Welcome back to Ithaca. Thanksgiving break is over, and so are classes; thus, the semesterly final exam period is upon us — and accompanying it, the looming necessity of a lock-in arc. Given the scientific backing for the benefits of listening to music while studying, including improved focus, reduced anxiety and increased motivation, those who want to get the most they can out of the upcoming study period would be wise to use music as a tool to help them buckle down in the library and prepare themselves for a successful round of exams.
With regards to our ability to use music to our advantage in this manner, I’ve compiled a playlist that is bound to maximize your productivity and get your cognitive gears turning. With pieces ranging from jazz classics to movie score bangers, these songs have given me the willpower to lock in at the library for longer than I’d like to admit.
1. Lester Young - “These Foolish Things”
A sophisticated and relaxing jam from a legendary saxophonist of the swing era. This piece is a perfect way to begin your study session; it harnesses your focus and makes you comfortable wherever you’ve chosen to work, paving the way for a fruitful lock-in.
2. FKJ - “Ylang Ylang”
You’ve got your laptop open, and you’re now fully focused — here’s another beautiful and relaxing piece to keep you immersed. Initiated by simple piano and segueing into a lo-fi jam, this track keeps your heart rate steady and allows you to leave any extra worries you had besides your exams at the door.
3. George Grosman - “Si Tu Vois Ma Mere”
A cover of another jazz classic, and one that sounds like you could find it in the score of a Pixar movie. With a repetitive motif that fosters increased focus and blocks out distraction, I’ve played this piece on repeat many times when there’s work to be done.
4. Stan Getz - “The Girl From Ipanema”
I feel as if this song could fit into almost any scenario; its motif is recognizable to all and really encourages you to seek out the poetry of the world around you. Its atmosphere is low-key, and thus it isn’t overly distracting — yet even so, it motivates you with its groove, adding a dose of reverie to keep the stress away.
5. Ludwig van Beethoven - “Für Elise”
Hazy, orange light cast by the sunset beams through the stained glass windows in the A.D. White Library. You’re seated at a desk surrounded by bookshelves, and you’re ready for an award-winning lock-in. What are you listening to? Probably this.
6. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross - “In Motion”
You’ve been working for a little while now and your productivity is amping up– here’s a piece off the score of David Fincher’s “The Social Network” to capture that feeling. This song is characterized by its fast-paced and retro vibe, intended to capture the restlessness within the mind of the film’s protagonist (and antagonist?), Mark Zuckerberg.
7. Daft Punk - “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger”
Does this one really need an explanation? You’re in the heat of your study session, crunching numbers and memorizing formulas like never before, and this is truly the best anthem to keep the energy going. The groovy beat and repetitive motifs present in this song concoct the perfect backing track for the climax of a productive mental workout.
8. Alan Silvestri - “The Avengers”
Your exam is tomorrow. Every lecture you’ve attended in this course, every word you’ve written, every problem you’ve solved (or not solved), has all built up to this. What better way to spend your final hours of studying than feeling as if you’re one of the Avengers gearing up for battle? At your productivity peak, this track will really keep you laser focused.
9. Hans Zimmer - “Day One (Interstellar Theme)”
When you really think about it, the reason why movie score pieces can make such great study songs is because they are made to capture your attention and hold it — but even if you’re not at the edge of your seat at the theatre, you’ll be at the edge of your seat in the Cocktail Lounge, working at a pace you hadn’t achieved until this song came on. I mean, my goodness, this entire score is art, but this piece will send you to new heights.
10. C418 - “Sweden”
Ahh, the Minecraft soundtrack. It’s already designed to keep you engaged in repetitive tasks for hours on end, so this piece makes for a perfect final addition to a playlist like this. You’re nearing the end of your study session– you’ve accomplished a lot, and you should be proud. In your last few moments of a busy day, this piece keeps you dialed with its meditative motif and nostalgic atmosphere.
And just like that, you’re ready for your exams. We’ve all got an action-packed week ahead of us, but with these songs, you can put your best foot forward and show these finals who’s boss.
You can find the playlist here.
Jordan White is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences. He can be reached at jiw39@cornell.edu.
