Final exams are quickly approaching as the semester winds down for LMC students. It is more than halfway through the fall semester, and many college students are preparing for the busy exam season. They use different techniques to keep focus on their studies, and the most common method is listening to music while studying and completing assignments.
Lofi study music, instrumentals, and calm soundtracks are among the most popular genres for studying. Some students like calm, soothing music, and others, like Jasmine O’byaw, prefer alternative music like The Neighborhood.
“Calm background music helps me focus, but I usually prefer silence.” Patrick Garcia, Kapwa Club president, said.
Music is not just a pastime for students, it’s an essential part of their lives. For many, like Nathaniel Rosales, a Kapwa Club officer, music is a lifeline.
“Music is essential to me, not just as a student but as a neurodivergent person; it has helped me so much with growing up and my health. I genuinely would be a whole other person without it. It really does keep me focused,” said Rosales.
He and many others prioritize finding the right songs to listen to while they’re studying. Each song added to a playlist evokes a particular emotion that motivates students to focus on their studies. Songs can be added to playists in a whim, or delibrately. Michael Hummel, a music major, has a specific playlist he listens to, full of movie soundtracks.
“I really like “Secrets of the Castle” by John Williams, “Another Story” by Nicholas Hooper, “The Story Begins” by Nicholas H, and “The Will” by Alexandre D,” said Hummel: he and others usually like making a curated playlist just for studying. Music plays a significant role in creating an optimal study environment for students.
They can set the mood for a calm or motivational environment. Silver Conner, a film major, uses music to keep the background noises to a minimum.
“Music just blocks out any unnecessary noise in the background. It’s a lot easier to focus when the noise that I’m hearing is something I’m used to,” said Conner. The diversity of students’ music preferences is evident, especially when it comes to studying. Some students like video game music, while others like lo-fi music. Some prefer an upbeat tone to their study sessions, while others prefer a calming, soothing environment.
The student’s personality and choices greatly infuence the type of musical enviornment they thrive in. Aaron Nakaji, a music lab coordinator, wouldn’t recommend any specific genre to his students, knowing that each student has different tastes.
“I know that our students will listen to music that they find helps them concentrate, and then that just differs between students. So I don’t really recommend anything personally except for what students will find works best for them,” said Nakaji, stressing the importance of individualized music choices for concentration.
Music is an essential factor in studying. It has many benefits, such as helping people focus on their work and minimizing background noise. Each playlist is a culmination of emotion, vibes, and memories that help college students get through their studies. As finals approach, many of LMC’s students find themselves tuning into their favorite playlist and studying critical educational concepts.
