7 Spotify Stations for Focused Studying

Music researchers agree that music for studying should be free from lyrics so the songs aren't competing for your brain's memory space. Fortunately, there are several lyric-free Spotify stations that are perfect for studying, or Pandora if you don't have access to Spotify.

Creator: Spotify

The Review: This station is perfect for keeping that brain sharp and focused, with a mix of sonatas, concertos, and more from classical superstars like Bach, Mozart, and Dvorak. While some classical stations can relax you to the point of feeling like you might fall asleep, this playlist is full of upbeat tempos that will keep you awake and on track.

Creator: Taylor Diem

The Review: In case you want to listen to a vast selection modern instrumentals (over 900 songs appear on this list), this Spotify station for studying focuses on soundtracks like those from movies like "Amelie," "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," and "The Hours" along with instrumental beats from artists like Explosions in the Sky, Max Richter, and Levon Mikaelian. 

Creator: Spotify

The Review: Don't let the title fool you; this isn't boring elevator music. Chill out and listen to the mellow beats of artists like ST*RMAN and Azul Grande, which just might be calming enough for someone with a crazy life to feel like they can take a deep breath and pop open the books. 

Creator: Spotify

The Review: Plug in and open up this lyric-free Spotify station to enjoy music from Michael Hedges, Antoine Dufour, Tommy Emmanuel, Phil Keagy, and over a dozen more guitarists who mesmerize with quick arpeggios and harmonizing chords. 

Creator: perryhan

The Review: For those who are interested in hearing a mix of more modern songs reworked by instrumental artists, this station has you covered. From 90s grunge classics from bands like Nirvana to songs like Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River" on violin by David Garrett or Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" on piano and violin by The Piano Guys, there's something you'll want to hear.

Creator: mogirl97

The Review: This is also a Spotify station relying heavily on remixes of modern songs, remade by instrumental bands. The Vitamin String Quartet, Lindsay Stirling, 2 Cellos, and The Piano Guys play their versions of popular songs like "Royals", "Pompeii", "Back to Black", "Chandelier", "Let It Go", "She Will Be Loved" and more. They are great for keeping you energized but won't be as distracting as if you were listening to the original versions.

Creator: coffierf

The Review: Electronic dance music might not be what first comes to mind when you think of studying, but for some students, possibly those kinesthetic learners out there—the kind who need to keep moving to concentrate—this station, with over 50 songs and growing, may be just what you need. Bounce along to tracks by Crystal Castles, Netsky, and Moguai. 

According to Nick Perham, a researcher published in Applied Cognitive Psychology, the best music for studying is no music at all. He says you shouldn't listen to music because it competes for your brain's space. Perham recommends that you study in complete silence or ambient noise like from a white machine or even the muted traffic of a highway or soft conversation. However, some disagree with this researcher and believe that music makes the study experience better since it can lift a mood or bump up positive feelings.