With the start of the school year here, the time of late-night, early-morning, and really-any-chance-you-can-get studying has come! One of the best resources I found my freshman year when the studying got to be too much was piano and instrumental compilation videos from Youtube. Something about taking my favorite OSTs, video game soundtracks, and movie themes made the time seem to go by faster and helped me memorize the information faster. No matter the type of music you like, someone has probably made an acoustic or instrumental cover that can help you get into the studying mindset. Here are a few of my favorites;
1. Goblin OST by Smyang Piano
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (or Goblin for short) is a Korean drama a friend introduced to me a few months ago. I love the story of the show, but the soundtrack really makes the story memorable. I keep going back to this cover again and again when I'm studying; the piano is relaxing without being overdone or cheesy. Also, if you are into K-Pop, this YouTube creator also does K-Pop piano covers and compilations that are equally relaxing.
2. Zelda: Breath of the Wild Music by Luigi
While this is only a compilation, not a cover of the music, anyone who has played BOTW can agree that the themes in this incarnation add to the beauty of the game. This video combines all of the relaxing pieces and is a great choice for anyone who prefers instrumental over the piano.
3. Pop Piano Covers by oysterlovers
Despite it being two years old, this playlist combines the chart toppers from the pop and alternative pop scene from 2015, such as Love Yourself by Justin Bieber and Cheerleader by OMI, into a long run of piano covers. Look at it like this: it's a good nostalgia boost and a relaxing study playlist all in one.
4. Studio Ghibli Jazz and Bossa Nova by Cafe Music BGM Channel
Look, I'm not a huge jazz fan either. It brings back bad memories of nurse's offices and my third-grade teacher, and I shudder a little when anyone brings it up. This playlist has more of a warm cafe feel than a jazz feel, and I use it when I need that coffee shop vibe without wanting to spend $4 on a latte.
5. Studio Ghibli Cello by Qonel
Can you tell that I like Studio Ghibli themes? Anyway, another great alternative to just piano is the cello or another stringed instrument cover. I use compilations like this one when I'm writing, especially because of the dynamic contrast. I think it builds energy, so it may be best for late nights when you need an espresso and a pick-me-up.
6. 24/7 Stream lofi hip hop by mellobeatseeker
If you hate acoustic music in general, this is the option for you! This is a 24/7 stream of different beats and chill hip hop that is different every time you tune in. There are a lot of streams like it but I think this one is the most relaxing, and is a good way to switch things up when I've been playing piano covers for a few hours.
Next time you're studying and can't seem to get focused or get overwhelmed, try to set the mood with some of these tunes! Good luck with classes, you can thank me later.
