Research has suggested that classical music, particularly instrumental works with a slow tempo, may help enhance concentration, reduce stress, and even support memory retention during study sessions.
Music for studying should be pieces that you like, instrumental in nature (as words can be distracting), and not too loud or too fast. Baroque music, especially at tempos around 60 beats per minute, is often linked to enhanced focus and relaxation Rodríguez, 2017, though individual preferences vary.
In this post, we present 8 of our best pieces of music for studying. If you're a student, you might like to incorporate the following pieces of classical music into your study sessions.
1. Johann Sebastian Bach – The Well-Tempered Clavier (Book I), BWV 846-869
Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier is a collection of short compositions called preludes and fugues, written for solo keyboard instrument (harpsichord or piano). Concise and precise, these pieces are ideal listening material for mental clarity while studying. Their structure makes them great for mental engagement too.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a composer of the late Baroque period, known for his masterful use of counterpoint and complex harmonic structures, which deeply influenced Western music.
2. Antonio Lucio Vivaldi – Spring from The Four Seasons, RV 269
A study for Northumbria University Kendall et al., 2013 found that the first movement of Spring from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons had the ability to enhance mental alertness, attention and memory. These effects make it a great piece to put on while studying.
Antonio Lucio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was a composer of the late Baroque period, known for his remarkably virtuosic violin writing.
3. Johann Pachelbel – Canon in D, P. 37
Calming and melodious, Pachelbel's Canon in D is often used at weddings and in popular culture, which gives it a familiar and comforting tone. With a recurring harmonic structure, Pachelbel's Canon in D is a great choice for listening to while studying, especially when trying to memorise information.
Johann Pachelbel (c.1653-c.1706) was a composer of the mid Baroque period, renowned for his clear melodic lines and harmonic simplicity, especially evident in his famous Canon in D.
4. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major, K. 545
The effect of increased cognitive performance after listening to Mozart, or the ‘Mozart effect' has been widely discussed. While this effect has been debated, listening to Mozart's structured and bright music such as his Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major may support alertness and concentration.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was a composer of the Classical period, known for his exceptional melodic inventiveness and balance of form and emotion in virtually every Classical genre.
5. Arcangelo Corelli – Concerti Grossi, Op. 6
Corelli's Concerti Grossi are works written for a small string orchestra and solo group. The fast movements provide mental stimulation, ideal for a mid-session boost, and the slow movements are expressive, particularly effective for listening to while reading or focusing. The alternation between solo and ensemble passages creates a gentle contrast keeping your mind alert.
Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713) was a composer of the mid Baroque period, influential in the development of the concerto grosso form and admired for his elegant, expressive string writing.
6. Ludwig van Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique": II. Adagio Cantabile
Lyrical and soothing, the second movement of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor is perfect for creating a relaxed, contemplative study environment. This piece is ideal for reading or calming down between study sprints.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was a composer of the transition period between the Classical and Romantic periods, known for his emotional depth and innovative structures.
7. Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni – Oboe Concertos, Op. 7 / Op. 9
Rich and easy to listen to, Albinoni's Oboe Concertos are great for mental clarity. The fast movements are upbeat and slow movements are expressive and intense, great for listening to when covering key topics in your study sessions. Albinoni's melodic clarity and the oboe's mellow tone are great for focus.
Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni (1671-1751) was a composer of the Baroque period, recognised for his lyrical melodies and contributions to instrumental music, especially with his oboe concertos.
8. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525
Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik is a popular and uplifting choice for study sessions. It is a serenade, originally meant for evening entertainment, which lends a sense of elegance and order. The first movement is rhythmic and structured in sonata form, which can help anchor your thoughts while studying or writing notes.
Try making a playlist with these works for your next study session!
- Rodríguez, P.T. T. (2017). A study on the effects of Baroque music on concentration: Can Winter, from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, enhance attention in adolescent students? European Union Contest for Young Scientists 2017.
- Kendall, R., Slowey, A., Barwick, R., Fox, J., Elliott, K. and Brown, G. (2013). Uplifting music can boost mental capacity. [online] Mynewsdesk. Available at: https://newsroom.northumbria.ac.uk/pressreleases/uplifting-music-can-boost-mental-capacity-1195640 [Accessed 30 May 2025].
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