The best study soundtracks

Midterm season isn’t over just yet – so here are some of the best playlists to help you focus on your studies.

1. Jazz Instrumental

If you don’t already know who Kenny G. is, I implore you to check out this playlist. Its jazz instrumentals are like honey to the ears – they’re so smooth and bright and brassy that you can’t help but get caught up in the beat. Jazz music has that effortlessly fluid quality that allows each note to blend into the next, which means that there won’t be any surprising notes that jump out from the background and distract the listening experience. I’ve always found that continuous sounding songs like Kenny G’s are best for focusing deeply on one task, so break this playlist out when you need to focus closely on a subject for an hour or two. Additionally, the jazz songs included in this playlist have dazzling, mood boosting choruses, so save this playlist for a subject you’re excited about, and try studying to this soundtrack in the bright light of day. 

2. Classical

You probably know about Mozart and Beethoven, but there are lots of other classical artists with soundtracks worth listening to. Yiruma is a particular favorite of mine, and you’ll find some of his best works in this playlist. The crystalline high notes of Yiruma’s piano make for an excellent companion to subjects like math or science, which require a good deal of mental clarity to study for. The simplicity of the notes in these songs has a decluttering effect that helps you focus on one singular thing at a time and helps your brain follow a single, simple melody. Piano notes usually have a delicate presence and classical music itself is typically played to set a calming ambience, so treat this playlist as a white noise background that won’t distract you from your work and instead can help you focus on the task at hand. Midterms are a highly stressful time for most students, so relax yourself during study time with a warm cup of tea and this calming playlist. 

3. Lofi 

Lots of people love lofi music, and for good reason. There’s just something about the tuned down, synthetic beat that’s so comforting and stimulating. This hour-long soundtrack has such a lilting tone that it’s difficult not to feel at ease while studying with this playlist on. De-stress from the pressure of midterms with the playlist’s mellow guitar notes and soothing, echoing background beats. The great thing about this playlist is that it not only runs for an unbroken hour, it also repeats the same chorus throughout the song, so there will be no abrupt tonal changes or switching from song to song. For maximum effect, I recommend listening in a warm sunlit room with the curtains open. You might fall asleep if you listen to the gentle sounds of this playlist at night, so be sure to be studying in a bright space when you turn this one on. Alternatively, if you’re looking for nostalgic, cozy vibes to help you wind down before bed, then nighttime is the perfect setting for this playlist. Turn on a warm-toned lamp or some fairy lights, grab a fuzzy blanket, and snuggle into the soothing sound of Monoman. 

Article by Lu He