If you’ve ever tried to do homework in total silence, you know it feels like punishment. My brain starts narrating every single move—“Bella, pick up the pen. Bella, why is this so quiet. Bella, why does the clock sound like a jackhammer.” Not ideal.

On the flip side, blasting Taylor Swift while trying to annotate AP Lang? Also not ideal. (I love her, but “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” is not the productivity anthem we think it is.)

That’s where my study playlist comes in. It’s the soundtrack that keeps me focused, blocks out distractions, and makes even APUSH notes slightly less miserable.

Why Music Actually Helps Me Focus

Okay, quick brain science moment (because of course). Listening to music—especially instrumental or low-lyric tracks—can boost dopamine and help regulate mood. For studying, that means music can act like a mental “noise-canceling” blanket, letting me concentrate better. It’s not magic; it’s literally your brain wiring itself to associate certain sounds with focus.

Also: if I listen to the same playlist whenever I study, it basically becomes a cue. My brain hears the first track and goes, “Ah yes, time to grind.”

The Vibe of My Playlist

I’d call it chill but not sleepy. Think: music that’s calm enough that it won’t hijack your thoughts, but energetic enough to stop you from falling face-first into your textbook. It’s a balance.

Here’s how I break it down:

• Lo-fi beats → The backbone. These songs are the steady background noise that makes writing essays slightly less painful.
• Movie soundtracks → My secret weapon. Nothing makes me feel like the main character grinding through Calc BC quite like the Interstellar score.
• Indie acoustic → For lighter assignments, I’ll sneak in soft vocals. Phoebe Bridgers on low volume = chef’s kiss.
• Classical piano → When I’m really desperate. Nothing screams last-minute cram session like Debussy at 11 p.m.

Specific Songs/Artists I Always Go Back To

• Weightless – Marconi Union (literally designed to reduce anxiety)
• Cornfield Chase – Hans Zimmer (Interstellar soundtrack, my king)
• Anything by ChilledCow/lofi hip hop radio (yes, that YouTube girl is iconic)
• Motion Picture Soundtrack (Instrumental) – Radiohead
• Moonlight Sonata – Beethoven (classics never fail)
• Kyoto – Phoebe Bridgers (on low, low volume)

I don’t put songs with heavy lyrics on here because then I just end up typing the words into my essay. (“The causes of the Civil War were All Too Well (10 Minute Version)??”)

Study Playlist Rules (According to Me)

1. No skipping. If I spend 10 minutes looking for the perfect song, I’ve already lost.
2. Keep it consistent. Repetition = focus cue.
3. Volume matters. Too loud and I’m at a concert, too soft and I start overthinking. Mid-volume is the sweet spot.

When I Actually Use It

• Writing essays: lifesaver.
• Reading textbooks: lo-fi or piano only.
• Flashcards/Quizlet: usually fine with soundtracks or light vocals.
• Group study: doesn’t work, because then I become the DJ and get distracted.

Why It’s My Favorite

Because it works. Every time I hit play, I feel a little less stressed about the mountain of assignments in front of me. The playlist doesn’t just fill silence—it tricks my brain into showing up. And honestly? That’s half the battle.

So if you catch me with headphones in at the library, just know: I’m not ignoring you. I’m probably halfway through Beethoven and praying my AP Chem notes start making sense.