The 6 Best Pandora Stations for Studying

According to Nick Perham, a researcher published in Applied Cognitive Psychology, the best music for studying is none at all. He recommends complete quiet or ambient noise, like a soft conversation or muted traffic to make the most of your study time. However, there are students out there who like to listen to tunes while studying anyway. So, what do you do? The absolute best songs to listen to while studying have no lyrics, like the ones provided by these Pandora stations listed below. Why? So that your brain is not confused about which information to keep—the lyrics or your study materials. Lyric-Free Music for Studying by Artist When you log into Pandora, you can search by genre, song, or artist. If you type in Justin Timberlake, for instance, youre going to hear pop/RB music from him and other various artists that resemble his style. The same is true for finding artists that make music thats lyric-free. Since many students are more into music with words, these next six artists and the stations that go along with them may be somewhat less well-known. But when studying time comes along, these names will come in handy. Paul Cardall Radio This station is for those in love with jazz piano, although Cardall does play a variety of other types of music as well. Other artists on this station, like Yiruma, David Nevue, and Chis Rice, delve into contemporary jazz and popular songs without the words, too. Much of the music on here is piano with bass, violin, or guitar accompaniment. Dntel Radio Jimmy Tamborello, or Dntel as he goes by, creates lyric-free electro-pop at its finest. The beats on this Pandora station from similar artists like Ersatz, Ladytron, and Crystal Castles are hypnotic with rhythmic, driving beats and repetitious measures. And since the music is fast-paced, you will absolutely not fall asleep in your textbook. Impossible. Ratatat Radio The name of this duo kind of says it all. The onomatopoeia perfectly describes the rhythm of Mike Shroud, who plays synthesizer, guitar, melodica, and percussion, and of his partner, Evan Mast, who is on bass, synthesizers, and percussion. Its kind of a hip-hoppy electronica, rock mash-up. Ratatat offers some brilliant hip-hop remixes, too, so expect some of that thrown in there, along with the music from similar artists like The Glitch Mob, Martin Jones, and more. This is lyric-free music for studying youre going to want to listen to even when youre not opening the books. The Bad Plus Radio This lyric-free music for studying from The Bad Plus is best described as jazz with nods to pop and rock. The trio, made up of pianist Ethan Iverson, bassist Reid Anderson, and drummer Dave King, goes  at it on their various instruments, putting together explosive harmonies which can, ironically, soothe a disquieted mind. Sounds strange? It can be. But its also addictive. Other artists on their station are Avishai Cohen, Brad Mehldau, and E.S.T. Explosions in the Sky Radio Youve probably heard of Explosions in the Sky before if youve ever ventured into lyric-free music at all. Theyre huge. This group, comprised of Mark Smith, Michael James, Munaf Rayani, and Chris Hrasky, plays lyric-free concerts all over the globe to much acclaim. They stick with electric guitars, synthesizers, and a drum kit, providing other-worldly soulful beats and inspirational rock. Other artists on this station, like Mogwai, Daft Punk, and Hybrid, stick to a similar sound. Tune in if you have anxiety about that test coming up! RJD2 Radio This is where instrumental meets hip-hop in a perfectly syncopated groove. Ramble John RJ Krohn is a music producer and musician who has masterfully conquered lyric-free music. His rhythms make you want to move, which is fantastic if youre drowsy while studying. Other artists on this station are Wax Tailor, The Xx, J-Walk, and even Ratatat.