homework focus music

College Info Geek

The Ultimate Study Music Playlist

This is a playlist of my favorite study music. It’s great for homework, studying for exams, reading, and generally getting crap crossed off my many checklists.

I’ve been working on this playlist for several years, and it contains music (all non-lyrical) from a wide variety of genres and sources, including video game/anime/movie soundtracks. At the moment, it’s got about 240 songs for you to choose from.

Listening on another app? I’ve worked to mirror this study playlist to other services. Check them out below:

• Spotify Study Music Playlist
• Apple Music Study Playlist

If you’d like, you can study with me in another tab while this plays. You can also listen to the playlist on YouTube instead of on this page.

By the way – I create my own study music as well! If you’d like to give it a listen, here’s a playlist:

You can also follow me on Spotify or on YouTube if you want to be notified when new tracks are released.

Need even more study music?

Here are a few options.

Brain.fm – Music designed specifically to help you focus more effectively. It works really well for me, and I use it for around 50% of my research, writing, and reading sessions – the other half are mostly done with the playlist above.

Piano Study Playlist – If you’re in the mood for a more consistent playlist, check out this one full of solo piano tracks.

Coffitivity – Sometimes I’m in the mood for ambient noise instead of music, and the sounds of a bustling coffee shop are my personal favorite type.

Noisli – An ambient noise generator that lets you create your own mix using sounds like rain, thunder, fan, and white/brown/pink noise.

More Playlists

Work Vibes – My personal playlist of “getting-stuff-done” music. Most of the tracks here have vocals, so I wouldn’t read or study intently with them. But they’re great for crushing emails, working on design projects, or doing other work where I simply need to execute quickly.

Tom’s Workout Playlist – A collection of the tracks that usually accompany me to the gym.

4 best music for homework that’ll dramatically improve your productivity

Choosing the right music for homework can help you focus better and learn faster.

Around 60% of students tend to listen to music while studying. Researchers also found that listening to music was the most popular side activity for teens who juggled studying with another task.

While we may prefer different genres of focus music, we can all agree that the right playlist has the magical ability to boost concentration.

This is because music activates the most diverse networks of the human brain. It’s been proven that people with ADHD focus better with the right music.

This is on top of  existing research  that has found listening to music reduces anxiety, blood pressure, and improves sleep quality, mood, and memory.

Johns Hopkins University researchers have done work on jazz performers improvising inside an fMRI machine to see which areas of the brain light up as well.

They found that jazz musicians make unique improvisations by turning off inhibition and turning up creativity.

In short, if you find the right music for homework, you can elevate both brain power and creativity.

While there isn’t a one-size-fit-all approach to this, let us help you narrow down some of the best genres for you to try:

Here are the five best music for homework to help you increase your productivity:

Having the right music matters, even for top athletes. Source: Tiziana Fabi/AFP

1. Classical music

When picking music for homework, you’ve probably heard how classical music can increase your focus when studying.

There’s a theory dubbed “The Mozart Effect” that suggests this genre of music can enhance brain activity and arouse your brain to focus.

There are also several studies done where students listening to classical music did better on quizzes than students with no music.

Suggestions:

• ClassicFM  (a free radio streaming platform that plays famous classical pieces)
• “Study Playlist: Classical Music” on Spotify
• “Classical Music for When You’re on a Deadline” on YouTube

2. Video game music 

This might surprise you but video game music is actually one of the best music for homework. According to Orion Academy , video game music is designed to keep you absorbed and focused — which is also great for memorising. 

When your brain is focused on just melody, it’s taking a break from trying to break down the lyrics of a song and thus increases your performance .

Video game music tends to stay at a relatively low, constant volume too, preventing you from becoming distracted by sudden increases in volume.

Since video game music is generally fast-paced, your brain will be constantly engaged in the task at hand.

• “Video game soundtracks” on Spotify
• “Video game music for studying” on YouTube
• Choose favourites from this list and create your own playlist!

3. RnB 

If you’re someone who easily gets distracted, RnB may not be the best music for homework for you. There’s a high chance that you might spend too much time jamming to the lyrics of the song instead of focusing.

Though music under his genre generally has lyrics, many RnB fans reported feeling more relaxed, focused, and less stressed, which may have a positive impact on their ability to focus and learn.

• “Study R&B Smooth Songs ” on Spotify
• “Chill R&B Beats Mix – Beats to Relax and Study (Vol.1)” on YouTube

4. Nature sounds 

It’s been shown that nature sounds relax our nervous system. Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute  have also discovered that natural sounds boost moods and focus.

The study found employees were more productive and had more positive feelings when nature sounds were playing in the background while they worked.

Nature sounds include the soothing sounds of the rain, ocean waves on the beach or even the jungle. Some prefer listening to bird calls and animal noises, so feel free to explore if nature sounds aren’t the right music for homework for you. 

Relaxing Nature Sounds for Sleeping – Natural Calm Forest Waterfall Music Meditation Sound for Study on YouTube

“Nature Sounds For Concentration” on Spotify

Popular stories

Student protests in the us: how to attend and keep your visa safe as an international student, boarding schools in america providing an excellent education to inspire the next generation of leaders, how to increase productivity by at least 12%: 8 tips to help you crush deadlines, get a job in the us, uk, or australia with these companies that sponsor visas for international students, why are certain genres of music more effective in helping you study than others, this is the ultimate focus music for students, according to research, these are the best music types to engage your brain.

October 2021

Best Study Playlists - Study Music, Focus Music

• Online Learning Community

Everybody has their own routine for how to study for exams, do homework, read or focus on a particular task. Listening to a study playlist is a great way to center your attention and lift your mood. Listening to music can also reduce stress, which is a plus when it comes to balancing a busy schedule of work, school and family!

Music Therapy has proven that you can process a wide range of emotions from excitement to thoughtfulness depending on what type of music you listen to. When we’re studying, we’re probably aiming for thoughtfulness. Research has also shown music has the potential to boost memory, which can be a huge plus.  However, complex and distracting music might not be the way to go when choosing the right studying playlist for you.

We have found that the best genres of music to listen to while studying, reading or writing include minimalist, classical, piano and low-fi music. We’ve compiled some of the best lyric-free playlists that will act as brain food while keeping your attention on your studies so you can ace that test and earn that A.

Best Study Playlists on Spotify

This more than 24-hour playlist is full of piano and classical songs to help you focus.

Lofi Girl curates some of the most relaxing and engaging playlists. Her use of lo-fi tracks mixed with ambient pieces will keep you relaxed but never bored.

This playlist is all instrumental all the time!

Best Youtube Study Playlists

This is a deep-focus playlist so you know you’ll finish what you need to get done!

This Bossa Nova & Jazz playlist is a MOOD. It will transport you to a lovely cafe, on a rainy day.

This extra ambient playlist describes itself as “brain power, focus concentration music.” You’ll feel like you’re in a sound bath.

Music is just one way to improve your mental health. See more tips on how to improve your mental health as an online student.

* Arizona Online does not endorse playlist creators. Music is not guaranteed to boost academic performance.

Recent Articles

Commencement at the University of Arizona

• Degree Spotlight

What Can You Do With a Biology Degree?

• Student Stories

Stepping into the Digital Landscape

How to Apply

Financial Aid

Keep in Touch

Start the application by logging into the portal

Undergraduates

First time users

Create Account

Returning users

Celebrating 25 Years

• Join ADDitude
•  | 

• What Is ADHD?
• The ADHD Brain
• ADHD Symptoms
• ADHD in Children
• ADHD in Adults
• ADHD in Women
• Find ADHD Specialists
• New! Symptom Checker
• ADHD Symptom Tests
• All Symptom Tests
• More in Mental Health
• Medication Reviews
• ADHD Medications
• Natural Remedies
• ADHD Therapies
• Managing Treatment
• Treating Your Child
• Behavior & Discipline
• School & Learning
• Teens with ADHD
• Positive Parenting
• Schedules & Routines
• Organizing Your Child
• Health & Nutrition
• More on ADHD Parenting
• Do I Have ADD?
• Getting Things Done
• Relationships
• Time & Productivity
• Organization
• Health & Nutrition
• More for ADHD Adults
• Free Webinars
• Free Downloads
• ADHD Videos
• ADHD Directory
• eBooks + More
• Women’s Health Month
• Newsletters
• Guest Blogs
• News & Research
• For Clinicians
• For Educators
• Manage My Subscription
• Get Back Issues
• Digital Magazine
• Gift Subscription
• Renew My Subscription
• ADHD Adults

13 Productivity Playlists to Center and Focus ADHD Brains

We asked additude readers what focus music helps them hit a productive groove while working or studying. they recommended these 13 playlists for channeling attention — and getting more done..

Got music? In a recent survey, most ADDitude readers said they focus best while listening to music — so we asked for specific song suggestions. Below are 13 productivity playlists by and for ADHD brains. Next time you need to buckle down and get things done, look here for the perfect ADHD focus music or just follow ADDitude’s Spotify channel.

Have more suggestions? Leave your song, artist and/or playlist recommendations in the comments below — we’re always adding new music to the ADDitude Spotify!

Playlist #1: Upbeat Songs to Kickstart ADHD Brains

Punchy, high-energy focus music to get your to-do list started, the playlist features Panic! At the Disco’s “High Hopes” and Yellowcard’s “Ocean Avenue.” First thing in the morning or during the afternoon slump, lean on these upbeat songs for an injection of pure focus.

“Sometimes while I’m working, I like to take a break and listen to something that makes me dance for two to five exhausting minutes to let my energy explode and then get back to focusing .” — Bay, New Jersey

“I need to occupy my brain and body simultaneously, so if I have to do mindless tasks like making dinner, washing dishes, or folding laundry, I need something that engages my brain. Up-tempo songs with lyrics I can sing along to work well. Without them I just can’t do anything.” — An ADDitude Reader

[ Download: Music for Healthy ADHD Brains ]

Playlist #2: Instrumentals for ADHD Focus

Many ADDitude readers reported that they find lyrics distracting, so we created this purely instrumental playlist to reap all the productive benefits of listening to music without any diverting drawbacks. Filled with punchier instrumental pop and slower ballads, this playlist is perfect for people with ADHD looking for a happy, productive groove.

“I listen to instrumental music — not too fast, not too slow. It has that constant beat that sets my pace for my tasks.” — Bert, Indiana

“I listen to instrumental, calming music that really relaxes me from inside out. It’s the first step to slowing my brain .” — An ADDitude Reader

Playlist #3: ADHD Brain Food

Sometimes your ADHD brain just craves some good, fun music. In those moments, feed your brain with the easy, catchy songs on this playlist. Listen to these songs on your morning commute or while working for an extra dose of daily happiness.

“I need playful, interesting music to jolt me into productivity. I also love to sing along/harmonize with music, so this helps while cooking and cleaning, too.” — Kelsey, Minnesota

“I don’t have just one type of music or song that helps me focus and so I end up changing playlists and artists to whatever helps me at that moment. Sometimes I just need to listen to a band I enjoy.” — An ADDitude Reader

[ Read: Study Music to Focus the ADHD Brain ]

Playlist #4: First Day of Summer

“First Day of Summer is my go-to for an upbeat shot in the arm when I have the 2 o’clock sleepies — lots of electronic funkiness, world music, fun song remixes, and jazz.” — Molly Durham – Texas

Playlist #5: Lush Lo-Fi

“When I discovered lo-fi music, it changed everything! It’s the perfect background music for me to keep my brain happy and engaged while I work or just relax. It seems to regulate me, keep me on track, and it keeps me from getting overwhelmed with what I’m doing.” — An ADDitude Reader

Playlist #6: Sem Letra Nem Baleias

“I work better with background music, but lyrics distract me and I hate New Age-y music with whale sounds, etc., so I made my own, which contains neither lyrics nor whales (hence the title of the playlist in Portuguese). It’s mostly acoustic versions of Brazilian samba and rap/hip-hop songs.” — An ADDitude Reader

Playlist #7: Classical Focus

“If I need to focus on anything intellectual, I play some calm instrumental music. It can’t have lyrics or I’ll pay more attention to the lyrics than my own thoughts . These soundtracks are heavily vetted before I use them for something important!” — Colleen, North Dakota

Playlist #8: Lo-Fi Workday

“I find songs that I know and/or are lyric-heavy that can split my attention. When I need to focus — at work or around the house — instrumental tracks are my ‘secret sauce!’” — Gate, Seattle

Playlist #9: Do You Have MySpace?

“I prefer songs I know as they are less distracting. I made a playlist called Do You Have MySpace? because it’s mostly songs from my high school period (2004-2009). It has been very useful lately as I tackled a big task that still required some brain power at work.” — Catherine, Quebec

Playlist #10: Moneyball

“I had a professor who told me that he writes all his papers while listening to the Moneyball soundtrack. I gave it a try and haven’t looked back since. I hope this helps other people with ADHD !” — Spencer, British Columbia

Playlist #11: Bass House

“Bass House is just a great jump-around list that is exciting without being frenetic.” — Molly Durham, Texas

Playlist #12: Repetitive Needs

“I have a playlist of songs that I could listen to on infinite repeat and then I pick a song from that list before I start whatever task I need to do.” — Cameron, Australia

Playlist #13: Road Trip to Tokyo

“Combining instrumental music with posh hotel vibes, this music keeps you moving without distraction .” — Aria, California

Music for ADHD Focus: Next Steps

• Read: Mozart Helped Me Focus My ADHD Brain
• Read: “I Have a Verbal Fidget That Keeps Me Humming”
• Download: Music For Healthy ADHD Brains

SUPPORT ADDITUDE Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing . Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

How to Focus: Read These Next

10 Books Every Woman Should Read After Her ADHD Diagnosis

I’m an ADHD Expert — and I Still Struggle With ADHD

You Can’t Train Away ADHD Executive Dysfunction

Using a Dopamine Menu to Stimulate Your ADHD Brain

Adhd newsletter, for our newsletter.

It appears JavaScript is disabled in your browser. Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page in order to complete this form.

Getting Things Done with Adult ADHD

Spotify is currently not available in your country.

Follow us online to find out when we launch., spotify gives you instant access to millions of songs – from old favorites to the latest hits. just hit play to stream anything you like..

Listen everywhere

Spotify works on your computer, mobile, tablet and TV.

Unlimited, ad-free music

No ads. No interruptions. Just music.

Download music & listen offline

Keep playing, even when you don't have a connection.

Premium sounds better

Get ready for incredible sound quality.

Study Background Music Free Download . 125 tracks

Royalty free Study Music Free Download mp3. Study background music for deep concentration. It helps you with memory, learning process and focus on your work, studies.

Trending music tags

Search for music

Questions? check the Frequently Asked Questions page. * All the rights for these music tracks belong to their authors who let their music free use in exchange for crediting them in your project (except works that are in the public domain - no credit is required). We advise you to check the licence details in each track page.

With Pomodoro Timer Online, you will achieve your goals by staying focused and painless in the process. With Background Music , Custom Timer , To Do List , and Desktop Notifications

How does it work?

It works like a 20 minute timer on steroids! designed to study or work without procrastinating. Based on Pomodoro Technique, you can keep focused listening to soft music, checking your to do list, customizing the timer, and taking challenges to stay motivated, all with a clean and aesthetic design.

Who uses the Pomodoro Technique?

The Pomodoro Technique is used by people who need to focus on their activities to achieve certain goals. Many of your favorite YouTubers , influencers and entrepreneurs are likely to use this technique to be more productive.

The science behind the Pomodoro Technique

The attention span is the ability to concentrate on a single task, the greater our concentration, the easier it will be for us to do it. Studies have estimated that this interval lasts approximately 20 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How to use the pomodoro technique.

In essence these are the steps but consider that times can change and the app helps you in the adoption process. 😉

• Make a to-do list and get a timer.
• Set the timer for 20 or 25 minutes and focus on one task until the alarm goes off.
• Upon completion of the session, check off a pomodoro and record what you completed.
• Take a 5 minute break to refresh your concentration.
• After 4 pomodoros, take a long 15-minute break.

What to do during pomodoro breaks?

Make sure they are activities that do not exhaust you mentally. Here are 7 ideas for your breaks :

• Do a little stretching routine.
• Get out and sunbathe.
• Listen to one of your favorite songs.
• Make yourself a drink.
• Eat a fruit.
• Do breathing exercises.
• Organize your desk.

Can it be installed on Windows, Mac, Android or PC?

Yes! It can be downloaded and used as a native app with Chrome, Firefox and Safari browsers by adding it to the home screen on smartphones and from the search bar on PC or Desktop (using the install icon ).

Can I get more features?

Yes! For the sake of simplicity, we've tried to keep the basics in addition to these cool features:

• Background music with volume control.
• Default and custom times.
• Challenges and prizes.
• Control of automatic starts.

If you need more features such as control of tasks and their times, teams, projects, etc.

* This web app was inspired by the technique developed by Francesco Cirillo .

Nesto Pomodoro Timer

What is the nesto timer.

Nesto is a convenient Pomodoro timer with embedded music, tasks and notifications for desktop and mobile devices. Save your tasks by signing up. This app enables you to deeply focus on your tasks, be it creating, studying or working. Uninterrupted music allows you to get in the “state of flow” even in a noisy environment.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

Pomodoro Technique is a productivity practice designed to bring your fullest attention to the current task and accomplish it in the fastest and most creative way.

The term Pomodoro is translated as Tomato from Italian. Francesco Cirillo, who developed the technique in 1980s, used a tomato-shaped timer to slice his work in intervals of 25 minutes.

How the Nesto timer allows you to use the Pomodoro technique?

• Add a task. Click on it to select it for Pomodoro tracking. The actual time for the task doesn’t matter - it can be longer or shorter. The key is to separate it into Pomodoros.
• Choose the background music playlist. You can change the playlist or turn it off at any time.
• Start the Pomodoro timer by pressing Play button.
• Focus for 25 minutes with no interruptions.
• When timer expires and you receive notification sound, prepare to take a short break of 5 minutes. During this time, walk around, drink water and/or exercise.
• After the short break ends, start the Pomodoro timer and repeat the steps.
• Every four Pomodoros, take a long break of 15 minutes. During this time, do or think about anything you want. Tip: You can think about your task on a higher, strategic level to gain new insights.
• Login to save progress
• Task list to track Pomodoros by task
• Support for mobile and desktop devices
• Background music during the Pomodoro phase
• Audio notifications at the end each timer phase
• Dynamic background images for your mood
• Customizable timer settings

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do i play music with blocked screen on mobile.

The background music in the app is powered by YouTube. Therefore, use these instructions against Nesto.cc website to get background music playing on the blocked screen.