Study Music

Studying & Writing

Do you ever wonder what other people are listening to through their headphones while they are workin’ away in the library? Everyone writes to the beat of their own iTunes. Here are a few jams that we like to listen to.

Amber is currently obsessing over Youth Lagoon, but her long-term studying favorites have been Modest Mouse and Wilco.

Ben is a fan of instrumental music so he doesn’t get distracted. 8tracks has some great playlists for anyone who wants anything from classical music to instrumental renditions of top hits. Here is a playlist of covers by the Vitamin String Quartet.

Charles likes a website called Songza, which lets you pick from “playlists by music experts” depending on what mood you are in. You start with a broad category, like “waking up” or “reading” and the music experts will lead you to more categories to choose from to make sure you are getting the best type of music for whatever activity you are doing. Charles likes to listen to electronic music because it gets his brain going while he is doing work. This is a great Songza playlist to get motivated without distracting lyrics! And if you need a study break, there are options for “Weekday Dance Party.” 90s Dance Hits anyone?

Barnabas is a big fan of Christmas music–any time of the year. The familiar tunes help him get enthusiastic and motivated about those not-so-cheery assignments during the year. A great Christmas album to check out anytime of the year is Barnaked for the Holidays by the Barenaked Ladies. Here is a Songza playlist called Pop Christmas, with popular artists singing holiday favorites. Or if you are looking for something a little offbeat, here is a playlist with indie Christmas tunes.

Forest says that she can’t do her homework with any music or background noise- if you are like her, check out the silent floors of the library!

Andrea likes to listen to soundtrack music, specifically Hans Zimmer. You can listen to his Pandora radio station here. They are dramatic and motivating. A few of his most famous movie scores are The Lion King, Gladiator, and The Dark Knight.

Josh Ambrose, our director, is a Sigur Ros fan. He also really likes the ambient guitar band Hammock and Tim Hecker’s album Dropped Pianos.

When I am doing my homework, the type of music I listen to depends on the assignment that I have. If I am writing a paper, I want to listen to something upbeat that will get me motivated, like Yeasayer or Miike Snow. If I am reading for a class, I like to listen to something toned down with lyrics that are too complicated to sing along to so I don’t get distracted, like The Shins or Fleet Foxes. This is a really great playlist called 99 Songs to Make your Homework Awesome.

What do you like to listen to? Comment below and let us know! And don’t forget, to learn more about our tutors, click here!

Lauren, peer tutor