Soundtrack for study

Studying from home, in the library or wherever you may be – here’s some music channel/playlist suggestions from our SAIBT and CELUSA staff to help you find your study groove.

Bored, distracted, unfocused? Maybe you need to add some music to your study routine.

5 potential benefits of listening to music while studying:

• Help with concentration

• Eliminate boredom

• Stimulate the brain

• Improve motivation

• Lower stress

TEDEd video What should you listen to when you want to focus?

Spotify is a great place to get started, just don't get distracted by the infinite options and spend more time DJ'ing than studying! Below are some playlists recommended by teacher Tony Hollick:

Lo-Fi Beats by Spotify

Updated frequently, these evolving beats provide a constant rhythm I can work to without distracting my mind with lyrics.

Brain Food by Spotify

Electronic sounds I don't hear on the radio or anywhere else, these electronic beats stimulate the right side of my brain so the whole of my brain is working more productively.

Coffee Table Jazz by Spotify

Lacking lyrics which I might be tempted to sing along with, these often 'saxy'/brass tunes transport me to city-lit evenings among sparkling buildings, dark jazz clubs in basements and golden cocktail lounges overlooking a twinkling skyline. I may really be at my desk in my study, but the right side of my brain is dreaming of a faraway ideal, resulting in the whole of my brain working more productively.

Late Night Jazz by Spotify

I used to live in Bangkok and Tokyo, and the jazz scenes are pretty strong there. I fell in love with jazz back then so now I find jazz such as this brings back fond memories of the jazz bars and clubs in those exotic cities, keeping me in a positive mood while I work.

Jazz Classics by Spotify

Listening to these regularly refreshed, jazz oldies which only delve into familiar roots means I'm not listening to any modern tunes I'm currently addicted to, which would only distract me from my work.

And when you want to explore beyond Spotify...

Study Music Alpha Waves: Relaxing Studying Music, Brain Power, Focus Concentration Music, ☯161

A good Youtube study music option.

Enzology

A 10 part radio documentary about the band Split Enz. It has plenty of music, but also tells the story of the band in the 70's and 80's. It's good to have on in the background because it’s long, and your mind doesn’t wander to “What is coming next? Is this the last song?” kinda thing… well, at least not for 10 hours!

Choice in music is a very subjective thing, in in the end it’s up to you to find something that you enjoy and helps improve your study rather than distract you from it! If you have some suggestions that work for you, why not share in the comments below :)