Music for studying

exis

So I always listen to music when I'm on my computer. Gaming, browsing, coding, whatever, I need music in the background. However, while writing essays I've found that I concentrate better in silence. This is fine most of the time, but occasionally I'll want to actively block out noise from people in the next room etc. I've heard people talk about listening to classical music while studying, and I'd like to give it a try. But I've never listened to classical at all before (it definitely wouldn't be something I'd have on normal rotation). I'm just looking for suggestions of composers and whatnot that might be worth looking at all.

Also, I'm open to different types of music that'd fit this purpose. I've tried stuff like instrumental hip-hop and some slow electronica, but I think it's a bit too jumpy to keep focused. Any suggestions would be welcome Cheers

Dehumanized

Try some jazz, maybe. Worst case you get too in to the music and lose focus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEC8nqT6Rrk

linksword

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzIK5FaC38w

Definitely post rock.

TychoCelchuuu

To answer your original question, plug Shostakovich into Pandora.

815165

Seconding the recommendation of post rock, it's what I listen to when I'm writing.

Explosions in the Sky, Do Make Say Think, Mogwai, Godspeed You Black Emperor, Cul de Sac, Red Sparowes are all pretty good examples of this kinda stuff.

Whacktose

I used to listen to Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and various concertos by Mozart and Beethoven piano sonatas when I was studying. That and deep, minimalist house.

SeñorAmor

Instead of music, how about some nice white noise?

Septus

I like Sitar music for studying. It's more monotonous than classical music, but still quite pleasant, and I just put Ravi Shankar into pandora and let it rip.

Mike Danger

I like Philip Glass

I like Philip Glass I like Philip Glass

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=il4VDf-ugPI

ihmmy

Personally I really like Vanessa Mae's music, especially this album: http://www.amazon.com/Vanessa-Mae-Violin-Player-Johann-Sebastian/dp/B000002SKU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1311817203&sr=8-7

Waldo

Brian Eno's Music for Airports is wonderful (conceived as background music that is easy to ignore yet also interesting if you choose to listen). Also see his Discreet Music and Apollo albums.

Aldo

(@Waldo and Aldo in the same thread, that ain't right somehow)

Instead of straight up classical music, I found that some soundtracks to videogames work remarkably well. Especially Oblivion got a lot of air time when I was writing essays.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3kV1QqQIDM

I also came to enjoy the virtues of dub
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCPz7FZk3w8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIDwb1Esw4o&feature=related

As far as classical music goes, I think Debussy is a great composer, very accessible
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LXl4y6D-QI

exis

Thanks for suggestions all. I'll have a poke around youtube (no pandora available) and see how I feel about everything.

Also, I actually really like Explosions in the Sky. Didn't realise they had so many other albums, awesome

Angry Boid

It has been scientifically proven the best music for studying is quiet Baroque Music at 60bpms.

The 60 bpms part is critical.

Ramimena

I also think Jazz is best for studying. I listen to Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and Steely Dan is also good for studying, although not Jazz.

Dorkman

For me it's any music without lyrics.

But yes, I have heard that Baroque is the "best" music to study to as well.

kraz007

TychoCelchuuu wrote:

To answer your original question, plug Shostakovich into Pandora.

Yep, classic music looks like a better candidate for essay work.