyrics, opt for something that you cant even understand!
Jazz: If you don’t like classical, try some jazz. Michael Buble is my personal favorite!
No music at all: Sometimes not listening to anything can be the best option. Since you can’t listen to anything while actually taking an exam, you might as well try getting used to the silence.
If you need a place to listen to music online legally, check out GrooveShark and Spotify. Good luck this fall!