Every day I see large amounts of people listening to music while they are studying, and I am always curious as to what type of music people choose.

Typically, I am the type of person who studies best when things are quiet. However, I sometimes need music and that particular boost of energy that accompanies it, in order to get things done in a timely manner. Music helps me feel motivated, and when I study without a beat, I often find myself becoming disinterested.

While I love listening to music, it is perplexing to me how people are able to concentrate when they listen to music they know every word of. I immediately reject stations like today’s pop hits when picking what music to study to because I get distracted when songs are too catchy.

Finding the right music is very difficult for me, as I often prefer silence in replace of music altogether. However, I have come to the realization that music actually benefits you in a way that the silent studying tactic does not. Listening to a well-designed playlist is essential if you are looking to maximize your concentration. Music can help you stay engaged in material in front of you and become more productive.

“Our brains are wired to respond to music. And since our brain sends signals to every part of our body, music can affect us in a variety of ways,” said Belle Cooper in her article ‘8 Amazing Ways Music Affects and Benefits our Brains.’ “On a physiological level, our breathing and heart rate will mirror the beat of a song.”

When we listen to music, we activate both the creative left, and logical right sides of our brains. Activating both sides of our brains helps us solve problems. Additionally, music provides calming effects, which can reduce stress and lead to an overall better mood.

Below I have provided some playlists that I personally use while studying. Each of the playlists have their own vibe and persona based upon how you are feeling on a particular day or for certain subjects. The types of music we listen to are largely affected by our personality; therefore, you could potentially test these playlists out to determine what type of music is best for you. You may even find that the best music is actually no music. Whatever you ultimately deduce is important because we are all wired differently when it comes to our studying rituals.

Playlist 1

Mozart Effect

This playlist is specifically crafted for people who feel compelled to work harder and think deeper when surrounded by an ambience of instrumental and classical music. This playlist provides emotional and intellectual stimulating sound.

• Brandenburg Concerto #3 Bach
• “Attaboy” De Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer & Chris Thile – Yo-Yo Ma & Stuart Duncan – The Goat Rodeo Sessions
• “Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. Prélude” Yo-Yo Ma
• “The Mission: Gabriel’s Oboe” De Ennio Morricone- Ennio Morricone, Yo-Yo Ma & Roma Sinfonietta- Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone (Remastered)
• Piano cover of the song “Carl and Ellie”, initial theme of the Disney-Pixar film “Up”.
• “La Vie en Rose” Louis Armstrong
• “Overture” ‘Cosi Fan tutte’ Mozart
• “Run Boy Run” (instrumental): Woodkid
• “Concerto No. 1 For Cello And orchestra, Op. 33: Allegro non troppo” De Camille Saint- Saéns- Yo-Yo Ma, Lorin Maazel & Orchestre national de France
• “Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95 ‘From the New World” II. Largo-Wiener Philharmoniker & Lorin Maazel
• “Outro” M83

Playlist 2

Pump You Up

This playlist is all about energy. The mission is to inspire you to work harder and for longer periods of time. With the help of these dynamic beats you will be able to persevere through difficult material, while staying upbeat and positive.

• “Groove is in the Heart” Deee Lite
• “Stayin Alive” The Bee Gees
• “I Wanna Get Better” Bleachers
• “Move” Saint Motel
• “My Type” Saint Motel
• “Sweet Talk” Saint Motel
• “Come Out of a Lady” Rubblebucket
• “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” Tears for Fears
• “Under Pressure” Queen & David Bowie
• “Billie Jean” Michael Jackson
• “Midnight City” M83
• “Never Gonna Give You Up” Rick Astley
• “The Cure” close to me
• “Lose Yourself to Dance” Daft Punk
• “September” Earth, Wind, and Fire
• “Culture Club” Karma Chameleon
• “Take On Me” A-ha
• “It Hurts” Bad Bad Hats
• “Girls Like You” The Naked and Famous
• “Sit Next to Me” Foster the People
• “Need You Tonight” INXS
• “Love It if We Made It” The 1975
• “Don’t Take the Money” Bleachers
• “Shake It Out” Florence and The Machine
• “Dog Days Are Over” Florence and The Machine

Playlist 3

Modern Upbeat

The songs in this playlist could be described by their contemporary hues, unique beats and stylistic choices done by the artists. It will surely keep you on your toes and eager to keep moving and progressing.

• “Used to” Mutemath
• “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards” Tame Impala
• “Doses and Mimosas” Cherub
• “Lovers” Anna of the North
• “Heaven’s Only Wishful” Mormor
• “Cool Out” (feat. Natalie Prass) Matthew E. White
• “Girl” Beck
• “Bring You Down” Flume
• “Madness” Muse
• “Time to Pretend” MGMT
• “Kids” MGMT
• “Electric Feel” MGMT
• “Let It Happen” Tame Impala
• “The Less I Know the Better” Tame Impala
• “Get Closer” Life in Film
• “Learn to Let Go” IDER
• “Surprise Yourself” Jack Garratt
• “Black Mambo” Glass Animals
• “I Dare You” The XX
• “Electric (Feat. Khalid)” Alina Baraz
• “Congratulations” MGMT
• “Kings of summer” Ayokay & Quinn XCII
• “Lost” TENDER
• “Down” Marian Hill
• “Needed Me” Rihanna
• “Buzzcut Season” Lorde
• “400 Lux” Lorde
• “Ribs” Lorde
• “The Love Club” Lorde
• “Thunderclouds (feat. Sia, Diplo & Labrinth)” LSD

Playlist 4

Calm You Down

Sometimes all you need after a long day is some quality music that helps you to slow down. Rather than music that urges you to speed up your pace, this playlist encourages you not to rush and to simply take everything in. The tone of each of these songs is soft and leisurely.

• “One day” Sharon Van Etten
• “Dirty Paws” Of Monster and Men
• “Guiding Light” Mumford and Sons
• “Beauty” The Shivers
• “Astrovan” Mt. Joy
• “Imagine” John Lennon
• “Resolution” Matt Corby
• “Brother” Matt Corby
• “Sheep” Astrovan
• “Silver Lining” Mt. joy
• “Chateau” Angus and Julia Stone
• “Like Real People Do” hozier
• “Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl” Wet
• “Same Drugs” Chance The Rapper
• “Let Her Go” Passenger
• “Holocene” Bon Iver
• “Pillow Talk” Wild Child
• “Days” The Drums
• “Heartbeats” José González
• “Another Love” Tom Odell
• “All I Want” Kodaline
• “Somewhere Only We know” Keane
• “Lost in the Light” Bahamas
• “Ain’t Nobody Taking my Baby” Russ
• “Here Comes the Sun” The Beatles
• “Hurt Somebody” Noah Kahan & Julia Michaels
• “Crazy Bird” Wild Child
• “Towers” Bon Iver
• “Lovely” Billie Eilish & Khalid
• “Cosmic Love” Florence & The Machine
• “Without You” Oh Wonder
• “Ophelia” The Lumineers
• “Home” Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
• “The Night We Met” Lord Huron
• “Ends of the Earth” Lord Huron
• “Lilo” The Japanese House