The Best Music to Listen to While Studying

I don’t know about you but for me studying is pretty lame. It’s just not fun. There is one very simple way to remedy that little problem; put on some good music! Studying turns from a bore to something that is at least bearable because I can listen to some nice music while I’m at it. The best types of music to listen to while studying are classical and movie soundtracks. There is just something about the two that calms people down, but also gets their mind going. We have compiled a list of some of the best music to listen to while studying so that you can not only have an effective study, but enjoy it as well.

Classical Music

Don’t be quick to dismiss classical music as old and stodgy – not only can it be pretty cool, but it can really help you concentrate for those intense study sessions.

Brahms: Piano Trio No. 1 – Eroica Trio

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Brahms wrote music for music’s sake. While many other composers wrote long narratives, operas and stories, Brahms focuses on the music, and it shows.

Bach: Double Concerto For Two Violins In D Minor – Isaac Stern

Utilizing and harnessing the power of strings, Bach has always been focused on the emotion behind the notes.

Chopin: Nocturnes and Berceuse – Artur Rubinstein

One of the most mellow collections of Chopin to help you concentrate, this collection will help you forget the craziness of the day and get right to task.

Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 “From The New World” – Georg Solti

One of Dvorak’s most respected symphonies, The New World Symphony is as much a story of discovery and excitement as it is a musical masterpiece.

Mozart: Horn Concertos Nos. 1-4 – Dennis Brain Wind Ensemble & Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus

Who doesn’t love Mozart? No one I know. The wind and string instruments will get your mind racing. Just please try to avoid the temptation of playing along with the air violin. That could really decrease the effectiveness of your study.

Instrumental Soundtracks

Soundtracks shape, define and enhance the movies that we see. One mark of a good soundtrack is that it not only can help give you the memories of a great movie, but that it can stand alone as its own album.

The Last of the Mohicans – Trevor Jones and Randy Edelman

A sweeping adventure set in 1757, this soundtrack sets the tone of this epic story of cowboys and Indians. This soundtrack will soothe your soul and feed your sense of excitement.

Batman Begins – Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard

From beginning to end, the best word to describe this album would be “haunting”. Mellow and somber with random sections of intense passion, this lives and breathes the world of Batman.

The Dark Knight – Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard

You can’t have one Batman soundtrack without the other. You might want to save this soundtrack for a down time in your study when you need something to get your energy back up. Try not to think about the creepiness in this movie that is The Joker and you’ll do great.

The Hours – Phillip Glass

Eccentric and heartbreaking, this soundtrack by Phillip Glass uses somber and moving tracks to accent the lives of 3 women in 3 different time periods. A good underline for any study session.

The Truman Show – Burkhard Dallwitz

The Truman Show is an epic tale of a stolen life. The soundtrack echoes this, sometimes fun, sometimes sad, but good throughout.

Gladiator – Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard

Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrar knocked this one out of the park. Its heavy ancient Roman influence will immerse in the brutal and legendary world of the gladiators.

Gattaca – Michael Nyman

Gattaca is a movie about overcoming, no matter how much the odds are stacked against you. Michael Nyman takes you behind the eyes of the eternal underdog, who sticks it through, and comes out the victor.

Glory – James Horner

Drawing heavily from classic American war marches, Glory will not only help your mind to soar, but it might just tickle your patriotic side.

Far and Away – John Williams

John Williams has penned numerous scores throughout his illustrious career, but this one makes the list because it is so outstanding. Fusing the worlds of Ireland and America’s New Frontier, this album is incredibly enjoyable from start to finish.

Braveheart – James Horner

Braveheart was instantly a hit, and will remain a classic for years to come. James Horner’s accompanying score sets the tone for William Wallace’s famous battle for freedom and family with a Scottish flair that ties it all together.

Amelie – Yann Tiersen

Blending French classics and modern pop rock, Amelie is a soundtrack that touches the heart and pleases the ears.

A Beautiful Mind – James Horner

Stunning from start to finish, A Beautiful Mind is hauntingly emotional. This album goes from bright, to deepest black and back to an understated, beautiful optimism.

Inception – Hans Zimmer

From one of the most original ideas for a movie ever comes this master work of Hans Zimmer. Hans Zimmer said himself, “I’m not interested in the massive heroic tunes anymore. Now I’m interested in how I can take two, three, or four notes and make a really complex emotional structure. It’s emotional as opposed to sentimental. It’s not b-s heroic; it has dignity to it.” And you can go ahead and admit it, you love the sound of the epic BBBBRRRRMMMMMM!!!!

Jurassic Park – John Williams

Jurassic Park may well be one of the greatest films of all time. Don’t test me on this. The soundtrack is almost as good. Which makes it way better than most.

Up – Michael Giacchino & Skywalker Sound

Michael Giacchino is one of the most exciting new composers on the scene. After the jazzy tunes for The Incredibles, Pixar brought him back for Up where he once again takes an emotional roller-coaster and packs it into a soundtrack.

The Mission – Ennio Morricone

Tribal music meets religious chanting and hymns. The Mission is an incredible story about redemption.

Lyrical Soundtracks/Albums

Lyrical soundtracks and albums can function as good study music, just make sure that if you start singing along you switch to something with fewer words. Or, a different language.

Agaetis Byrjun – Sigur Ros

One of the most ambient and cathartic albums ever released, this Icelandic band will make you hear noises you have never heard before.

Neon Bible – The Arcade Fire

Called “heavy” and “murky” this album is amazingly compelling. After a few listens, you will find it lodged firmly in your subconscious.

Our Endless Numbered Days – Iron & Wine

This album is an amazing spectacle of the potential strength of folk artists. This is one of those select albums that can help you live a fuller life.

Once – Ennio Morricone, Glen Hansard

Glen Hansard doesn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve. He screams them out loud and strums them out on his guitar. Slap him together with Marketa Irglova, and it becomes an unforgettable experience.

Wincing the Night Away – The Shins

Mellow with full instrumentation, this album by The Shins is a fun and playful look into music.

Plans – Death Cab For Cutie

Death Cab For Cutie’s masterpiece, Plans is a CD that is the epitome of musical satisfaction. Not only does it have something for everyone, the something is the whole CD.

Weezer 8-bit – Various Artists

Let’s face it, Weezer is a nerd band. What’s the next logical step? Making it 8-Bit to have it resemble the video games of the past.

Coldplay

K, sorry there’s not an album title or anything, but really? Who needs an explanation for Coldplay. If you want a special treat listen to their live album from Wembley Stadium. It’ll get your creative juices flowing.

Now while you study you can soar through the streets of Gotham, rule the Coliseum of Rome, charge the fields of Banackburn, and join some of the greatest composers of all time in their quest for the perfect piece. Try not to get too involved in the music, otherwise this might be a pretty counterproductive list. This list is supposed to keep you going while you study and get you through the long and tedious hours. Enjoy!

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