It’s once again the middle of midterm season (of course, when are we not in the middle of midterm season?!) What joy! Besides actually studying, the next most important thing you need is a great playlist to help you as you pore through chapters of material. Finding the right study music can be a bit of a struggle, the main thing is finding music that is not distracting, but not too relaxing. Here are the three best categories for study music as well as some tried and true examples.
Movie Soundtracks:
1. “The Theory of Everything”
This is one of my personal favorites. This score by Jóhann Jóhannsson is simply breathtaking, with enough variety between tracks to keep you awake and engaged in your studies.
2. “The Book Thief”
This soundtrack is both sad and beautiful, perfectly fitting with the story and is written by soundtrack genius John Williams who composed iconic scores such as those found in the Harry Potter movies, Star Wars, and Jurassic Park.
3. “How to Train Your Dragon”
One of the greatest animated movies of our childhood has some truly glorious tracks. The unique sound of this piece makes it a welcome break during study sessions. Additionally, the exciting nature of many of the tracks will help keep you awake during those long or late night study sessions.
Ballet Scores:
1. “Romeo and Juliet”
Prokofiev’s score of my all-time favorite ballet is heartbreakingly beautiful in so many places (and more than a little odd in others, like the random saxophone solo during the ball scene) makes the perfect study companion. The music leads the listener through the tragic story, and allows you to feel the emotion in each scene. This two hour and a half hour score will help keep you from becoming emotionally numb during long study sessions.
2. “Swan Lake”
This score has excellent dynamics between the market and ball scenes compared to the swan scenes. The White and Black Swan Pas de Deuxs are particularly spectacular. I always love studying to this beautiful piece of music.
3. “Paquita”
If you are looking for something a little shorter Paquita is definitely the score to listen to. Complete with a beautiful pas at the beginning, this piece has a lot of variety due to the multitude of variations (solos) within the ballet.
4. “Madame Butterfly”
Although the music is technically from Puccini’s famous opera, if opera isn’t your thing, there is a wonderful arrangement that was created for the ballet. Another tragic story with a very unique score is the perfect addition to any study session. The grand pas de deux or duet, is particularly wonderful.
Miscellaneous Composers
1. Chopin
Chopin’s many nocturnes are simply breathtaking. There is also a great deal of variety in the many pieces he composed depending on the kind of mood you are in on any given day. I particularly recommend Nocturne in B-flat minor Op. 9 No. 1, Nocturne in E-flat major Op. 9 No 2, and Prelude in A major Op. 28 No. 7.
2. Debussy
There’s nothing like Debussy’s generally calming music to reduce stress while studying. Besides the famous Clair de Lune, Debussy has much to offer. Check out Arabesque No. 1!
3. Tchaikovsky
Although Tchaikovsky has already made an appearance on this list through Swan Lake, the rest of his considerable compositions should not be overlooked. The months (or The Seasons) are always worth a listen.
Beyond the other study necessities like good snacks and a quiet work area, a good study playlist can be essential in your level of productivity. Studies have shown that listening to music while studying can help you more quickly learn and retain new information. Find what type of music works best for you, and crush your midterms this semester!