Suggesting a soundtrack for background music while studying

By Aitor Zabalegui

Everybody has a method. Some people like to exercise before they study while others like to take power naps. Some can study with music blaring while others have to be in complete silence. Some snort Adderall while others choose to simply ingest it.

The most difficult part of studying tends not to be absorbing course material, but rather curbing oneself from distractions. More cleaning is done on campus during midterms and finals weeks than any others during the school year.

Of course, none of these facts are grounded in anything more than assumption, but I believe that most people would agree with them. People are so easily distracted when studying because while their conscious is focused on the task at hand -- in this case, storing short-term memory in a section of the brain called the hippocampus -- the sub-conscious roams free, looking for stimulation.

This is what causes us to wonder if we should re-check our Facebook for new posts or possibly have a sudden urge to bake. Our sub-conscious is bored, and no matter what your study habits, nothing can be more stimulating and tranquilizing than listening to music. For those that fall in the ritual category of muted, solitary confinement, you're simply not listening to the right stuff.

Neuroscientists have observed and coined a phenomenon they refer to as "brainwave entrainment," which is a process where the frequency at which neurons are fired within the brain is changed to match the frequency of an external stimulus. In the best possible case, that external stimulus refers to music. In fact, brainwave entrainment through music has been said to help synchronize the two hemispheres of the brain. So now that it is a feasible truth that music stimulates and enhances performance in the brain, what kind of music should be listened to when studying? Aside from preference, there is a delicate balance when choosing the perfect scholarly soundtrack.

Ideally, you want something that isn't too demanding of a listen or doesn't command your attention, but also something that isn't going to put you to sleep. Harsh music is definitely not the way to go either, but Pure Moods isn't exactly the proper alternative.

Here's a short list of songs that will get your neurons dancing.

"Black Fur" -- Fredrik

This opening track from the Swedish band's 2008 debut, "Na Na Ni", has a gorgeous vocal melody overlaying a sweeping cello. As a principle, cello is the quintessential study music instrument.

"Let's Rock the Beach" -- Ducktails

Ducktails is a one-man side project from New Jersey. That one man, Matt Mondanile, is also the lead singer for the promising Real Estate. Here he loops a hollowed out beat with some hazy summer guitar work.

"Röyksopp Forever" -- Röyksopp

The Norwegian electronic duo composed this ambient trance track for their 2009 release, "Junior". A tight string section and cascading synth keep the monotonous beat fresh.

"Atoms for Peace" -- Thom Yorke

Thom Yorke has been called haunting, mesmerizing, angelic, cathartic and a musical visionary. It's all here.

"Dear Mili" -- The Finches

This local San Francisco band weaves simple folk music, this track a sampling of Carolyn Rigg's soothing voice, which is truly a gift to see live since she is as beautiful as she sounds.

"Strings of Nashville" -- Pavement

A b-side from their classic second album, this could possibly be Pavement's best song. The sighing wind that backs the lone Stephen Malkmus on guitar will blissfully whisk you away.

"These Days" -- Nico

Here the legendary singer discovered by Andy Warhol covers a Jackson Browne song. Somehow she seems to capture exactly what nostalgia sounds like on record.

"Boneless (Panda Bear Remix)" -- The Notwist

This is essentially a remix, but Panda Bear basically creates his own song, leaving only faint traces of the original covered by his signature melodic croon.

"Stuck" -- Grouper

Grouper is the moniker of Portland artist, Liz Harris. Her songs resonate with a forgotten longing that she seems to be trying to recapture. It's at once evocative, pitiful and moving.

Contact Aitor Zabalegui at (408) 551-1918 or azabalegui@scu.edu.